Bergamot essential oil is fresh, citrusy, and slightly sweet and is loved by many for its soothing and uplifting effects on the body and mind. The bergamot fruit has a rich history and was used for centuries in Italian folk medicine, Chinese medicine, and Ayurvedic medicine to treat various maladies. Here's a closer look at why bergamot oil is as good for you as it smells.
What's Bergamot Essential Oil?
Bergamot essential oil is from the small pear-shaped fruit of the bergamot tree, which is a member of the Rutaceae family. Bergamot is named after Bergamo, a city in Italy where it's widely grown, used, and sold. In fact, the Calabria region of Italy makes 80% of the world's bergamot essential oil. In the spring, white blossoms adorn the tree, which then turns into fruit in the summer. These fruits are handpicked at optimal ripeness in the fall and winter months. The peels are then cold-pressed to yield pure essential oil.
Bergamot Essential Oil Benefits
The benefits of bergamot essential oil to the skin, hair, scalp, mind, and mood are numerous. It’s most well-known for its stress-relieving and mood-boosting properties. Bergamot oil is also effective at soothing the skin and easing sore muscles when applied topically. Below are some of the top benefits of using bergamot essential oil.
Promotes clear skin and evens skin toneRelieves itchiness and irritationEases tired musclesCleanses scalp and removes flakinessPromotes mental claritySoothes a worried mindWays to Use Bergamot Essential Oil
Bergamot oil can be used in a lot of ways to improve your well-being. Here are a few of our favorite ways to use it.
Diffuse: Add 3 drops of bergamot essential oil and 3 drops of lavender essential oil to your diffuser along with water (as directed) to create a calming environment.Massage: Mix 4 drops of bergamot essential oil with 1 tablespoon of carrier oil and massage it on sore muscles for a relaxing, stress-relieving experience.Treat: Add 2 drops of bergamot essential oil to ½ teaspoon of aloe vera gel and use it as a spot treatment directly on blemishes.Soothe: Mix 3 drops of bergamot essential oil and 1 tablespoon of carrier oil and massage into your scalp to cleanse and relieve itchiness.Tone: Mix 2 drops of bergamot essential oil with 1 teaspoon of witch hazel, dab with a cotton ball, and use it to tone skin.Freshen: Fill a medium-sized spray bottle with 1 cup of white vinegar, 3 cups of water, 8 drops of bergamot essential oil, and 8 drops of orange essential oil. Shake and spray on kitchen and bathroom countertops and wipe clean.How to Use Bergamot Essential Oil Safely?
Bergamot essential oil is a potent oil and should be used with caution. It can cause skin irritation in some people, so it is important to always combine it with a carrier oil before use and to test it on a small area of skin before applying it more broadly. Bergamot essential oil should also be avoided if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. When using bergamot oil, avoid exposure to sunlight or UV rays for at least 12 hours afterward, as the oil can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. It contains a molecule called “bergatene,” which can cause burning or discoloration if applied directly to the skin or in a carrier oil and exposed to sunlight. For this reason, bergatene has been removed from Cliganic Bergamot Essential Oil so it’s safer to use. To learn more about essential oils safety, take a look at this article.
Final Thoughts
If you're looking for an essential oil with a wide range of benefits for the body and mind that smells great, then bergamot essential oil is a good choice. It can be used to revitalize the skin, relieve muscle tension, and calm the mind. However, it can cause skin irritation in some people, so it's important to test it on a small area before using it more broadly. Interested in learning more about citrus essential oils? Take a look at this article: All About Grapefruit Essential Oil.
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