Bergmot Essential Oils

 
 

What is Bergamot Oil?

Bergamot oil is extracted from the rind of the bergamot fruit. The powerful sweet aroma of bergamot oil makes it a popular component in perfumes, and it is often used as the “top note”. It is derived from cold compression, as opposed to the steam distillation through which many other essential oils are derived.

The fruit itself is kind of a hybrid of a lemon and sour orange and is actually the result of cross-breeding between a lemon and orange tree. The fruit itself is sour, but when the rind is cold-pressed, it yields an essential oil with a sweet and zesty aroma that boasts variety of health benefits.

One of the most common applications that you may not be aware of is its use in black tea preparation. The inclusion of bergamot essential oil in regular black tea is given a different name – Earl Gray!

The plant is named after the city of Bergamo in Calabria, the southwest region of Italy and the place where, centuries ago, the essential oil was first used in perfume. The Calabria region remains the world’s primary producers of bergamot essential oil today.

Bergmot Essential Oil Uses

Bergamot essential oil’s widely appealing aroma and antibacterial qualities makes it an ideal natural cleanser and relaxant. Here are a few popular ways to use bergamot essential oil.

  • Natural Skin Cleanser

  • Hair Care

  • Stress Relief

  • Natural Cleaner Air Freshener

  • Aromatherapy

  • Wound Care

Benefits of Bergamot Essential Oil

 

Helps Relieve Depression

Bergamot essential oil helps you relieve signs of depression.

A study published in 2011 stated that bergamot oil contains ingredients like alpha-pinene and limonene. The amazing compounds are therapeutic and stimulating in nature. They help to generate a feeling of calmness and make you more relaxed.

An article published in the Phytotherapy Research journal in 2017 revealed that the hormonal impact of this essential oil is part of the reason that it is so powerful in these neurological and mental conditions. 

Helps Lower Blood Sugar Levels

Bergamot essential oil also helps stimulate hormonal secretions, thereby helping to maintain proper metabolic rates. This stimulating effect also increases the secretion of digestive juices, bile, and insulin. This aids in digestion, proper absorption of nutrients, assimilation, and decomposition of sugar and the resultant lowering of blood sugar. 

Reduces Pain

Research conducted at the University of Calabria concluded that bergamot essential oil helps reduce the feeling of pain in the body. It stimulates the secretion of certain hormones which lessen the sensitivity of nerves to pain. Therefore, it is very helpful in case of headaches, sprains, muscle aches or any other symptoms/ailments which require a heavy dosage of analgesic pills. This means that you can avoid the dangerous side effects of many over-the-counter pain medicines, which often have adverse side effects and can damage your liver and kidneys, as well as cause blood thinning and insomnia. 

Relaxant & Sedative

The flavonoids present in bergamot oil are very good relaxants as well. They soothe the nerves and reduce nervous tension, anxiety, and stress, all of which can help treat ailments associated with stress such as high blood pressure, insomnia, and depression. They can also stimulate the activity of certain hormones in the body like dopamine and serotonin, which induce feelings of relaxation and sedation. 

Aids in Digestion

Bergamot essential oil activates and increases secretions of the digestive acids, enzymes, and bile, thus facilitating digestion. It also synchronizes and regulates the peristaltic motion of the intestines and in this way, it quickens the digestive process and reduces strain to the intestinal tract. In this way, this essential oil can reduce constipation, make bowel movements regular, and prevent gastrointestinal complications.

Skin Care

Studies suggest that bergamot essential oil also aids in keeping the skin youthful. This property of bergamot oil is the reason behind its extensive use in cosmetics such as beauty soaps, creams, and lotions. The cicatrizant in bergamot helps heal scars and other marks on the skin. It also makes the distribution of pigments and melanin uniform, resulting in the fading away of marks and an even, attractive skin tone. This essential oil is commonly used to eliminate the unsightly effects of acne, which can leave noticeable scars on the affected areas for many years.

Speeds-up Healing

The same disinfectant and antibiotic properties of bergamot oil make it a good antiseptic agent too. It not only promotes fast healing of wounds, cracks in the skin and heels, ulcers, eczema, and itching but also protects wounds from becoming septic and developing deadly tetanus. It also treats and heals the effects of other infections and inhibits the formation of new ones.

Bergamot Essential Oil Side Effects

Bergamot essential oil is considered safe when used in a diffuser or applied topically diluted in a carrier oil.

Phototoxicity (skin irritation from light, especially ultraviolet light such as sunshine) is a common side effect of bergamot and other citrus essential oils. To reduce the possibility of phototoxicity, do not apply bergamot essential oil to skin that will be exposed to sunlight for extended periods of time.

Do not ingest bergamot essential oil unless you are under the strict supervision of a health care professional. Always read and follow the directions on the product.

Children and pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult with a professional before using bergamot essential oil.