Discover 7 good reasons to use bergamot essential oil

The best known use of bergamot is as Tea flavoring of the Earl Gray or Lady Gray variety. But in aromatherapy it has a variety of beneficial properties for the balance of the organism.

Bergamot and bergamot oil

Bergamot is a citrus fruit somewhat smaller than a lemonsimilar in shape to a pear, and sour taste.

The essential oil is extracted from the skin wrinkled and gives off a very pleasant aroma that is widely used in natural perfumery, because it reinforces and harmonizes the aroma of a mixture of ingredients.

Are you interested in the world of essential oils? In this video we explain how essential oils work in the brain.

The properties of bergamot essential oil

Below we explain the main indications of this essential oil for health:

Reduces anxiety. The active principles of bergamot act on anxiety and stress. In a study conducted at Kyoto University in Japan, researchers found that bergamot essential oil quickly and effectively improved anxiety symptoms. The feeling of fatigue also decreased.Strengthens the bones. bergamot extract favors the fixation of minerals in the bones, According to a study led by Dr. Simone Perna of the University of Bahrain, published by Food Science & Nutrition.Relieves depression. A study published in the medical journal Current Drug Targets determined that bergamot, like lavender and lemon, were effective in treating depression. In this study, the researchers explain that the oils stimulate the balanced production of neurotransmitters brain dopamine and serotonin.Improve mood. In general, essential oils classified as stimulants tend to improve mood and increase energy levels. Most citrus oils are considered stimulants. A recent study has discovered that bergamot protects neurons against some toxic agents.Remedy against pain. Research published in the medical journal Mini Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry determined that bergamot is useful for pain thanks to a compound called beta-caryophyllene (BCP), which is a cannabinoid similar to those in cannabis. But unlike the THC in cannabis, the BCP in bergamot has no psychoactive effects.Regenerates the collagen of the skin. There is no need to resort to extremely expensive cosmetics, which often contain more toxic than beneficial elements. According to research published in the journal Food Science & Nutrition, bergamot essential oil significantly favors regeneration of skin collagen. Collagen is the protein that is part of the structure of the skin, and also of the tendons and ligaments. Over the years our ability to produce it decreases and the skin loses elasticity, becomes dry and wrinkles and other alterations appear.Regulates blood pressure. There is yet another indication for bergamot oil. According to the study by doctor Simone Perne, the application of the diluted oil on the skin It is able to reduce blood pressure (both high and low).

Check out this other article if you want to know more about the properties of bergamot essential oil.

How to use bergamot essential oil

There are many ways to use essential oils. There is diffusers in the environment of pure oil or diluted in water. You can mix them with water and spray them in the air. Or mix them with an essential oil and apply to the skin with a massage. Some can even be ingested in very small amounts (only those that the manufacturer indicates can be taken orally and indicates the dose).

Regardless of the route of application, it is very important to choose only pure essential oils, if possible, and from organic production. Oils that do not meet these characteristics may be adulterated with synthetic oils and perfumes, or contaminated with toxic pesticides.

Precautions and contraindications

Bergamot oil is quite safe, low allergenic, but before applying it to a large area of ​​the body, dilute a few drops in carrier oil and apply it in a small area from the inside of the forearm.

In some people, bergamot oil can cause the skin to become red. more sensitive to the sun. It is convenient not to expose the treated area to the sun for a period of 3-4 hours.

On the other hand, an ongoing treatment should not be replaced by a therapy with essential oils. without the supervision of a doctor. Essential oils can be an effective complementary treatment.

Several studies warn that it should not be applied to children or pregnant women.

References:

Perna et al. Efficacy of bergamot: From anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative mechanisms to clinical applications as preventive agent for cardiovascular morbidity, skin diseases, and mood alterations. Food Science & Nutrition. You can consult the study here.

Watanabe et al. Effects of bergamot (Citrus bergamia (Risso) Wright & Arn.) essential oil aromatherapy on mood states, parasympathetic nervous system activity, and salivary cortisol levels in 41 healthy females. Forsch Komplementmed. You can consult the study here.

Lv et al. Aromatherapy and the central nerve system (CNS): therapeutic mechanism and its associated genes. Curr Drug Targets. You can consult the study here.

Corasaniti. Cell signaling pathways in the mechanisms of neuroprotection afforded by bergamot essential oil against NMDA-induced cell death in vitro. British Journal of Pharmacology. You can consult the study here.