Bergamot essential oil: all its uses and properties

Surely you have heard of bergamot essential oil at some point, especially if you like bergamot. earl gray teawhich is flavored with bergamot, or if you like perfumes with citrus notes.

Here we will tell you what bergamot is, where it is obtained from essential oilwhat are its health properties and how to use it in different situationsfor example in case of apathy or anxiety, for hair care or even to make your own natural perfume or aromatize your teas and infusions.

What is bergamot

Like most citrus fruits, bergamot (​citrus bergamia) is most likely native to Asia. Today, however, the bergamot it is grown mainly in Italy, mostly to extract its precious essential oil. Bergamot essential oil is widely used in perfumery, but it is also very valuable in aromatherapy for its health properties.

For aromatize infusions and teas Bergamot bark is mainly used, although it is also known for its therapeutic properties, such as for controlling blood cholesterol levels.

Bergamot essential oil is extracted from the peel of the fruit. Its peculiar and sparkling citrus aroma is very attractive, even irresistible and addictive. Expert noses will appreciate subtle nuances when smelling it, but anyone can enjoy its freshness and lightness.

Bergamot oil properties

The essence of bergamot very quickly produces a nice and comforting feeling in our being It is considered to be an ideal essential oil for activate the energy of the solar plexus and relax the nervous system.

The aroma of bergamot arouses enthusiasm, pushes us to move and motivates us. It is wonderful to ward off negative emotions and feelings. It is, without a doubt, a great antidote to bad mood.

Regarding its therapeutic properties, the most outstanding are its relaxing, anxiolytic and antidepressant properties, But they are not the only ones. Let’s see them all:

Relaxing and antidepressant: The essence of bergamot is the great ally of the nervous system in case of stress According to a clinical trial, the aroma of bergamot promotes well-being in just 15 minutes. It produces positive feelings, well-being and promotes mental health.Antibacterial: It also offers us interesting antiseptic and antibacterial properties that we can take advantage of using it. in diffusion.Analgesic: Recent scientific studies have shown that it has interesting anti-pain properties, such as this 2016 study on the ability of some compounds present in bergamot essential oil to reduce the perception of different types of pain, this other 2019 study in which its efficacy in relieving pain associated with dementias.

When and how to use bergamot

Bergamot essential oil will be very useful in the following situations:

For apathy and lack of motivation

Bergamot essence can be a good option if you feel unmotivated, without much spirit or with little desire to do anything. This is because, as we have seen before, it is a very useful essential oil to help change your state of mind and feel more uplifted.

How to use bergamot essential oil in this case:

Put a few drops of bergamot essential oil in your diffuser and diffuse it throughout the day. As a complement, prepare an inhaler by depositing about 10 drops in it. Then you have to take the time to breathe deeply 5 times in a row at least 5 times a day.

As a remedy for anxiety

The bergamot essence has a very interesting composition that combines Molecules known for their anxiolytic properties: limonene and linalool, which influence dopamine and GABA levels.

When you start to feel anxious, take 2 drops of bergamot essence with a little olive oil 3 times a day for two weeks.

If you take bergamot essential oil in this way, you will also notice that you sleep better.

avoid taking it along with other medications.

To prevent colds and flu

As we have seen, bergamot essential oil has antiseptic properties. The essence can be used regularly in a diffuser to promote a pathogen-free environment both at home and at work.

bergamot for hair

Bergamot essence is very useful for cleaning the scalp and regulating oiliness, making it especially useful for oily hair. It can be used in different ways:

Add 1 drop of bergamot essence to the dose of shampoo, apply and leave to act for a couple of minutes before rinsing. Prepare a spray with apple cider vinegar to spray on the hair once rinsed. To do this, in a 200 ml bottle with a spray, put 50 ml of vinegar, 30 drops of bergamot essence and complete with mineral water. Shake before using. Hair will shine and look clean for longer.

Like perfume in a roll-on

There is a distilled version from bergamot bark. He bergamot essential oil without furocoumarins (phototoxic molecules) is the safest option if you are in love with the scent of bergamot and want to use it as a perfume.

Make sure that on the label is clearly indicated “without furocoumarins”.In a 10 ml roll-on, put 30 drops of bergamot essential oil without furocoumarins. Complete with jojoba oil. Apply on the wrists, behind the ears and on the neck and enjoy this wonderful 100% natural perfume And also therapeutic!

To flavor tea and make your own “Earl Grey”

You can choose a loose tea that you like: green tea or black tea are perfect. To aromatize them the procedure is very simple:

place 50 grams of tea in a glass jar.Add 5 drops of bergamot essence.Shake the bottle well so that the aroma is distributed.Wait a few 3 or 4 days before enjoying an Earl Gray tea to your liking

Precautions and contraindications

Bergamot essence is phototoxic, that is to say, that in contact with sunlight a skin on which the pure or diluted essence has been applied can produce a significant burn. Therefore, should not be used on the skin if it is to be exposed to sunlight.

The best is reserve its use for the olfactory pathway or on occasion orally.

It can be used by the olfactory route and orally during pregnancy and lactation. It is also suitable for use by the olfactory route in babies and children.

If we are interested in preparing a perfume, then we will choose your version without furocoumarins available for sale.