Bergamot Essential Oil (10 ml)
Bergamot's Story
Even though Bergamot is part of the same family as her cousins, lemon, lime and orange, she is one of a kind. She has a charismatic, outgoing and positive personality and loves being the poster girl of a magazine as long as she thinks the place is well deserved. The first encounter with Bergamot hits your senses with a citrus impact. That is her outward shining personality that has the gift of uplifting and refreshing everyone around her. Truly, the balanced yet cheerful life of the party!
However, if you get to know her a little better she will unravel her soft, floral notes, providing a profoundly relaxing effect. She will lift you up but she can also to take you to the deepest corners of your mind and support you in processing your hidden negative emotions, redeeming your spirit. After you have met Bergamot, it is impossible not to open up your heart and have her guide you deeper.
Aroma
Versatile, fresh, sharp, citrusy, floral and sweet. From a perfume perspective, Bergamot is the essential component in „Eau de cologne“ type fragrances.
Clinical Applications
Digestive discomfort: Bergamot can be used by itself or blended with Ginger or Lavender aiding digestions and alleviating stomach cramps. The linalyl acetate in Bergamot gives the oil its powerful antispasmodic properties. (Ravindran 2017)
Stress and anxiety: The cool, citrusy aroma of Bergamot oil is very effective for supporting emotional health and well-being. Diffusing a blend of Bergamot, Rosemary and Rose is refreshing and uplifting. Bergamot blended with Frankincense also helps calm anxiety. It can be used by itself or with other oils with anti-depression properties such as Lavender, Rose, Geranium and Patchouli. The soothing properties of Bergamot were demonstrated in a randomized study (Ni et al 2013).
Respiratory: The antispasmodic properties of Bergamot make this an excellent oil for alleviating spasmodic coughing. A blend of Bergamot with Eucalyptus, or Cardamom makes an effective expectorant.
Immunostimulant: Inhaling a blend made up of Bergamot and Ginger, Clove Bud, or Frankincense can boost immunity and reduce the incidence of colds and flu.
Hypertension: A blend of Bergamot with Lavender lowers blood pressure in patients experiencing essential hypertension. (Hwang 2006).
Musculoskeletal: Bergamot is a great addition to massage oil used for soothing tight painful muscles, alleviating restless leg syndrome, and soothing tension. Blending Bergamot with Lavender, Basil, Black Pepper or Geranium can boost its anti-inflammatory action. Bergamot contains linalool and d-limonene which give it its anti-inflammatory properties (Aromahead Institute). The presence of linalool and linalyl acetate give the oil its pain relief properties (Sakurada et al. 2009).
Safety & Dilution
Maximum topical use dilution (in order to avoid photoxicity): 0.4% (1 drop in 2 tbsp carrier like coconut, olive oil etc). See here DILUTION GUIDELINES according to age or ailment.
Like all citrus oils, Bergamot is phototoxic (a certain component gets activated under UV rays exposure and can cause skin rash/burn)
There is no safety risk as long as you do not exceed the recommended dilution or as long as you apply on the skin in an area not exposed to direct sunlight. Diffusing can be done anytime and bears no risk!
After skin application, it’s best to stay out of the direct sun and tanning beds for at least 12 hours. Exposure to these elements within 12 hours of topical application of Bergamot can result in skin burning.
Only use diluted on the skin. Discontinue in case of any skin irritation. Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears and sensitive areas.
Keep out of reach of children. Do not apply on the skin of children younger than 2 years old. For small kids younger than 2 y diffusion is the safest method always.
If pregnant, nursing or under medical care please consult physician. Do not use internally, unless directed by a licensed aromatherapist or physician.
Use with caution around pets. When diffusing in the room make sure the door is open so that the animal can leave in case of discomfort.
Shelf Life & Storage
Shelf Life: 2 years
We recommend storing oils in a cool, dark and dry area away from direct sunlight. Keep the cap closed tightly to avoid oxygen exposure. Citric oils especially have a longer shelf life if kept in the fridge. Oils that are past expiry date should not be used for therapeutic purpose but they can still be used for cleaning
More Information
Latin Name: Citrus Bergamia
Botanical Family: Rutaceae
Main chemical constituents: Linalol, linalyl acetate, D-limonene
Country: Italy
Extraction Method: Cold pressed
Plant part used: Fresh Fruit Rind
Culture: Organic
Aromatic note: Top-Middle