Tag: Bergapten

Bergamot oil has been used in Italian folk medicine for centuries to address issues like fever and skin health. The cold-pressed essential oil does, in fact, contain furanocoumarins, natural compounds that create potential safety concerns.

In a case study reported in *The Lancet*, an individual consuming over 16 cups of Earl Grey tea daily developed severe muscle cramps. This unusual but documented event demonstrates that while moderate consumption of Earl Grey tea with bergamot is generally safe, excessive intake can lead to notable side effects.

While the compound coumarin is often associated with other plants like tonka beans and cassia cinnamon, recent studies confirm that several related coumarins and furanocoumarins are indeed found in lemon peels. These compounds, concentrated in the outer, colored part of the peel known as the flavedo, play a role in the plant's defense mechanisms. Understanding their presence helps clarify their potential impact on health and food preparation.