Bergamot Essential Oil

Bergamot Oil is derived from the fruit of the tree Citrus Bergamia, which is a cross between varieties of orange and lemon/lime. It has been used for centuries in Italian folk medicine to treat ailments associated with digestion, skin and fever, and now is also used as a natural remedy for things such as obesity, depression, loss of appetite and compulsive behaviours. Bergamot is a popular ingredient with perfumiers, due to its strong, sweet aroma…and you’ll be very familiar with it if you drink Earl Grey tea!

This sweet, citrus fragranced oil contains 

• Limonene, which is believed to act as an antioxidant, stimulant, appetite suppressant, and to have detoxifying properties. 
• Linalyl Acetate, whose properties include analgesic, anti-inflammatory, astringent, and lowering blood pressure.
• Linalool, which is thought to have a calming effect and act as an antidepressant.
• Pinene has anti-inflammatory connections, and can help to open the respiratory airways.
• Terpineol has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties.
• Nerol is known for its antioxidant and soothing, antidepressant qualities.
• Geraniol Acetate, which has warming, stimulating properties as well as being antiseptic.
• Myrcene, whose calming qualities include pain relief, and anti-inflammatory.

It can be diluted with a carrier oil and used topically to relieve general muscular aches (such as with arthritis) and headaches. It is known to be anti-inflammatory and can therefore be used to relieve skin irritation, and swelling. Its antiseptic and astringent properties mean it can be used both as a deep pore cleanser, and as a toner which leaves your skin glowing. Since it’s packed with antioxidants, it’s great for keeping free radicals at bay and therefore can help to give your skin a more youthful appearance. Its healing properties are ideal for use on skin which has blemishes, pigmentation or scarring. Using Bergamot Oil in body wash or shampoo can strengthen the hair, and relieve skin and scalp irritation. 

Using Bergamot Essential Oil in a diffuser or steamer can help clear chest, nose, throat and sinuses, as it has expectorant qualities, and so is particularly good to use when suffering from colds and coughs.

Bergamot has an uplifting aroma, making it a natural aid for depression, lethargy, anxiety, and insomnia. It contains relaxants which can help to stimulate hormones such as dopamine and seratonin, inducing relaxation and a boost in mood.

Bergamot’s fragrance makes a wonderful non-toxic, deodorising air freshener, so it’s great to add to a diffuser, with a side benefit of soothing your digestive system! It’s also often used in body deodorants. Dilute Bergamot with some water and it can even be used as an organic cleaning agent for your home, due to its powerful anti-viral and anti-microbial properties, as well as being a natural deodoriser.

Bergamot is one of the ingredients in our ‘Clarity’ blend, which also includes 

Basil, Lemon and Grapefruit essential oils, and is available in a convenient rollerball bottle. Keep it handy and apply to pulse points when you need some mental focus and a mood lift.

Since aromatherapy is a complementary therapy, if you have any concerns about your health or are already taking any medication, it’s always advisable to consult your doctor.

Don’t apply undiluted essential oils to the skin, or ingest the oils. Women who are pregnant, and children, should take the advice of a doctor before using any aromatherapy treatment.