Bergamot Essential Oil
Bergamot is one of the favorite essential oils used by soap makers and aromatherapists. It's scent is mostly citrus, but has a fruity, sweet smell blended with a warm, spicy quality. Bergamot contributes to relaxation and happiness. It is used in a number of therapeutic ways, including as a stress reliever, antidepressant, and a deodorant. Bergamot is also helpful in treating skin infections and irritations such as psoriasis, eczema, acne and cold sores.
Bergamot, which is extracted from the rind of ripe and unripe fruit of the Bergamot orange tree. The tree originated in South East Asia but was later introduced to Europe where it now flourishes in Italy. The name bergamot derives from the city of Bergamo in Lombardy, Italy, where the oil was originally sold. This thin, runny oil is light yellow to light green in color and contributes a top not to your recipes. There are a few recipes below that you might enjoy trying. Remember, you should always follow safety procedures when working with lye.
Spirit Lifting Soap
Ingredients:
- 7 ounces palm oil
- 7 ounces coconut oil
- 6 ounces canola oil
- 1-ounce jojoba oil
- 8 ounces distilled water
- 3 ounces lye
- ½ ounce bergamot essential oil
- ¼ ounce lemongrass essential oil
- ¼ ounce eucalyptus essential oil
Mix your lye into your water. Let cool to 100 degrees. Melt your palm oil and coconut oil. Add olive, and jojoba oils. Heat to 100 degrees. Mix lye/water into carrier oils and bring to trace. Add your blend of essential oils. Pour into molds. Cover and let sit until internal temperature of soap reaches 80 degrees. Unmold, cut and let cure for two weeks.
Moroccan Moods Soap
Ingredients:
- 21.8 ounces olive oil
- 5.3 ounces palm oil
- 5.3 ounces coconut oil
- 4.3 ounces lye
- 11.9 ounces distilled water
- ¾ ounce bergamot essential oil
- ¼ ounce patchouli essential oil
- ¼ ounce chamomile Moroccan essential oil
Mix lye into water and cool to 110 degrees. Heat your olive oil, palm oil, and coconut oil until melted and brought to 110 degrees. Mix your lye/water into the oils. Bring to trace and add your blend of essential oils. Pour into molds, cover and let sit undisturbed for 48 hours. Remove from molds, cut and let cure for 2-3 weeks, turning the bar a little every couple days for best results.
Sweet and Creamy Soap
Ingredients:
- 1 cup vegetable shortening
- ½ cup coconut oil
- ½ cup palm oil
- 1 cup cream
- 2 ounces lye granules
- 2 ounces water
- ¼ ounce bergamot essential oil
- ¼ ounce jasmine essential oil
- ¼ ounce ylang ylang essential oil
Mix your lye into your water. Cool to 110 degrees and pour into your cream. Heat your carrier oils to 110 degrees. Pour lye/water/cream mixture into your heated oils and bring to trace. Add your blended essential oils and pour into molds. Cover and let sit for 48 hours. Remove from molds and cure for 3 weeks.
Aromatherapy for Insomnia
Ingredients:
- 10 drops roman chamomile
- 5 drops clary sage
- 5 drops bergamot
Mix the oils and store in a dark bottle. Put two or tree drops on a tissue and place the tissue inside your pillowcase to help you fall asleep.