Are you wanting to learn more about bergamot essential oil? Are you looking for some great bergamot essential oil uses and benefits? Let’s check out what makes bergamot an amazing oil!
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Why You Should Use Bergamot Essential Oil!
Bergamot might not sound like an essential oil that you are familiar with. But it is an oil commonly used in many blends and the scent is probably familiar.
Scientific Name
First let’s look at the scientific name of the bergamot that I use.
It is Citrus bergamia.
This might not seem important, but trust me, it is! Some essential oils have lots of different species. Some of these species can be harmful. So it is important when purchasing an essential oil to make sure that you read the full scientific name so that you know what you are getting.
For example, eucalyptus essential oil is an oil that I use on my kids for respiratory concerns and immune support. But, some varieties of eucalyptus essential oil can actually stop a small child’s breathing! We’ll discuss this more in a future post.
What is bergamot and where does it come from?
As the scientific name of bergamot implies, bergamot is a citrus oil.
The oil is cold pressed from the peel of the fruit. The fruit itself is about the size of an orange but the inside of the fruit is a yellow or greenish color similar to a lime. It is probable that the bergamot is a cross between a lemon and a bitter orange.
The fruit can be found growing in many locations from Argentina to south-east Asia, but Italy is well known for bergamot.
What does bergamot oil smell like?
The aroma of bergamot has a sweet citrus like scent.
Essential Oil History
Bergamot has been used to make perfumes since the 16th century in France.
It is also used today to flavor Earl Grey Tea.
Bergamot Essential Oil Uses
So now that we’ve discussed name, origin, scent and a couple history facts let’s delve right into what bergamot is used for and how it will benefit you!
Let me first say that I am not a doctor! All of the information that I provide on this site is for educational purposes only and is in no way intended to diagnose, treat, or prescribe. Please read my disclaimer page and/or the disclaimer at the bottom of this page for a full disclaimer statement.
Bergamot Essential Oil Benefits
There are many listed benefits of bergamot!
According to Be Young Total Health’s Total Health Desk Reference, bergamot’s traditional and alternative uses include: insecticide, anxiety, psoriasis, cleaning, appetite stimulant, and so much more!
Diffusing Bergamot
Bergamot is a wonderful choice for diffusing. When inhaled bergamot essential oil is said to be very mood elevating.
I include bergamot in some of my diffuser recipes that can be found in the 100 Essential Oil Diffuser Blends eBook such as Be Calm and Don’t be Anxious. The eBook also includes many recipes for cleaning, children, pets, home, etc. that contain bergamot and many other oils as well. Recipes such as Positive Home and Happy Fall. Adding a few drops of bergamot to your diffuser blend can be so beneficial!
According to JennScents Institute’s Introduction to Holistic Aromatherapy, bergamot is also good for a digestive aid, sore throat, improve room odors, and mouth sores, just to name a few.
I also love to use bergamot in the bath to encourage happy thoughts! You can learn more about using essential oils such as bergamot in the bath in my post How to Use Essential Oils in Bath Water. And 20 of the Best Essential Oils to Use in the Bath.
In Dr. Schnaubelt’s book Advanced Aromatherapy, he says that “Bergamot refreshes, relaxes, and helps to relieve insomnia.” This is an amazing book and one that I definitely recommend for the EO enthusiast!
I personally use bergamot in my Skin Softener Lotion. It is super moisturizing for the skin and the fragrance of this essential oil lotion is excellent to help calm and relax!
If you would like to make this recipes for yourself then be sure to check out the Essential Oil Recipes for Beauty & Body Care Binder! It contains this recipe plus so many more that, as an Aromatherapist, I have been asked to create for clients over and over again. Trust me, they will change your life!
I also use bergamot in my Nervous Tension Relief and Happy Home Room Spray.
Contraindications
A contraindication is a medical reason for not using something. In this case it is a medical reason for why you should not use bergamot.
Bergamot oil is considered photosensitive. Which means that you should avoid direct sunlight for nine to twelve hours after applying bergamot to the skin. If applied to the skin before going out into the sun you could end up with third degree burns from the sun.
Bergamot oil is possibly unsafe for children when taken by mouth in large amounts. There have been reports of side effects in children who have taken large amounts of bergamot oil. For children it is best to use topically or diffuse. And as always be sure to consult your health care practitioner before taking any oils internally.
Do not use bergamot oil on your skin if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. It is possibly unsafe.
Bergamot might lower blood sugar levels. It should be used with caution if you are diabetic. Monitor blood sugar closely.
Due to bergamot’s ability to lower blood sugar there is some concern that it might interfere with blood sugar control during surgery. Stop using bergamot at least two weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Do not use with medications that can increase sensitivity to sunlight as bergamot might increase sensitivity.
Use with caution with medications for diabetes. Bergamot might decrease blood sugar.
Quality
You also want to make sure that you are using a good quality bergamot.
As an Aromatherapist I would never recommend buying an essential oil at a local store. I can almost guarantee you that it is not a pure oil.
There are no government regulations on essential oils, so an oil can be diluted by up to 50% and still be marketed as a pure oil. It can be diluted with a carrier oil, or with a synthetic substance and still be called pure. How scary is that?! Definitely not something I want to use, especially for my family! You have to be so careful when choosing your brand.
Which Brand of Essentials Oils Should I Use?
So make sure that you know and trust your source. If you have a brand that you feel confident in you can use that. If you aren’t sure about where to get bergamot, or if you would like to check out the brand that I use, you can find it on my business website Healing Blends For Life.
Where to Buy at discounted prices!
If you are interested in learning how you can buy my preferred brand of essential oils at a discounted price check out my Essential Oil page!
Also, if you are new to essential oils and would like to learn more about how to use them, be sure to take my FREE Essential Oils for Beginners Course!
I hope you enjoy bergamot as much as I do!
Also please come back after using bergamot and comment below with your opinion of the oil!
What do you like most about bergamot essential oil? Do you enjoy the smell as much as I do? Did you experience any results after using bergamot? If so what were they? Do you have any additional uses to add to the above list?
I can’t wait to read your comments!
If you are interested in reading more Essential Oil posts, here are the links to help you find them:
1.Why You Should Use Frankincense Essential Oil
2.Why You Should Use Dill Essential Oil
3.Why You Should Use Roman Chamomile Essential Oil
4.Why You Should Use Turmeric Essential Oil
5.Why You Should Use Geranium Essential Oil
6.Why You Should Use Myrrh Essential Oil
7.Why You Should Use Birch Essential Oil
8.Why You Should Use Cypress Essential Oil
9.Why You Should Use Helichrysum Essential Oil
10.Why You Should Use Clove Essential Oil
11.Why You Should Use Ginger Essential Oil
12. Why You Should Use Nutmeg Essential Oil
13. Why You Should Use Lavender Essential Oil
14. Why You Should Use Peppermint Essential Oil
15. Why You Should Use Lemon Essential Oil
16. Why You Should Use Lemongrass Essential Oil
17. Why You Should Use Rosemary Essential Oil
18. Why You Should Use Rose Essential Oil
Disclaimer: The information provided on this site is for educational purposes only. I do not prescribe, diagnose or treat any medical conditions. Please consult your health care provider before implementing any of the information provided on this site.
The information provided on this site is completely my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions or beliefs of any other entity.
Any statements or claims regarding health benefits of foods, supplements or essential oils listed on this site have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to treat, cure or prevent any disease.
