By Mary Ellen Ellis
Last Updated January 20, 2023
Source: Gardening Know How
Photo Source: Unsplash,
finding its way across Europe via trade routes.
What is bergamot oil?The most common form of bergamot essential oil is produced from the rind of a bergamot orange fruit. Unlike many essential oils, it is not extracted via steam distillation but is instead cold-pressed. You can also buy bergamot FCF essential oil, which is extracted via steam distillation from the peel of the bergamot fruit. This helps people to avoid the phototoxic effects that can occur with cold-pressed versions of the oil. The fruit, which is also referred to by its botanical name, Citrus bergamia, is picked from bergamot trees that were originally native to Southeast Asia and can be described as a hybrid between a sour orange and a lemon. Bergamot is the primary ingredient in Earl Grey tea, which helps to give the drink its distinctive flavour. The essential oil is also widely used in flavourings and perfumes, as well as some pharmaceutical products. |
How does bergamot oil work?
Bergamot oil contains several active compounds that could be used to treat a variety of health conditions.
For example, the limonene constituent is believed to offer antioxidant properties that can combat free radicals, as well as being able to improve digestive issues.
The oil’s anti-inflammatory qualities are derived from the linalyl acetate, which also helps to work as an astringent.
Its ability to provide an uplifting and stimulating feeling through aromatherapy is derived from the α-Pinene constituent, which is why bergamot essential oil is so often added to diffusers and candle recipes.
Benefits of bergamot oil
If you want to enjoy the benefits of bergamot essential oil, you may be able to use it to:
The effects of the inhalation method using essential oils on blood pressure and stress responses of clients with essential hypertension
2. Improve skin conditions
Bergamot oil contains properties that promote wound-healing, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties.
If you do not have sensitive skin, this allows it to work as a spot treatment for acne and other small wounds.
When mixed with a carrier oil, bergamot essential oil can be applied to small cuts, cysts, pimples and blackheads.
Alternatively, it can be diluted with water or with a facial cleanser and used to address skin issues.
It is important to note that, like nearly all citrus-based essential oils, cold-pressed bergamot essential oil can cause phototoxicity.
So, it may not be suitable for people with sensitive skin and should not be used when coming into contact with UV rays.
3. Aid oral health
Combining bergamot oil with a vegetable-based carrier oil offers a way to try oil pulling, which may help to remove bad bacteria on gums and teeth, whilst refreshing breath.
Researchers have found [3] that bergamot contains antibacterial properties, suggesting that this could be due to the presence of the linalool compound, which can offer some protection against foodborne pathogens.
4. Offer pain relief
The linalool compound can not only help to improve oral health but may also be able to provide pain relief.
The anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anticonvulsant properties of bergamot oil were analysed in a 2017 review [4]
Scientists also believe that linalool can affect pain receptors and inhibit the release of substance P – a compound that plays a role in the transmission of pain and other nerve impulses.
5. Lower cholesterol
Based on results produced by numerous studies [5]
Clinical application of bergamot (Citrus bergamia) for reducing high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease markers
research indicated that the flavonoids in bergamot may be able to reduce lipid levels.
However, the paper also stated that further research is needed to clarify these results.
An animal study published in 2018 [7]
Bergamot Polyphenols Boost Therapeutic Effects of the Diet on Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) Induced by 'Junk Food': Evidence for Anti-Inflammatory Activity.
In addition, researchers found that the anti-inflammatory effect produced in the livers of rats recovering from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease were affected by the polyphenol compound found in bergamot.
6. Work as a natural deodorant
According to research published in 2022 [8]
Citrus bergamia: Kinetics of Antimicrobial Activity on Clinical Isolates
Bergamot oil may be able to prevent the growth of germs responsible for bad body odour.
Bergamot has a citrusy, refreshing smell that can be applied to the skin (after being diluted with a carrier oil) underneath the armpits.
This helps to explain why bergamot oil is used by many brands in a variety of colognes and perfumes.
It also works well with other essential oils like cedarwood, lemon and sandalwood, giving you more scent options if you want to make your own natural, chemical-free deodorant.
7. Help to reduce fever
When your cortisol levels are elevated, your body temperature starts to rise, and sweat is produced in an attempt to cool the system.
Bergamot may be able to help lower cortisol levels [9]
Natural Preparations Based on Orange, Bergamot and Clove Essential Oils and Their Chemical Compounds as Antimicrobial Agents, thereby reducing the fever-like feeling, in some instances.
You can put this to the test at home by diffusing bergamot essential oil with a diffuser or oil burner.
Simply add a few drops and let the scent disperse across the space.
Alternatively, dilute with carrier oil and apply to your temples, back of the neck and bottoms of your feet to feel this effect.
8. Ease digestive issues
Because of bergamot's ability to stimulate digestive juices, these soothing properties can ease digestion, so the mucosa does not become too sensitive.
One study [10]
The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of bergamot juice extract (BJe) in an experimental model of inflammatory bowel disease involving mice with a form of inflammatory bowel disease, found that there was a reduction in diarrhoea episodes and in the release of inflammatory proteins after the consumption of bergamot juice.
9. Clear the airwaves
One of the slightly lesser-known benefits of bergamot oil is its ability to clear the airwaves, with its uplifting aroma working to open up the chest.
It can work in a similar way to eucalyptus oil, which not only supports better breathing, but also clears up your senses, removing the feeling of being “bunged up”.
Most people enjoy this through diffusion or by adding the oil to a candle recipe (before it has been lit).
Another method can be by adding a few diluted drops of the oil to warm bath water.
10. Improve hair health
Efficacy of bergamot: From anti‐inflammatory and anti‐oxidative mechanisms to clinical applications as preventive agent for cardiovascular morbidity, skin diseases, and mood alterations.
Animal studies had noted that bergamot essential oil was able to promote hair growth in certain circumstances.
This scientific evidence offers some confirmation for the anecdotal belief that applying bergamot oil to the scalp can ease and calm irritation.
Others also firmly believe that including bergamot essential oil in their daily hair care routine helps to keep hair soft, whilst also taming frizz and curls.
How to use bergamot oil
Bergamot oil benefits can be enjoyed in lots of different ways, including:
As a skincare lotion
One of the most common bergamot oil uses for skin care is as a facial cleanser.
However, you should only use Bergamot FCF Essential Oil for skin, as the cold-pressed variety may cause a severe phototoxic reaction in sunlight.
Simply dilute and add to a cotton ball before applying to the face, making sure to avoid the eyes, mouth and nose entrances.
As an aromatherapy tool
To see how bergamot oil benefits the mind, add a few drops to a diffuser or oil burner.
The positive effect of its bright aroma can be great for mental health, injecting a positive atmosphere that can lift low moods and feelings of stress and anxiety.
History of bergamot oil
The fruit found its way around the Mediterranean, eventually taking root in countries such as Italy, Turkey, Tunisia and Morocco.
It is also believed that bergamot was one of the primary ingredients used in the original Eau de Cologne, which was created by the Feminis family in the 16th century.
In traditional Chinese medicine, bergamot oil is also used as a way to stimulate and re-balance the flow of energy within the body.
Today, bergamot is used in everything from food and drink to shower gels and skin creams, ensuring it remains as desirable as when it first arrived in the French royal courts over 500 years ago.
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