Bergamot essential oil, Citrus bergamia is expressed from the inedible fruits of the Bergamot tree. Originally from Asia, it is now synonymous with the Mediterranean and most often Italy, where it grows in abundance.
For centuries Bergamot was an important remedy in Italian folk medicine as an antiseptic and to reduce fevers. Many people are aware of its aroma due to the fact that it is used to flavour Earl Grey Tea and was used for years in the traditional production of Eau De Cologne.
Sweet and citrus with a ‘green’ dry note that makes it more mellow than other citrus essential oils such as Orange or Lemon. But, like all the citrus essential oils, one sniff and you are instantly transported to sunny climes and will feel a sense of gentle calm and cheer.
What is it good for?
In modern Aromatherapy, Bergamot oil is used to promote optimism and reduce anxiety. Due to its chemical composition, it is also a useful essential oil to aid sleep; not something we usually associate with citrus oils. Bergamot oil has also been shown to boost immunity and can be a helpful astringent for congested skin, and can also be used when the digestive system is unsettled, particularly if due to stress.
Bergamot is a phototoxic essential oil, meaning that if used topically it can cause the skin to burn if exposed to ultraviolet light. However, at Tisserand Aromatherapy our Bergamot is FCF (furanocoumarin free) meaning that it has had the ‘photo-toxic’ element removed. However, you must, like all essential oils NEVER put it neat on your skin, always use a blending oil or lotion for skin applications.
I love citrus essential oils, and Bergamot is most definitely one of my favourites. It is such a versatile essential oil and blends with so many other oils. When used in a blend it is considered a top note. Like the other citrus oils, it is highly volatile, meaning it evaporates quickly so when blending you will need to add more Bergamot than other oils to your blend.
Here are some blends for you to try at home.
Uplifting Diffuser Blend
Add the following essential oils to the water in your Aroma Spa diffuser:
5 drops of Bergamot – Citrus bergamia
2 drops of May Chang – Litsea cubeba
1 drop of Geranium – Pelargonium graveolens
Bedtime Bath Blend
Add the following essential oils to 20ml of blending oil:
2 drops of Bergamot – Citrus bergamia
1 drop of Marjoram French – Origanum marjorana
1 drop of Vetiver – Vetiveria zizanoides
Run your bath to desired temperature and depth, add 2-3 teaspoons of your blend, stir the water before getting in, lie back and inhale the sumptuous aromas.
Anxious Tummy Massage Blend
Add the following essential oils to 20ml of blending oil:
5 drops of Bergamot – Citrus bergamia
3 drops of Coriander – Coriandrum sativum
2 drops of Chamomile Roman – Anthemis nobilis
Pour a small amount into your hands and massage over your abdomen in clockwise circles around your navel.
Let us know how you like to use your Bergamot essential oil in the comments below.
About Jo Kellett
Our essential oil expert, Jo Kellett TIDHA MIFPA CIMI, graduated from the Tisserand Institute of Holistic Aromatherapy in 1996. She returned to the college in 1999 as Essential Oil Therapeutics Tutor, where she taught until the college closed. Jo runs a successful private Aromatherapy practice in Brighton, specialising in Women’s health. Jo is also an internationally published author and has lectured on the subject of Aromatherapy both in the UK and abroad.
For more information on Jo Kellett, check out her website or Instagram.
