Are you a fan of Earl Grey tea? If so then you have already experienced one of the many uses of Bergamot oil which is used to flavour this tea and give it its distinctive taste. The Bergamot oil is extracted from the rinds of citrus fruit (Citrus bergamia) that grow on Bergamot orange trees. But unlike other varieties of orange fruit, the Bergamot fruit cannot be eaten due to being extremely sour. The zest, oil and flesh of the fruit however has been used for other purposes from flavouring cookies to making perfumes. Indeed the Bergamot fruit has been put to good use over the years.
The earliest roots of the bergamot tree can be traced back to Southeast Asia although today It’s grown in many parts of the world for cultivation. The oil gets its name from the town of Bergamo in southern Italy.
Bergamot oil has always been and continues to be prized for its soothing scent, and spicy taste, and has a wide range of uses. In addition to being found in perfumes, cologne, toiletries, and food and drink flavouring It also has medicinal value. Research done on bergamot oil over the years has uncovered multiple benefits some of these are
Stress Reduction
A small study in 2015 done on women in Japan found that inhaled bergamot oil mixed with water vapour reduced feelings of anxiety and fatigue. Similarly, a 2013 article published in the journal Current Drug Targets reported that aromatherapy with Bergamot (among other essential oils) can help relieve depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders by signalling the brain to release dopamine and serotonin. (Reference – National Library of Medicine)
Help Fight Food Poisoning
A compound called Linalool, which is found in Bergamot, may sometimes be effective at destroying types of bacteria responsible for food-borne illnesses. A 2006 study examined bergamot’s effectiveness at destroying several strains of bacterium on chicken skin and cabbage leaves. (Reference – National Library of Medicine)
Reduces Pain and Inflammation
In 2017 review analysed the effects of multiple essential oil compounds on the pain response and other conditions in humans and animals. It found that both linalool and carvacrol compounds found in the Bergamot oil had analgesic, anticonvulsant, and anti-inflammatory capabilities when used in a variety of methods that included applying it on the skin. The review also indicated that essential oils’ potential, toxicological effects in humans did however require further study. (Reference – National Library of Medicine)
Help Acne-prone Skin
Several compounds in bergamot oil have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. This may make Bergamot oil an effective spot treatment for acne in people who do not have sensitive skin. Its analgesic qualities may also make it effective against painful cysts and pimples. However, the oil must always be correctly blended with a carrier before use.
Risks to be aware of when using bergamot oil
Bergamot essential oil has many wonderful uses but it can be irritating to the skin for some people, so always patch test blends containing Bergamot before using it all over. All essential oils, including Bergamot oil, can sometimes cause allergies even when they have been preblended. Bergamot essential oil can also cause photosensitivity, and should not be left on skin exposed to sunlight.
All essential oils should never be used at full strength directly on the skin. It must always be mixed with carrier oil, such as coconut, or jojoba oil, or a suitable base specially created for blending aromatherapy oils.
Bergamot oil can be enjoyed and is very effective when used in a diffuser by adding a few drops to a diffuser with water. Or try dabbing it on a handkerchief for a soothing scent on the go.
Bergamot essential oil blends well with many other oils, here is a list of essential oils that work well with it: Black Pepper, Clary Sage, Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Geranium, Grapefruit, Lemon, Mandarin, Nutmeg, Orange, Patchouli, Roman Chamomile, Rosemary, Sandalwood, Ylang Ylang
Here’s a lovely uplifting Bergamot-inspired diffuser recipe for you to try
