5 Benefits of Bergamot

In a recent blog we wrote about 9 benefits of aromatherapy. So we thought we’d use this blog to focus on one much used essential oil in aromatherapy – bergamot. And alongside that, 5 benefits you can get from using bergamot.

What is Bergamot?

Bergamot oil takes its name from the Italian city of Bergamo, in Lombardy – where the oil first went on a market stall.  The oil’s botanical name is Citrus Bergamia, because bergamot essential oil is extracted from the peel of the bergamot orange. As you’d expect it has a light citrus scent with floral notes, said to have healing properties.

The oil tales on a greenish-yellow tint, accompanied by a fresh, sweet, and slightly spicy- balsamic undertone. As it ages it morphs into a brownish-olive colour.

The distinctive scent of bergamot is often used in personal care products for both men and women. You’ll come across it in colognes and perfumes and cosmetics and many toiletries. While in its edible form you can use bergamot to flavour food and drink. It also has some medicinal value. There’s evidence to suggest that it might have cholesterol-lowering powers. Further, it might offer painkilling and anti-inflammatory capabilities –  more on that here.

You’ll find that bergamot blends well with lavender, neroli, jasmine, cypress, geranium, lemon, chamomile and coriander oils.

5 Benefits of Bergamot

Bergamot essential oil is much touted for its soothing properties when used in aromatherapy.

This article from Healthline.com suggests a few easy ways to use it:

• Mix bergamot essential oil with a suitable carrier oil and use it either as a body lotion or for massage.

• Add between two and five drops of it to such things as body wash, shampoo and facial scrubs.

• Dab on a handkerchief and keep to hand for a scent on the go.

1. For acne and other skin issues

The oil contains several compounds that carry anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Thanks to those properties, bergamot oil can be effective as a spot treatment for acne in people who don’t have sensitive skin.

It’s analgesic properties can soothe painful pimples and cysts.

2. As a hair treatment

Many users of this essential oil swear by its ability to soften and tame curls. And anecdotal evidence suggests it may also soothe irritated scalps.

3. Stress reduction

In 2015, a small Japanese study found that inhaled bergamot oil, mixed with water vapour, effected some reduction on feelings of fatigue and anxiety.

4. Fighting food poisoning

It seems that one of bergamots compounds, linalool, can sometimes kill some types of bacteria that cause food-borne illnesses.

5. Cholesterol choking

Bergamot contains flavonoids. And, as mentioned above, studies on both humans and animals have indicated that these flavonoids could help to reduce lipid levels. That said, it’s not clear what the exact mechanism driving this result is. A further study conducted in 2018, confirmed this finding.

Given that bergamot has such a lovely scent it may well be present in your favourite skincare or perfumes. It’s a common ingredient in such things.

If you want to use it as an essential oil, you’re best to dilute it with either a carrier oil or water.

Click here to buy bergamot from the Pure Aromatherapy shop and explore here to see our full range of carrier oils.

Do you have a favourite essential oil? If you do then why not tell us about it – we’d love to hear from you. Or is there one you’d like us to write about on this blog?

Send us a message on our contact form and we’ll get right back to you.