There are so many of us here on Snuffhouse that are quite fond of SP snuffs. And there are so many great SP snuffs that there is no need to list them here as many threads have been devoted to doing so. SPs are a long and popular tradition in the snuff world. However, I have been recently doing some research on bergamot essential oil. As we all know, bergamot is one of the characteristic components of SP snuffs, but it is also one of the most commonly used essential oils in aromatherapy treatments. It turns out that bergamot is one of most commonly researched of these essential oils. It is obvious, of course, that we use bergamot in SP snuffs in an olfactory context. That is quite clear. Thus, it would seem reasonable to suppose that the effects of bergamot in snuff-taking likely parallel the effects of bergamot as used in aromatherapy. According to medical research bergamot has several therapeutic benefits that maybe, just maybe, are behind at least a portion of our fondness for SPs. Bergamot essential oil, as used in aromatherapy, has been shown to have several positive psychological and physiological effects. Bergamot appears to reduce anxiety and the effects of stress. It also increases HDL (the “good” cholesterol) and decreases blood pressure and heart rate, although one study indicated that the bp and heart rate effects occur only when the exposure to bergamot was during a period of less than one hour. In addition, bergamot also appears to have a small analgesic or pain reducing effect as well. Could it be that we form an unconscious attraction to bergamot without recognizing that we are drawn to its aroma because of its positive effects in addition to its pleasant scent? Could it be that the popularity of SP snuffs are due in part to these effects of bergamot, so that when taking an SP–such as WoS Tom Buck, or Toque SP Extra, or SWS Moro Moro and so many others–is due in part to the added benefits of bergamot? Perhaps part of our attraction to SPs is also due to our receiving the dual benefit of the positive effects of both nicotine and bergamot working together? Of course it is possible that the two could cancel each other out, but it does not seem so in my experience, and there is no research on this point whatsoever. Well, in any case, there is nothing in this post that is meant to be carved in stone as truth, the post is only intended to be food for thought. If you are interested there is a thread here on Snuffhouse that deals more generally with aromatherapy. http://www.snuffhouse.org/discussion/8368/snuff-as-aromatherapy-enhanced-by-nicotine-some-thoughts#latest But I started a new thread in this case because the focus in this thead is on bergamot specifically. What are your thoughs on this? Do you find bergamot to have a soothing or calming or relaxing effect?

I can’t say for sure that I’ve noticed any calming effects, but I definitely lean to favoring Bergamot flavors, Earl Grey teas, SP snuff, and bergamot snus. So maybe there is something to your theory. Maybe, unconsciously, I choose these because they are soothing.

I think there’s probably some truth behind the benefits of aromatherapy, and I select snuff scents with aromatherapy in mind. I do find bergamot relaxing, as well as lavender and sandalwood. Whether it’s a pharmacological or placebo effect, I don’t know and I guess it really doesn’t matter.

So long as it’s in my snuffs and not in my tea, I’m quite happy. Any links on the studies…? I’m looking now.

There might be for sure some truth in the fact that bergamot has been “chosen” by our forefathers to add to snuff. When tobacco itself was still accepted for it’s numerous health benefits, doctors and pharmacists often took tobacco as a base to prepare a medication. Tobacco was healthy, good for you, also for children from age 10. I still don’t believe in “this tobacco product can damage your health and is addictive”. But herbs and oils were not only added for their scent. Bergamot used to be expensive some times. So the blenders must have added it for the great demand because of the virtues. I do believe we should take our forefathers more seriously in this. If I could read spanish, I would sure read Monardes Primera where he discusses 36 diseases and conditions where tobacco alone is good for. A forgotten point in the current anti-tobacco lobby certainly is the health properties of tobacco and it’s added oils.

Since you asked, and because I aim to please here are over a dozen relevant links for you @number_seven and for anyone else interested: http://altmedicine.about.com/od/aromatherapy/a/Bergamot-Essential-Oil.htm http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21056640 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24228065 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21105176 http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121129093419.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121129093419.htm http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21105176 http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100113122306.htm http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2013/927419/ http://www.naturalhealthadvisory.com/daily/depression-and-anxiety/bergamot-benefits-raise-the-hdl-good-cholesterol-and-relieve-anxiety-naturally/ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23531112 http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/consumer-health/expert-answers/aromatherapy/faq-20058566 http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cancer/expert-blog/aromatherapy-and-cancer/bgp-20056435?footprints=mine Hope this helps.

Thanks. I couldn’t find anything but “alternate medicine” sites…

@Salmiak Maybe you´ll find this helpful: tavernkeepers.com/joyful-news-of-the-new-found-world-1577-tobacco-discovered/ It´s the extract about tobacco from my-fellow-countryman Nicolas Monardes´ book of 1574 (first translated to olde english in 1577). A genuine praise for the “magic” tobacco plant as a cure for almost every malady…

Very interesting! Thank you.

I do love SP snuffs and after trying my first SP snuff and learning about Bergamot I tried Earl Grey tea and loved it. I do find it extra enjoyable so I’m sure it does have the benefits you pointed out. My SP’s are some of my most conserved snuffs. Same with my Earl Grey tea.

I’ve always like Earl Grey, but I never drew the connection with SP until I read it here. Of course, once you look for the common factor, it’s obvious.

Wow. Thanks for those 20 insightful ratings in the opening post in this thread, guys. Much appreciated.