Bergamot Oil: Effective Painkiller, Cleanser and Stress Reliever

September 20, 2018

What is Bergamot Essential Oil?

Bergamot essential oil is a type of citrus oil used extensively in aromatherapy that will surely help you when you're feeling low, sad or when you are grieving.

The scent of the oil will uplift your spirit, ease your mind and energise your body, for it has a fresh, fruity, citrusy, with a touch of floral fragrance.

Aside from this, bergamot is widely used as a flavouring agent for foods and drinks. It is also popular for scenting perfumes, deodorants, soaps, and lotions since it is regarded as a top perfume note for its fresh and fruity scent.

But, let us know first the origin of bergamot oil and where does it come from.

Origin of Bergamot Oil

The oil is extracted from the rind of bergamot orange or Citrus bergamia, a citrus fruit that is pear-shaped and a crossbreed between bitter orange and lemon. Its colour ranges from green to yellow which depends on the ripeness of the fruit.

Bergamot is a tropical fruit that was native to Southeast Asia, but it was first grown and was originally sold in the city of Bergamo in northern Italy.

Its oil is also added to black tea to create one of the most favourite tea of all time which is the Earl Grey tea, giving it a unique taste, as well as surprising health benefits.

Bergamot oil is highly phototoxic because the fruit’s rind was cold pressed, the method used for extraction wherein hydraulic press releases the oil from the fruit. A hundred of bergamot oranges will only produce about 3 ounces (85 grams) of oil.

Major Composition of Bergamot Oil

● Limonene ● Linalyl acetate

● Linalool ● alpha-Pinene

● Bergapten ● alpha-terpineol

● Nerol ● Neryl acetate

● Myrcene ● Beta bisabolene

● Geraniol ● Geraniol Acetate

Essential Uses and Benefits of Bergamot Oil

1. Promotes Healthy Skin. A natural skin cleanser and astringent for it stops any kind of germs from growing. It is also essential in fighting oily skin and acne as it helps unclog pores. Some people use it to treat psoriasis and eczema.

2. Boosts Immune System. Considered to be a natural remedy to treat cold, flu, and even cold sores. It was also proven to speed up the healing process of wounds and protect it from infection.

3. Aids Digestion. Reduces constipation and helps you digest better as it quickens the digestive process. Also, fights away infection in your digestive system. Italians used this oil traditionally to expel intestinal worms for it has anthelmintic properties.

4. Mood Enhancer. Oil garden bergamot will bring you feelings of freshness, cheerfulness, confidence and motivation. Also, improves your blood circulation giving you increased energy and positive feelings.

5. Promotes Cardiovascular Health. When taken orally, it can help promote cardiovascular health. It also contains polyphenols which regulate cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

6. Stress and Anxiety Reliever. Relieves stress and anxiety. Also, cures depression due to calming and antidepressant properties. It will help you generate positivity and energy.

7. Has Antibacterial and Antiseptic Properties. An effective and natural antibiotic for topical use, especially when you have wounds, scratches or rashes. It helps fight germs, bacteria, parasites and infection from spreading.

8. Natural Painkiller. Can relieve muscle pain, spasms, headache, body pain or any kind of pain. Bergamot oil is proven to provide relief without damaging your internal organs such as kidney and liver, compared to painkillers that can be taken orally.

9. Treat Sleeping Disorders. Proven to treat insomnia and sleeplessness due to calming properties which soothe your nerves. It was proven to be a natural sedative that can give you a relaxing and restful sleep.

10. Improves Respiratory Health. Can help individuals who are suffering from respiratory conditions such as asthma and bronchitis for it works as an expectorant which relieves nasal and chest congestion.

Directions for Use

Remember that natural substances are not always safe and require proper usage, that’s why it is very important to always follow directions on product labels and consult your healthcare provider before using any kinds of products that can have side effects.

For essential oils, proper consultation and assistance are needed from a qualified aromatherapist. Aside from the different benefits that you can get from bergamot essential oil, it can also be used in different ways. Some of these are:

Diffuser. Add the desired number of drops or mix with other essential oils in your diffuser. This will bring an uplifting vibe in the air making you calm and relaxed.
Massage. You can use it with other essential and carrier oils, then gently massage over the skin to rejuvenate and nourish your body.
Spritz. Add at least 5 drops of oil to a 100ml spritz bottle filled with water. Then, shake well before spraying, to refresh your skin and enhance your mood.
Inhalation. You can inhale the oil inside the bottle or mix 5 drops of oil and hot water into a bowl, then inhale deeply to hydrate the skin and boost positivity.
Bath. Add the desired amount of oil to water, then mix for an aromatic bath that will help you reduce stress and anxiety levels.

Recipes

Try these Bergamot Essential Oil diffuser blends:

For Cold and Flu Remedy

- 5 drops Tea Tree Essential Oil
- 3 drops Bergamot Essential Oil
- 3 drops Rosemary Essential Oil
- 2 drops Clary Sage Essential Oil
- 2 drops Thyme Essential Oil

For Grief and Sadness

- 4 drops Sweet Marjoram Essential Oil
- 3 drops Bergamot Essential Oil
- 3 drops Lemon Essential Oil
- 2 drops Clary Sage Essential Oil
- 1 drop Rosemary Essential Oil

For Stress Relief

-2 drops Bergamot Essential Oil
-1 drop Lavender Essential Oil
-3 drops Geranium Essential Oil

Precautions and Side Effects

Sensitive Skin. Bergamot oil contains active chemicals which can make the skin sensitive to sunlight and UV rays, that’s why extra care is needed. Also, make sure to wear sunscreen when using it. While, people with sensitive skin can develop skin problems that may include pigment spots, blisters, rashes and burns when exposed to direct sunlight.

Children and Pregnant Women. This kind of oil is unsafe for children when taken orally in large amounts which could lead to serious side effects such as convulsion. Breastfeeding and pregnant women should also avoid using and applying bergamot oil directly on their skin.

Phototoxicity. Bergamot oil can have a moderate interaction with photosensitizing drugs such as amitriptyline, ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, lomefloxacin, ofloxacin etc. Using bergamot oil together with this medication can increase your sensitivity to sunlight that could lead to sunburn and rashes.

Potassium Deficiency. Individuals who have hypokalemia or low potassium levels are advised not to take bergamot oil orally since it is known to reduce potassium levels in the body.

Disclaimer: The health information published on this web page is solely intended for educational purposes. VitaminsOnly strongly recommends to consult health care professionals for any questions concerning your health.

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