Bergamot
All about Bergamot
Citrus bergamia
Basic Information
Bergamot is the most delicate of the citrus plants, requiring special climate and soil in order to thrive. Italians have used Bergamot for years to reduce tension and stress and to soothe and rejuvenate skin. In Greece, the unripe fruits are used as sweetmeats, eaten by the spoonful as a dessert or with coffee.
Bergamot is unique among citrus oils due to its ability to be both uplifting and calming, making it ideal to help with anxiety and depression. It is also purifying and cleansing for the skin, helping with oily skin conditions and promoting a smooth, clear complexion while leaving a calming effect.
Introduction
- Plant Part: Bergamot rind (peel)
- Extraction Method: Cold pressed/expressed
- Aromatic Description: Citrus, spice, with a high floral note
- Main Chemical Components: Limonene, linalyl formate
Usage
- Aromatic: Use three to four drops in the diffuser of your choice.
- Internal: Dilute one drop in 4 fl. oz. of liquid.
- Topical: Apply one to two drops to desired area. Dilute with carrier oil to minimize any skin sensitivity.
Main Function
- Calming and soothing aroma, frequently used in massage therapy for its calming benefits
- Promotes healthy, clear skin. Heal Seborrhea dermatitis and acne. Balance and comfort skin
- Reduce flatulence, make bowel movements regular, and keep the gut healthy.
- Relaxes nerves and muscles, giving quick relief from cramps. Relieve infantile colic symptom through message treatment with bergamot oil.
- Diffuse to improve respiratory symptom
- Add in water and drink to ease the sore throat
- Apply in lower abdomen or add to bath water to cure the urinary tract infections
Application
- Diffuse in the classroom, at work, or at home when stress levels or tension is high.
- Apply to the skin while showering and inhale deeply to experience its calming aroma while enjoying its purifying skin benefits.
- Change regular tea to Earl Grey with the addition of Bergamot.
- Apply to the feet before bedtime or use with carrier oil for a calming and relaxing massage.
- Add one to two drops to your skin care product for added cleansing properties.
Cautions
Avoid sunlight or UV rays for up to 12 hours after applying oil.
Plant Science
Anti-Anxiety
- Human research (n=54) suggests that aromatherapy of bergamot oil (2%) for 10 minutes significantly decreased the blood pressure and heart rate of elementary school teachers.(1)
- Human clinical research (n=109) suggests that the diffusion of bergamot oil for 30 minutes reduced self-reported anxiety in pre-operative patients.(2)
- Human research (n=82) suggests that inhalation of bergamot and lavender oil (1:2) may be effective in managing anxiety, depression, pain and stress levels in elderly patients.(3)
- Human clinical research (n=41) suggests that inhalation of bergamot essential oil for 15 minutes while resting may lower salivary cortisol levels, a measure of stress(4)
Anti-Microbial
In vitro research suggests that a blend of bergamot and orange (1:1) has antibacterial properties against Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus faecalis. E. faecium and E. faecalis cause meningitis and intestine infections (5)
Depression
Human clinical research (n=58) suggests that a hand massage with a blend of bergamot, lavender and frankincense oil (1:1:1) at 5% in almond oil significantly reduced pain and depression in hospice patients(6)
Positive Feelings
A human pilot study (n=57) suggests that mental health patients who waited 15 minutes in a waiting room where bergamot was diffused reported more positive feelings compared to patients in a waiting room where only water was diffused. (7).
Relaxation
Human clinical research (n=40) reports that patients who applied a blend of bergamot (0.4%) and lavender oil (9.6%) in almond oil topically to the abdomen self-reported being more calm and more relaxed (8)