Bergamot essential oil may be less popular than the other more common essential oils (such as lavender, patchouli, and peppermint), however, it is still very much sought-after and a favorite of many. Complex yet soothing, it has a citrusy but sweet scent that almost everyone loves. In fact, if you are a fan of Earl Grey Tea, you are already familiar with the taste and aroma of bergamot as Earl Grey Tea is the result of adding bergamot oil to black tea.
Now, let’s explore this underrated oil further as we cover what exactly is Bergamot essential oil made of, how is it made, the benefits of the oil, the other essential oils it mixes well with, and more.
What is Bergamot Essential Oil Made Of?
Bergamot oil is extracted from the rinds of the bergamot orange (also known as Citrus Bergamia). Likely a hybrid of lemon and bitter orange, the bergamot fruit is yellow-green and pear-shaped. While the bergamot plant has its roots in South East Asia, you can also find the plant in Argentina, Brazil, Algeria, Turkey, Italy, and other countries with a somewhat similar climate.
How is Bergamot Essential Oil Extracted?
One of the methods to extract Bergamot essential oil is via cold-pressing or expression. In the past, you have to do this by hand and manually exert pressure on the peel to squeeze the oil out. Today, there is a more modern way that carries out pretty much the same process using a device that utilizes centrifugal force to extract the oil. Once extracted, the color of the oil varies from light yellow to dark green.
Another less common method is distillation using steam or water. However, the presence of water dilutes the aroma of the oil — making this method less than ideal.
Benefits of Bergamot Essential Oil
1. Reduces stress and anxiety
Bergamot oil has quite a reputation as a natural mood booster. As bergamot oil contains flavonoids (a type of chemical naturally found in plants), it releases ‘good’ hormones like dopamine and serotonin to combat anxiety, stress, depression, and fatigue.
A 2015 study on the psychological and physiological effects of using bergamot essential oil shows that the women in the study experienced a reduction of negative emotions and fatigue in a relatively short time when they inhale bergamot oil mixed with water vapor.
So when you feel the dreaded stress sets in, take a little whiff of bergamot essential oil right from the bottle to alleviate the anxiety and tension. Alternatively, apply a few drops of the oil to your hands, abdomen, and feet. Massage slowly and let the oil sink in.
2. Great as an analgesic
An excellent natural alternative to over-the-counter medicine, bergamot essential oil also alleviates pain. It stimulates the secretion of hormones that lessen nerve sensitivity to reduce the sensation of pain and relieve afflictions like sprains, headaches, and cramps
To use as a pain reliever, rub a few drops of the bergamot essential oil on the affected area.
3. Fights infection
Courtesy of its antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antibiotic properties, bergamot essential oil inhibits the growth of germs, viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Not only that but it can also prevent future infection.
As a matter of fact, Italian folk medicine has long used bergamot essential oil for fever, parasitic diseases, wounds, and various types of infections. This includes skin, mouth, respiratory, and urinary tract infections. Plus, the Italians even used to use bergamot oil to treat malaria patients! That is how powerful this essential oil is.
Mix it with a carrier oil and apply all over your body or add a few drops of the oil into your bath. You are in for a treat, we promise!
4. Relieves congestion
There is nothing worse than not being able to breathe easily. If you are suffering from cold, flu, congestion, cough, or other similar respiratory problems, you may find bergamot essential oil to be helpful. It contains camphene which helps to loosen up the phlegm and mucus buildup in the respiratory tracts.
Rub the oil on your chest and throat for fast relief. Besides that, you can also place a few drops of the oil in your diffuser or humidifier.
5. Add the oil to your beauty routine
Give bergamot essential oil a try for clear and smooth skin. You can use the oil as a toner or simply add a drop or two into your serum. Its antibacterial and antiseptic properties kill the bacteria on your face, thereby, reducing breakouts.
Apart from that, as a cicatrizant (something that promotes the healing of a wound), bergamot essential oil not only helps with reducing and getting rid of scars and blemishes but it also promotes a balanced and even complexion.
6. A natural deodorant
With its refreshing scent, bergamot is a great natural alternative to your store-bought deodorant. Its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties effectively prevent the growth of bacteria and germs — the most common cause of body odor.
To use the oil as an alternative to deodorant, simply apply two to four drops to your underarms. If you are already making your own DIY natural deodorants, on the other hand, you can easily incorporate the essential oil by adding a few drops into the recipe.
7. Transforms the room
Wait, hold up! Bergamot essential oil is not only for your body. Its fresh zesty scent is perfect for eliminating odors from any room, too. A few drops in the diffuser will quickly get the job done.
Plus, its relaxing fragrance doubles as a relaxant to put you in a calm and restful mood. Excellent for when you just want to unwind after a long day but also especially useful for those who suffer from sleep disorders as well as anxiety.
Mixing Bergamot Essential Oil with Other Essential Oils
The thing is, there are not all that many essential oils that bergamot does not blend well with. However, you will find that bergamot oil blends especially well with:
- Lavender essential oil – the bergamot adds some complexity to Lavender’s classic floral scent.
- Tea tree oil – a mixture of bergamot oil and tea tree oil with their top-notch antibacterial properties is a sure-fire combination for combating problematic skin.
- Ylang-ylang essential oil – for ultimate relaxation, you will not go wrong with this powerhouse of a combination.
Other essential oils that blend well with bergamot include chamomile, jasmine, sandalwood, orange, lemon, patchouli, and eucalyptus.
Other Good-to-Know Information
You should always patch test all essential oils before applying to your skin — the same goes for bergamot essential oil. Apply a small amount of the bergamot oil to your inner forearm and cover it with a bandage. If there is no allergic reaction or irritation within 24 hours, it should be safe to use.
Besides that, as bergamot oil contains bergapten — a compound that could potentially irritate or damage the skin when exposed to sunlight — you should avoid applying it to your skin when you know you are going to be under the sun.
Is Bergamot Essential Oil Right for You?
Well, yes, it is right for everyone. However, it is especially right for you if you are looking for a citrusy essential oil that helps with relaxation and pain relief. All in all, it is a great addition to your self-care routine.
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