Essential oils extracted from plants have been part of human civilisation since the dawn of time. One such oil is naturally derived bergamot essential oil, the use of which offers numerous health benefits and applications for both mental and physical wellbeing. What is worth knowing about bergamot oil? What does it smell like, what is it used for, and how does it affect our day-to-day wellbeing?
Bergamot fruit
Bergamot is a rich source of vitamins. It is a citrus fruit that grows abundantly throughout the Mediterranean region. It is not known where bergamot was first recorded, although it is thought to be native to the Indian subcontinent. Nowadays, bergamot is mainly grown in Reggio di Calabria in Italy. This area is characterised by cool sea air and acidic soil, allowing growers to harvest high-quality fruit from which pure, natural essential oil is produced.
Biologically speaking, bergamot is a hybrid of lime and bitter orange. It is precisely thanks to this combination that the fruit’s peel, leaves and flowers produce a substance unique in the world: bergamot oil. What is hidden within bergamot fruit? Bergamot essential oil, like other citrus oils, is obtained by pressing the fruit’s peel using a specialised cold-pressing method, in which the bergamot peel is mechanically squeezed, resulting in a highly concentrated natural essential oil.
Natural bergamot essential oil – what does it smell like and what does it have to do with Earl Grey tea?
Due to its unique scent, bergamot essential oil (Citrus bergamia Essential Oil) is one of the main stimulating ingredients in perfumes, as well as in Earl Grey, the world’s most popular tea. The oil is prized for its delicate, sweet, citrusy scent, which stands out from other citrus fruits. Its scent soothes the nerves whilst also stimulating the senses. Interestingly, bergamot fruits are actually bitter, even though they produce a sweet essential oil.
Over the years, the traditional properties of the fragrance have led Italians to use it as a local remedy for treating various ailments, ranging from fever to inflammation. Behind bergamot’s pleasant scent lie two extremely important substances from the terpene group – linalool acetate and limonene – which are characterised by delicate, refreshing citrus notes.
What properties and therapeutic effects does bergamot oil have?
Bergamot essential oil has gained recognition thanks to its active ingredients. Used since time immemorial as a natural antidepressant, it restores the body’s natural homeostasis thanks to the stimulating effects of limonene and alpha-pinene. Bergamot oil helps to restore energy and increase appetite by stimulating the release of two powerful neurotransmitters, namely dopamine and serotonin.
In natural medicine, bergamot oil is used as a supplement to alleviate symptoms of stress, anxiety and other psychological issues. What does science have to say on the matter?
Improves mood – aromatherapyexpertssuggest that bergamot may influence the transmission of signals to the limbic system, the area of the brain that regulates emotions. The use of bergamot essential oil in aromatherapy results in a reduction in stress and anxiety, and an improvement in heart rhythm disorders
A natural preventative measure affecting cholesterol levels –bergamotcontains numerous antioxidant compounds that are beneficial in regulating LDL cholesterol levels. Bergamot plant extracts have been shown to lower blood lipid levels, thereby helping to reduce ‘bad’ cholesterol
Pain-relieving properties –twocompounds found in the oil, linalool and carvacrol, have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. Bergamot oil, when applied topically with carrier oils, appears to alleviate the symptoms of arthritis and musculoskeletal disorders
Antibacterial agent –oneof the substances contained in the oil, linalool, has been extensively studied for its antibacterial activity. It has been observed to inhibit the growth of certain bacteria that cause food poisoning, such asStaphylococcus aureusandEscherichia coli
Natural deodorant – thanks to its deodorising properties,the oilis able to eliminate unpleasant odours. When added to a homemade deodorant together with natural coconut oil, it helps to purify the air of lingering toxins, whilst refreshing the respiratory tract and improving our health
Supports the digestive system –by mixinga few drops of bergamot essential oil with a carrier oil, and then rubbing the prepared mixture into the abdomen, you can alleviate digestive problems associated with excess gas in the intestines
It helps with skin inflammation –theoil’s anti-inflammatory and antibacterialpropertiesare beneficial for improving skin health. When used in combination with other plant oils, it improves blood circulation, accelerates the healing of inflammatory skin conditions, and reduces the risk of acne, cysts and blackheads. It is also believed to help alleviate eczema, fungal infections and psoriasis
Aromatic bergamot oil – a wide range of practical uses
Natural bergamot oil is used in a wide variety of home care routines and cleansing rituals. It can brighten up gloomy days, whilst its subtle, sweet, characteristic aroma – packed with health-promoting properties – helps maintain good health. The oil can be used, for example, in:
Diffusion –tofreshen up certain areas of the home and get rid of lingering unpleasant odours, simply add a few drops of the oil to your favourite diffuser, or spray it using a mixture with water in a spray bottle
Body care –adda few drops to your personal care products to enjoy its antioxidant and skin-soothing properties whilst bathing – it helps with skin problems, accelerates healing and regenerates the hair’s structure (however, remember to carry out a patch test beforehand to avoid an allergic reaction)
Massage –apply5 to 10 drops mixed with a carrier oil (e.g. jojoba, olive oil) directly to the skin to benefit from its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties
Bergamot essential oil and aromatherapy – what’s worth knowing?
Aromatherapy experts believe that bergamot evokes feelings of love, happiness and self-confidence. It is used to treat anxiety, mild depressive disorders and excessive physical agitation manifesting as aggressive behaviour. For therapeutic purposes, the oil can be added to a diffuser or nebuliser to disperse aromatic terpenes throughout a room. It is also a great addition to homemade soya candles or other types of candles.
Those choosing to use the oil in aromatherapy may opt to use it early in the morning to set a positive tone right from the start of the day. Used in the evening, on the other hand, it reduces feelings of tiredness, counteracts the afternoon dip in dopamine levels and creates a warm and cheerful atmosphere; used just before going to bed, it helps you drift off to sleep.
Natural bergamot oil and other essential oils – combinations
As a citrus essential oil, bergamot blends well with many other scents. However, the best combinations for ensuring a multitude of health-promoting effects are undoubtedly:
lavender
patchouli
lime
In such a combination, the oils do not irritate the respiratory tract or the skin; they create an aromatic and, most importantly, healthy atmosphere that delivers effects crucial to our health and well-being.
‘Effects of bergamot (Citrus bergamia (Risso) Wright & Arn.) essential oil aromatherapy on mood states, parasympathetic nervous system activity, and salivary cortisol levels in 41 healthy females’ – E. Watanabe et al., the scientific journal Forschende Komplementarmedizin, Karger, 2015.
‘The Effect of Bergamot Essential Oil Aromatherapy on Improving Depressive Mood and Sleep Quality in Postpartum Women: A Randomised Controlled Trial’ – M-L. Chen, Y-E. Chen, H-F. Lee, scientific journal *The Journal of Nursing Research*, Wolters, 2022.
“Neuropharmacological Properties of the Essential Oil of Bergamot for the Clinical Management of Pain-Related BPSDs” – D. Scuteri et al., scientific journal *Current Medicinal Chemistry*, BenthamScience, 2019.
“Acute effects of bergamot oil on anxiety-related behaviour and corticosterone levels in rats” – S. Saiyudthong, C. A. Marsden, *Phytotherapy Research*, Wiley, 2011.
“Physical and psychological effects of aromatherapy inhalation on pregnant women: a randomised controlled trial” – T. Igarashi, scientific journal *Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine*, Mary Ann Liebert, 2013.
“Rational Basis for the Use of Bergamot Essential Oil in Complementary Medicine to Treat Chronic Pain” – L. Rombola et al., *Mini Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry*, BenthamScience, 2016.
“Anti-infective potential of Citrus bergamia Risso et Poiteau (bergamot) derivatives: a systematic review” – S. Cirmi, C. Bisignano, G. Mandalari, M. Navarra, scientific journal *Phytotherapy Research*, Wiley, 2016.
“Antinociceptive effect of inhalation of bergamot essential oil in mice” – D. Scuteri et al., the scientific journal *Fitoterapia*, Elsevier, 2018.
Comments (0)
There are no comments for this article. Be the first one to leave a message!