Bergamot is a zesty, vibrant citrus fruit, packed full with wellness. Its distinctively tart and spicy aroma has long been cherished among aromatherapists and the natural health industry.
What Do We Know About Bergamot Essential Oil
Bergamot essential oil is extracted from the rind of the Bergamot orange, a fragrant citrus fruit that primarily thrives in the coastal regions of Southern Italy. Known scientifically as Citrus bergamia, this essential oil is celebrated for its refreshing and complex scent, which features a unique blend of sweet, sour, and spicy notes. The oil is typically cold-pressed, a method that helps preserve the integrity and potency of its delicate aromatic compounds.
Bergamot oil contains a constellation of chemical constituents, including limonene, linalyl acetate, and linalool, which contribute to its therapeutic properties. These components make Bergamot not only a delight for the senses but also a powerhouse in holistic healing practices, blending physical benefits and the uplifting of both mind and spirit.
The Key Benefits of Bergamot Oil
~ Helping Relieve Stress, Anxiety and Depression
Bergamot oil offers a wealth of health benefits. One of its most celebrated properties is its ability to uplift the mood and alleviate stress. The oil’s natural aromatics are known to stimulate the production of dopamine and serotonin, leading to a feeling of happiness and ease. This makes Bergamot oil is highly valued for those seeking a natural way to cope with anxiety and depression.
~ Help Fight infection and Relieve Inflammation
Apart from its mood-enhancing capabilities, Bergamot oil is also a potent antibacterial and antiseptic agent. It is effective in fighting off infections and promoting faster healing of wounds, acne, and skin irritations. Moreover, its anti-inflammatory properties make it an excellent choice for soothing inflamed skin, reducing redness, and calming irritation.
~ Help Achieve Healthy Skin
Furthermore, Bergamot oil is praised for its ability to balance oily skin, making it a popular ingredient in skincare formulations. Its purifying properties help regulate sebum production and clear up clogged pores, leading to a healthier, more radiant complexion. Additionally, the oil’s distinctive scent makes it an ideal natural deodorant, providing freshness that lasts throughout the day.
Application of Bergamot Oil
In the realm of aromatherapy, Bergamot oil is a star player. Its ability to harmonize the mind and body makes it a cherished choice for diffusing in homes and wellness centres. When inhaled, the zesty scent of Bergamot oil helps clear the mind, reduce mental fatigue, and enhance concentration. It’s particularly beneficial during meditation or yoga, creating an environment of tranquility and focus.
~ Inhalation
The uplifting and slightly floral aroma of Bergamot oil makes it a popular choice in stress-relief therapies. Whether it’s a stressful day at work or general life anxieties, a few drops of Bergamot oil in a diffuser or a warm bath can work wonders. It’s known to help soothe nerves, boost spirits, and restore energy, making it an invaluable oil in any aromatherapy kit. Add the recommended number of drops found on our product pages to some water in your diffuser basin.
~ Topical Application
Topical applications refer to the use of oils on the skin. As always you should follow advice about diluting oils before use and safety notes. To experience the various benefits of Bergamot Oil, dilute the oil into a safe oil base or carrier oil. Our product page for Bergamot essential oils tell you the recommended ratio of essential oil and carrier oil. Once diluted you may apply Bergamot to the skin as directed.
Enhance The Benefits of Bergamot in a Blend
Bergamot oil is also a versatile player in creating personalised aromatherapy blends. It mixes wonderfully with other essential oils such as lavender, rosemary, and ylang-ylang, and each combination offers a unique range of benefits and scents. These blends can be used in diffusers, inhalers, or massage, providing a tailored aromatherapy experience that promotes overall well-being.
Three Recipes using Bergamot Oil in Aromatherapy and Massage
1. Sunshine Blend for Diffusers:
Mix 3 drops of Bergamot oil, 2 drops of grapefruit oil, and 1 drop of frankincense oil. Add this blend to your diffuser to create a cheerful and energizing atmosphere that brightens up any room and invigorates the senses.
2. Relaxation Massage Oil:
Combine 5 drops of Bergamot oil, 3 drops of lavender oil, and 2 tablespoons of jojoba or carrier oil. Use this mixture as a massage oil to alleviate stress, improve mood, and induce relaxation. The soothing touch of the massage combined with the aromatic benefits of Bergamot and lavender offers a double dose of relaxation.
3. Bergamot and Tea Tree Skin Tonic:
For a purifying and healing skin tonic, mix 4 drops of Bergamot oil, 3 drops of tea tree oil, and 100 ml of preferred carrier such as jojoba. Apply this blend with a cotton pad onto cleansed skin to combat acne, reduce oiliness, and provide a fresh, clean feeling.
Safety in Use
While Bergamot oil is a treasure trove of benefits, it is also important to use it safely. Bergamot contains certain compounds that can increase skin sensitivity to sunlight, known as phototoxicity. It is crucial to avoid sun exposure for at least 24 hours after applying Bergamot oil on the skin.
Always consult with your heath care professional if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a chronic health condition, or before use for children. Do not ingest these oils as they can cause internal injury.
Always dilute Bergamot oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut, jojoba, or almond oil, before topical application to minimise skin sensitivity and absorption. A patch test is recommended to check for any allergic reactions before using the oil more broadly on the skin.
Lastly, when purchasing Bergamot oil, look for 100% pure, organic, and therapeutic-grade 100% pure oil. Quality can significantly influence the effectiveness and safety of the oil, so choosing a reputable brands such as those we have in-store is key to ensuring you receive all the benefits Bergamot oil has to offer without adverse effects of fillers or false fragrance.
