12 Bergamot Essential Oil Benefits & Uses for a Healthy Lifestyle (Updated April 2020)

Bergamot essential oil is an effective and natural antibiotic for topical uses. It’s also known to calm the senses and release tension from muscles. Whether you’re going to use bergamot essential oil aromatically or topically, you can count on the myriad of health benefits it brings.

The oil, as the name suggests, is derived from bergamot, a strange yet interesting fruit. In terms of appearance, it looks like a cross between an orange and a lemon. It’s a citrus fruit that’s not as popular as oranges, but it’s the source of a powerful essential oil that is extracted from its rind.

Here on Aroma Foundry, we get our bergamot essential oil straight from the Netherlands. We look far and wide for suppliers that can guarantee pure, 100% natural essential oils. This ensures that you will experience maximum benefits from the essential oils that we offer. 

Bergamot essential oil

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The History of Bergamot Essential Oil

bergamot essential oilBergamot peels produce highly concentrated essential oil.

Named after the city in northern Italy where it was first grown, bergamot is a fascinating fruit with a rich history. It’s so deeply rooted in history that even Christopher Columbus was known to have brought back bergamot trees back from his voyage to the Canary Islands.

Bergamot essential oil has been highly valued ever since for its use in perfumes, medicine, and even tea!

The oil is extracted through a fairly simple process. The perfect time to extract the oil from from the fruit is when it turns yellow as it becomes ripe. The extraction involves cold-pressing the rind of the bergamot fruit with a hydraulic press to release the oil.

Bergamot essential oil is widely known as one of the main ingredients of Eau de Cologne. However this oil is much more than just a great smelling ingredient. It can be used as a digestive aid, pain relief, and an antibiotic.

Although the fruit originated from Asia, the oil extracted from it was first sold in Italy. The essential oil was used for medicinal purposes in Italian culture for many years. It eventually gained greater popularity as an ingredient in perfumes.

However, in the Netherlands, bergamot essential oil has become extremely popular  that the bergamot tree has become abundant in the country. That being said, they also became one of the largest producers of bergamot essential oil.

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Uses and Benefits of Bergamot Essential Oil

So how has this oil existed for centuries? Well, it’s definitely worth taking a closer look into the world of bergamot essential oil and how it’s great for you!

Here’s a run-down of some of its characteristics, uses & benefits.

 

1. A Great Antibiotic

Bergamot oil is a natural antibiotic and a disinfectant. It helps fight against dangerous bacteria and viruses, just like the antibiotics we get from pharmacies. To benefit your skin, just add some of the oil to your soap or bathwater and let it work wonders for you! Your skin will stay fresh for a longer period of time.

Your skin will also be protected from any potential infections as the oil stops any germs from growing. That’s not even the whole story - this essential oil is also beneficial for fighting away infections in your digestive system.

 

2. An Antiseptic Too!

Like many of the essential oils we have discussed in our blog, bergamot essential oil contains antibiotic and disinfectant properties. This oil is highly beneficial in taking care of wounds, skin scratches, or any itchiness.

In the case of wounds, the oil can get rid of germs and stop any infections from occurring or spreading. Wounds will tend to heal faster for your skin condition to become better.

 

3. Painkiller

Whenever we get headaches or any type of pain, we all resort to over-the-counter painkillers that have a bunch of unrecognizable ingredients. We often forget about their long-term side effects, which include potential liver damage, ulcers or kidney problems.

If you’re dealing with any types of pain in your body, bergamot oil is an excellent and natural way to provide some relief. The oil induces the secretion of hormones in your body, which makes you feel less pain. This makes bergamot essential oil a practical and effective alternative to painkillers.

 

4. Helps You Digest Better

Have you just come out of a weekend binging on processed foods? Is your stomach about to go over the edge with distress? Eating large quantities of unhealthy or spicy foods could cause churning pain in your stomach the next day. It’s worse if you’re constipated and can’t seem to get any relief. Don’t worry because bergamot oil can provide a solution to these digestive problems.

Bergamot oil has been used as a popular digestive in traditional Chinese medicine. What the oil does is stimulate the digestive juices in your stomach to allow faster and smoother digestion. If you have any gas related pains in your gut, bergamot oil is perfect for relieving you of any discomfort.

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5. Puts You to Sleep

Bergamot is a great essential oil to help you relax, or even go to sleep.

A lot of us have gone through nights when no matter what we did, we just couldn’t fall asleep. Sometimes the lack of sleep extends into insomnia episodes that would go on for weeks or even months. In such circumstances, a little bit of aromatherapy with bergamot oil can do your body and mind wonders! It will help calm, relax and relieve any tension.

The oil works as a natural sedative. So anytime you can’t catch a good night’s sleep, turn down the lights and inhale the scent of bergamot essential oil.

 

6. Antidepressant

Bergamot also has positive benefits for your mental and emotional health. It helps fight feelings of anxiety and depression by promoting the secretion of hormones such as dopamine and serotonin.

If you’re depressed or feeling low, use bergamot oil to make yourself feel fresher and happier. The characteristics of the oil along with its fragrance make it a natural solution to achieving a positive mood and happy disposition.

 

7. Fixes Your Skin

Skin problems are extremely common, that’s why there’s a wide array of soaps and lotions that cater to such issues. We often depend on superstores for our source of skin care products, and use them over natural solutions. Try out some bergamot oil instead!

Bergamot essential oil has been popularly used in cosmetics for a long time. The oil is great for taking care of any scars you have on your skin. It also makes your skin appear fresher and attractive. It helps maintain your natural skin tone, and effectively treats acne.

A great way to use the oil is to mix it with your lotions and soaps, and then apply it on your skin.

8. Deodorant

We’ve already mentioned how bergamot essential oil is often used as an ingredient in perfumes since ancient times. The reason is simply because it smells great!

Bergamot oil also makes for an effective natural deodorant due to its wonderful fragrance and disinfectant properties. The oil helps stop the growth of germs that cause odor. It also leaves you with a citrusy smell, which could overshadow any bad body odor.

What makes it special is that it can also be used as a natural air freshener in your home. Go ahead and freshen up your house with the citrusy scent of bergamot. It’ll freshen up the aura in your house, and uplift the spirits of everyone in your home.

 

9. Could Lower Your Fever

Being a natural antibiotic makes bergamot oil effective for reducing fevers. First off, the antibiotic properties of the oil fight against bacteria and infections causing the fever. Secondly, it helps lower your body’s temperature when the oil is applied to your body.

Bergamot oil also stimulates your metabolism. By these various effects, it helps reduce your fever, making you feel much better and balanced.

 

10. Kills Germs & Parasites

Bergamot oil is excellent at getting rid of germs wherever it’s applied. This makes the oil an awesome mouthwash that leaves your mouth smelling great and germ free!

A common problem found among children is parasites in the intestine, which could lead to malnourishment. Bergamot oil can help fight this major health issue. This is especially great for children who commonly face intestinal problems. Rubbing a few drops of bergamot oil onto the abdomen can ease digestive issues and regulate appetite.

11. Muscle Relaxer

essential oil for muscle painFight muscle pain and spasms with the best that mother nature has to offer.

We’ve all had days where we had to go through some severe body aches. It could be from working at out at the gym, stressful times at work, or bad sleeping positions. If you can relate, then you know that muscle pains are the worst!

Bergamot essential oil can provide a healing solution if you’ve got muscle cramps or any type of painful spasmodic reactions. Because of the oil’s antispasmodic characteristics, it’s also great for providing relief to people with asthma or with continuous coughs.

 

Precautions

Before you go ahead and indulge in the benefits of bergamot oil, here are a few precautions that you should take:

1. Infants and Children: Keep the oil out of reach from children. This is important because accidentally swallowing large amounts of the oil could be very dangerous and potentially fatal.

2. Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women: If you are currently pregnant or are in the breast-feeding phase, please do not use bergamot oil on your skin.

3. Skin Applications: If you have sensitive skin, bergamot oil can cause your skin to burn when exposed to sunlight. If you do plan to use the oil on your skin, be sure to stay out of the sunlight or stay indoors during the day.

4. Low Blood Sugar: Although bergamot oil is great for lowering your blood sugar levels, it may sometimes lower your blood sugar levels way too much that can also be potentially harmful.

5. Treatment and Surgeries: It is advised to stop using bergamot oil at least 2 weeks prior to the surgery. This is because bergamot oil may lower your blood sugar, which may be a hindrance to a successful operation.

6. Blending with other Essential Oils: Bergamot oil blends well as an equalizer modifier and enhancer with other essential oils. Bergamot blends especially well with eucalyptus, lemon, lemongrass, cedarwood, patchouli, and ylang ylang essential oils.

 

How To Use Bergamot Essential Oil

1. Aromatherapy: Diffuse at home, in the classroom, or at the office to create an uplifting, inspiring, and positive environment. Pour a couple of drops in the palms of your hands or handkerchief and inhale to experience a calming aroma.

2. Antidepressant: Rub the oil on your abdomen and feet too. Make sure to dilute it in a carrier oil before application.

3. Massage: Combine a couple of drops with a carrier oil or vegetable oil and use it for an invigorating massage.

4. Skincare: Add to your nightly skin care regimen, such as pouring a few drops to your cream or lotion, to create the appearance of smoother-looking skin. Keep in mind that bergamot can cause photosensitivity, so avoid sun exposure after any application.

5. Infection: Rub the oil to your throat, abdomen or feet. Using an oil diffuser is also a great option to get rid of infections.

6. Digestive System: Rub five drops of the essential oil to your stomach to relieve digestive issues.

7. Home: Include a few drops in homemade cleaners to add an uplifting aroma to whatever you want to clean at home.

 

Recipes

Recipes and Uses for Bergamot Essential OilBergamot essential oil is popular in aromatherapy for its light citrus scent.

Here are some interesting bergamot essential recipes that you can make at home.

Stress Away Blend

Add the following essential oils to a diffuser whenever you need stress relief:

Aromatherapy for Mental Clarity

There are times that we need to clear up our minds and senses for better focus and motivation. Here’s what you need to add in an oil diffuser for mental clarity:

Relaxing Blend

Add these essential oils to a diffuser for that much needed relaxation at the end of the day or over the weekend:

Asthma Relief Blend

Whenever you need support for asthma, use the following blend of essential oils in your diffuser:

Rejuvenating Aromatherapy Blend

Looking for something that will rejuvenate you after a stressful period? Go for this blend that uses 3 types of essential oils. Pour in an oil diffuser:

  • 2 drops of bergamot essential oil
  • 2 drops of ylang ylang essential oil
  • 1 drop of lemon essential oil

Happiness Massage Oil

This massage oil blend will give you a happy boost after a long day at work or stressful times in life.

Ingredients:

  • 15 drops of bergamot essential oil
  • 2 drops of ylang ylang essential oil
  • 15 drops of cedarwood essential oil
  • ¼ cup or 60ml of carrier oil (jojoba or apricot kernel oil)

Instructions: Combine all of the ingredients in a dark glass bottle. Wait at least 24 hours for the massage oil to “cure.” Keep the bottle in a cool, dark place. Use this massage oil within 3 months.

Mood Lifter for Depression

Whenever you’re feeling low, use this blend to uplift your spirit and boost your mood.

Ingredients:


Instructions:
Pour a teaspoon of coarse sea salt in a small dark glass bottle and add the above essential oils to it. Mix it up a little bit and it’s ready for use. You can use this as a portable aromatherapy inhaler that you can put in your bag, desk or car. It’s a great life saver for any stressful or depressing situations.

DIY Natural and Eco-Friendly Fabric Softener

Looking for a natural fabric conditioner that will replace your usual store-bought fabric softener? Here’s a recipe you can make at home to save you some bucks, make your clothes smell great, and avoid toxic chemicals.

Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup pure castile soap
  • 5 drops bergamot essential oil
  • 5 drops ylang ylang essential oil
  • ½ cup baking soda
  • 1/3 cup white vinegar

Instructions: Add the soap and essential oils to a washing machine soap dispenser. Sprinkle ½ cup baking soda over the clothes in the washer. Then pour 1/3 cup vinegar into the fabric softener dispenser, or add during the final rinse. Wash color loads and towels on cool water. After which, you can dry your laundry and enjoy the fresh scent that comes out of your clothes!

Natural Face Mask

You can use other types of clay for this recipe, but pink clay is highly recommended for oily and acne-prone skin.

Ingredients:

  • 2 teaspoons pink clay
  • Water (filtered water, floral water or hydrosol)
  • 1 - 3 drops of bergamot essential oil

Instructions: Add 1 – 3 drops of bergamot essential oil to clay and add a little bit of water. Mix the ingredients well. Apply to your face and neck and let it sit for 10 – 15 minutes. After that, rinse with warm water. You’ll get a rejuvenating glow after the rinse!

Refreshing Room Mist

Do you sense that the atmosphere of a particular room or space seems drab? Spritz this Refreshing Room Mist to any area to get that instant boost.

Ingredients:

  • 16 drops of bergamot essential oil
  • 9 drops of rosemary essential oil
  • 50ml water
  • Optional: vodka

Instructions: In a 50ml mist bottle filled with water, add the above essential oils. You might want to pour a little bit of alcohol or vodka at the bottom of the bottle first so that the oils disperse into smaller drops. This also prevents clogging in your atomizer. Mix well before use.

 

Check out a variety of essential oils you can use in these recipes here in Our Shop

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Summary

There’s always ongoing research on the various benefits that essential oils bring, and bergamot is definitely one of them. This oil gives us many reasons to avoid artificial products and medicines, and seek out natural alternative solutions.

From helping you sleep better and relieving digestive issues, to helping your skin heal and smell better, bergamot oil has the solution for them all. There are definitely many reasons as to why this oil has been revered for such a long time!

This oil truly represents what essential oils stand for, which is a holistic and healthy lifestyle. Bergamot essential oil has qualities that can improve the health of the mind, body and spirit. It also creates a healthy environment for you and your family to live in.

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References

  1. 11 Best Benefits Of Bergamot Essential Oil | Organic Facts - https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/essential-oils/health-benefits-of-bergamot-essential-oil.html
  2. 15 Reasons Bergamot Essential Oil Should Be In Every Home | Natural Living Ideas - http://www.naturallivingideas.com/bergamot-essential-oil/
  3. 25 Brilliant Essential Oil Diffuser Blends | The Miracle of Essential Oils - https://www.themiracleofessentialoils.com/bergamot-essential-oil-diffuser-blends
  4. Aromatherapy for Depression | Easy Aromatherapy Recipes - https://www.easy-aromatherapy-recipes.com/aromatherapy-for-depression.html
  5. Bergamot Essential Oil: Uses, Benefits, and Precautions | Sustainable Baby Steps - http://www.sustainablebabysteps.com/bergamot-oil.html
  6. Herbal Oil: Bergamot Oil Benefits and Uses | Mercola - http://articles.mercola.com/herbal-oils/bergamot-oil.aspx
  7. Homemade Massage Oil Recipe | Easy Aromatherapy Recipes - https://www.easy-aromatherapy-recipes.com/homemade-massage-oil.html
  8. Natural DIY Fabric Softener. Beth K - https://www.recipeswithessentialoils.com/natural-diy-fabric-softener/
  9. The effect of lemon, orange and bergamot essential oils and their components on the survival of Campylobacter jejuni, Escherichia coli O157, Listeria monocytogenes, Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus in vitro and in food systems. K Fischer - C Phillips - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17105553
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  1. Background
  2. The History of Bergamot Essential Oil
  3. Uses and Benefits of Bergamot Essential Oil
    1. A Great Antibiotic
    2. An Antiseptic Too!
    3. Painkiller
    4. Helps You Digest Better
    5. Puts You to Sleep
    6. Antidepressant
    7. Fixes Your Skin
    8. Deodorant
    9. Could Lower Your Fever
    10. Kills Germs & Parasites
    11. Muscle Relaxer
  4. Precautions
  5. How To Use Bergamot Essential Oil
  6. Recipes
  7. Summary
  8. References