How to use bergamot oil
Essential bergamot oil (bur-guh-mot) is obtained from the cold-pressed essence of a tropical orange hybrid rind. Bergamot essential oil smells of sweet, fresh citrus fruits with subtle floral notes and strong spicy undertones.
Bergamot is loved for its mood-enhancing, focusing properties, as well as for its topical skin care applications. It is most commonly diffused in aromatherapy to create a comfortable mood, or blended into self-care products such as facial scrubs, bath salts, and body washes. Bergamot is also used extensively as one of the best essential oils for stress reliever.
Its pleasant smell makes it an indispensable fragrance in many perfumes, and you can also apply bergamot directly to your skin as a scent mixed with a carrier oil.
What is bergamot essential oil?
Bergamot essential oil is extracted from the peel of the tropical citrus fruit Citrus bergamia, a plant that is widespread in Italy and around the world. Bergamot fruit is similar to miniature oranges and ranges in color from green to yellow.
Bergamot oil is sought after for its distinctive, uplifting, yet soothing scent that smells of sweet citrus fruits and spices. It’s often used in combination with other essential oils like sweet orange and lavender to make aromatherapy blends.
Bergamot is one of the main ingredients in Earl Gray, which means that many people already know its distinctive taste, possibly without knowing that they even consumed it.
What Are The Benefits Of Bergamot Essential Oil?
While clinical trials of bergamot’s therapeutic uses are mainly limited to its use in aromatherapy for anxiety, bergamot is attributed a number of pre-clinically studied benefits such as: B. analgesic and antiseptic properties, antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, deodorant properties, hair growth properties, osteoporosis alleviation and anti-infection properties.
Bergamot is used to treat mild respiratory problems during cold and flu seasons, as well as to treat muscle pain and cramps as an additive to massage oil. It’s also diffuse to help with moods, encourage good sleep cycles, and introduce rest.
- In clinical research, bergamot has been shown to be effective in relieving pain caused by injuries and damage to the nervous system.
- Bergamot has been clinically proven to be an effective acne treatment.
- Bergamot has been used successfully to improve skin health and to treat cellulite and ringworm. It has also been used successfully to treat inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis.
- There is early evidence that bergamot has the potential to work alongside traditional methods of clinical pain management. This is due to its apparent analgesic pain relieving effect.
- Bergamot has been clinically shown to be effective in relieving symptoms of arousal and other psychological symptoms in patients with Alzheimer’s disease, and to provide relief without the sedative effects of anti-agitation drugs.
- Bergamot has been shown in clinical research to be effective at increasing positive feelings and uplifting mood, relieving anxiety and reducing stress.
- Preliminary research suggests that bergamot may be useful for lowering blood sugar.
What are the side effects of bergamot essential oil?
Phototoxicity
Bergamot essential oil contains bergapten, a phototoxic chemical compound that is produced in some citrus plants. The bergapten content in bergamot essential oil means that applying bergamot essential oil to your skin may result in increased sensitivity to sunlight.
Applying bergamot to your skin and then walking outside can lead to a painful red rash. Diluting bergamot in a carrier oil and avoiding direct sunlight when using bergamot essential oil will reduce the risk of experiencing this side effect.
Allergic reactions can occur
As with any topical essential oil, there is a risk of allergic reactions and contact dermatitis when using bergamot. To avoid an allergic reaction, you should always do a small patch test on your skin.
To do a patch test, dilute bergamot in a carrier oil and apply a dime-sized amount to a small area of skin on your forearm. If irritation occurs, remove it with vegetable oil and discontinue use. Consult a doctor if irritation persists.
Side effects of bergamot essential oil are more likely to be experienced by users who are sensitive to citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits.
More advice on how to use bergamot safely
You should always consult your doctor before adding any new treatment to your routine, including treatments with essential oils.
Pregnant women, young children and dogs should not be exposed to diffuse essential oils without the direct consent of a doctor or veterinarian, as negative effects can occur.
Do not take bergamot essential oil. Essential oils are not safe to consume other than those specifically stated for use in food. Consumption of bergamot essential oil can cause nausea.
Best bergamot essential oil
Top bergamot essential oil
Aura Cacia 100% pure bergamot essential oil
What you need to know: A first choice for bergamot essential oil, well suited for diffusion or topical application, from a trusted source of high quality essential oils.
What you will love: A light, citrusy and clean fragrance with an uplifting and calming effect.
What you should be aware of: Not as budget friendly as some other options, but the high quality makes it worth the price.
Where to buy: Sold by iHerb.
Top bergamot essential oil for the money
Artnaturals bergamot oil
What you need to know: Steam distilled bergamot essential oil for Italian bergamot fruits.
What you will love: Refreshing, uplifting and well suited for making aromatherapy essential oil blends.
What you should be aware of: Some users have raised concerns about the effectiveness of this essential oil.
Where to buy: Sold by iHerb.
Worth considering
Majestic Pure Bergamot Essential Oil
What you need to know: Bergamot essential oil of therapeutic quality with a strong lemony scent.
What you will love: Combines well with a variety of other spicy and sweet essential oils to create invigorating or relaxing essential oil blends.
What you should be aware of: Some users have questioned the quality of this essential oil and reported uncharacteristic smells, but most users have reported high quality.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Evelyn Waugh writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
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