If you’re a devoted essential oils enthusiast, then you probably already know one important thing about this therapeutic niche: there’s an oil for pretty much everything, from quelling jittery nerves to stifling stubborn cold symptoms.
As far as versatility goes, Bergamot Essential Oil ranks high. Bergamot provides a myriad of therapeutic benefits for the whole body, so it’s perfect for tossing in your skincare arsenal, first-aid kit or de-stressing basket. Citrus oils are always popular, but this one is definitely one of the most loved of the bunch! Here’s why:
The Bergamot Profile: What It’s All About
Derived from the bergamot orange plant (Citrus bergamia), bergamot essential oil has a delightfully sweet, citrus scent with a warm, floral quality. Because of its lovely aromatic profile, oil derived from this fruit is a common ingredient in perfumes, skincare products, marmalade and, notably, Earl Grey tea. Commonly harvested and used in the Reggio di Calabria region of Italy, this citrus fruit oil contains many beneficial ingredients, including linalyl acetate and linalool, which are known for providing tons of benefits, including relief from discomfort. Here are some more therapeutic applications for this fruity essential oil:
- It Helps Ward Off Seasonal Threats—Like many good essential oils, bergamot is known to repel certain outdoor annoyances. In fact, it’s often employed in DIY insect repellents as a safer and gentler alternative to potentially harmful store-bought stuff. We love packing a bottle of roll-on bergamot in our bag during the summer so we always have easy access to a natural insect repellent on the go.
- It Calms You Down—The healing effects of bergamot make it a helpful aromatherapy tool for relieving worry and uplifting emotions. In fact, bergamot oil is commonly inhaled by cancer patients during radiation because it has the unique power of calming nervousness. You can apply it properly diluted directly onto your skin (always use bergapten-free bergamot to avoid sunburn) or enjoy its sweet aroma through a diffuser.
- It May Relieve Discomfort —If you’re wary of lofty essential oil claims, you’re right to be. There’s so much misinformation out there, so it’s important to do your research to decide for yourself what claims are real and what are just smoke and mirrors. There is some big promise for bergamot, though; a study from 2015 showed that the essential oil was effective in controlling neuropathic discomfort and may help ease symptoms associated with headaches.
- It Does Wonders for the Skin—Another great reason to add bergamot to your EO arsenal is that it’s known to help balance oily skin and other frustrating skin ailments in a way that’s relatively gentle. In fact, it’s often added to cleansers and moisturizers to gently help unclog pores and slough away excess oil and can be used in DIY formulas.
- It Soothes the Tummy—Bergamot oil can also help regulate your digestive system. People often use the sweet-smelling oil to help calm stomach upset, stomach aches and loss of appetite.
Buying Bergapten-Free Oil
Before you go slathering bergamot on yourself with wild abandon, you should know that the bergapten found within this oil can become toxic when exposed to UV rays, and can increase your risk of sunburn.
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) notes that, because bergapten on its own has a high level of phototoxicity, plants that produce this ingredient are classified as poisonous. But fear not! We are committed to providing safe, pure essential oils, so we only offer bergapten-free bergamot oil, which is completely safe for use in the sun.
If you love citrusy essential oils, we also recommend trying our Citrus Burst Synergy Blend or Lemon Essential Oil. Though similar to bergamot, these products have their own distinct qualities and benefits that you’ll love.
Listen to one of our Certified Aromatherapists, Retha Nesmith, discuss the benefits of Bergamot:
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
