Bergamot, Italian

Citrus aurantium vaar. bergamia

About

Bergamot Citrus bergamia from Italy

Bergamot Essential Oil

Bergamot

Bergamot is citrus royalty with a sweet, exotic, bright aroma which lightens the heart. It is a cross of the bitter orange tree (neroli) and the lemon tree giving it a divine uplifting scent. Bergamot is well known from its presence in Earl Grey tea. It’s a powerful mood enhancer and brings the cheer one would expect when experiencing this oil. Incredible for blending perfumes and colognes and brings bright notes into homemade body care preparations.

Bergamot is a powerful mood enhancer and can be used in cases of depression, anxiety, sadness, grief or to increase general enjoyment and mood. Bergamot is calming to the mind and can bring pleasant dreams when used at night. It is good for use in mouthwash and toothpastes and benefits our oral health. It has an affinity for making smooth healthy hair and can be spritzed into the hair for natural highlights. It is antiseptic, anti-fungal and recommended for oily skin, acne and depression.

Bergamot blends beautifully with nearly all essential oils for home formulations and perfumes. It blends with neroli, jasmine, rose, rose geranium, lemon, chamomile, lavender, clary sage, peppermint, sweet orange, frankincense, lemongrass, vetiver, rosemary, ylang ylang, sandalwood and hundreds more.

The peel of the bergamot fruit has been used in herbalism, food and essential oil since 1725 in Italy. Bergamot essential oil is made through cold extraction of the nearly ripe fruit peel. Bergamot has a shelf life for 1-2 years and should be kept away from heat and light in an upright position with the cap on firmly. The essential oil will oxidize with exposure to air, heat and light, over time the color characteristics of the essential oil will change to a nearly clear color.

Over 300 organic compounds make up the chemistry of bergamot essential oil. These include linalyl acetate which is also found in lavender and has a calming and a soothing effect on mind and body. d-limonene which has shown anti-tumor, immune boosting and detoxifying. It also contains bergaptene which is a powerful photosensitizing agent. It is advised that bergamot essential oil not be applied to areas of skin which will receive direct sun exposure and especially not before sunbathing. It like lemon, orange and grapefruit can be drying or irritating to the skin undiluted and is best utilized using a carrier oil, alcohol, water, gel, lotion ect.

RECIPES

Joy blend:

8 drops bergamot

4 drops clary sage

3 drops neroli

1 drop jasmine

Mix this into ½ ounce in jojoba oil for an amazing perfume which must be experienced!

Sweet dreams blend:

4 drops bergamot

4 drops clary sage

4 drops lavender

2 drops ylang ylang

In 1 ounce carrier oil or lotion.  Apply to the body or under the nose before bed to bring deeper sleep and pleasant dreams.

Chemistry

Monoterpenes

• limonene

• γ-terpinene

Esters

• linalyl acetate

Monoterpenols

• linalool

Furocoumarins

• including Bergapten

Functional Interpretation

Linalyl acetate

• parasympathetic nervous system regulator

• antispasmodic

• calming

Linalool

• anxiolytic

• antimicrobial

• sedative

Limonene

• digestive stimulant

• hepatic stimulant

Because of this composition, bergamot acts primarily as a:

• neurovegetative regulator

• digestive antispasmodic

• moderate antimicrobial

Exact Clinical Indications

Nervous System

Bergamot is indicated for:

• anxiety disorders

• nervous agitation

• stress-induced insomnia

• emotional shock

• mild depressive states

• nervous exhaustion

Particularly useful when digestive symptoms accompany emotional stress.

Digestive Disorders

• nervous dyspepsia

• intestinal spasms

• bloating

• stress-induced digestive disturbances

• sluggish digestion

Dermatological Conditions

• oily skin

• acne vulgaris

• seborrhea

• superficial bacterial skin infections

Infectious Conditions

Adjunct therapy for:

• intestinal dysbiosis

• mild urinary infections

Dosage

Dermal Administration

Typical dilution:

5–20% essential oil in vegetable oil, lavender , lotion, milk bath etc.

Examples:

• 3 drops applied along thoracic spine

• 2–3 times daily

Olfactory Administration

For nervous disorders:

• 2 drops on inhaler stick or a scarf that you like to smell throught the day

• inhale deeply for several minutes

• repeat 2–4 times daily

Oral Administration

(Used in French clinical practice under professional supervision)

Typical dose:

• 1 drop on neutral tablet or honey

• 1–2 times daily

• short therapeutic courses (5–7 days)

Prescription Formulas (Clinical Examples)

1. Acute Anxiety Formula

Essential oils:

• Bergamot – 20 drops

• Lavender – 20 drops

• Petitgrain – 20 drops

Dilute in:

• 30 mL hazelnut oil

Dosage:

   *use as a massage oil for feet, shoulders legs, etc..

• 3 times daily

2. Nervous Digestion Formula

Essential oils:

• Bergamot – 15 drops

• Peppermint – 5 drops

• Sweet Fennel – 10 drops

Dilute in:

• 30 mL vegetable oil

Dosage:

• massage abdomen

• after meals

3. Acne Treatment

Essential oils:

• Bergamot – 10 drops

• Tea Tree – 10 drops

• Lavender – 10 drops

Dilute in:

• Lavender is the diluting.

Dosage:

• apply to affected skin twice daily

Safety Considerations

Phototoxicity

Because of Bergapten, topical application followed by UV exposure may cause phototoxic reactions.

Precautions:

• avoid sun exposure for 12–24 hours after dermal use

• alternatively use bergapten-free bergamot (FCF).

Additional Precautions

• use diluted on sensitive skin

• avoid high dermal concentrations

• caution in young children