Benefits & Uses of Bergamot Essential Oil
Citrusy, fresh, and slightly sweet, bergamot essential oil is loved by many for its soothing and uplifting effects on the body and mind. The bergamot fruit itself has a rich history and was used for centuries in Italian folk medicine and Ayurvedic medicine to treat various maladies. Today it’s a popular ingredient in Earl Grey tea, candles, cosmetics, and body care products such as soaps, shampoos, and perfumes. Keep reading to discover where bergamot oil comes from and how you can benefit from adding it to your beauty and wellness routine.
What Is Bergamot Essential Oil?
Bergamot essential oil is derived from the small pear-shaped fruit of the bergamot tree, which is a member of the Rutaceae family. A mix between lime, lemon, and orange, the name “bergamot” is thought to come from Bergamo, a city in Italy where it's widely grown, used, and sold. In fact, the Calabria region of Italy makes 80% of the world’s bergamot essential oil.
One of the most delicate citrus trees, bergamot grows surprisingly well in Mediterranean climates, despite being a tropical plant. However, it must be protected in cold weather and from frosts. The tree will not yield any fruit until it is at least three years old, with the prime of its bounty occurring at 12 years. In the spring, white blossoms adorn the tree, which then turns into fruit in the summer. These fruits are generally handpicked at optimal ripeness in the fall and winter months. The peels are then cold-pressed to yield 100% pure essential oil.
Benefits of Bergamot Essential Oil
From soothing irritated skin to promoting a sense of calm, bergamot essential oil comes with many benefits for the mind, body, and spirit. Below are some of the top perks of using it.
Bergamot Essential Oil Benefits for the Skin
- Evens skin tone
- Cleanses and soothes minor cuts and scrapes
- Relieves itchiness and irritation
- Promotes clear skin
Bergamot Essential Oil Benefits for the Hair
- Cleanses scalp, removing flakiness, grime, and dirt
- Adds shine and luster
- Tames curls and frizz
Bergamot Essential Oil Benefits for the Mood
- Promotes calm and clarity
- Aids in more restful sleep
- Eases anxious or worried thoughts
- Relieves tension
- Uplifting
How to Use Bergamot Essential Oil
Ready to start using bergamot essential oil? Here are some ways to use it on your body, for your mind, and for your home.
For the body
- Add 2 drops to ½ teaspoon of aloe-vera gel and use it as a spot treatment directly on blemishes.
- Mix 4 drops of bergamot essential oil with 1 tablespoon of baobab oil and massage it on sore muscles to ease stress and tension.
- Mix 3 drops of bergamot essential oil and 1 tablespoon of argan oil and massage into your scalp to cleanse and relieve itchiness.
- Mix 2 drops of bergamot essential oil with ½ teaspoon of jojoba oil and apply to minor cuts and scrapes.
- Add 4 drops of bergamot essential oil to 1 tablespoon of conditioner and wash hair to promote shiny locks.
- Add 2 drops of bergamot essential oil to ½ teaspoon of marula oil and apply to the chest to aid in easy breathing.
- Mix 2 drops of bergamot essential oil with 1 teaspoon of witch hazel, dab with a cotton ball and use it to tone skin.
For the mind
- Add 3 drops of bergamot essential oil and 3 drops of lavender essential oil to your diffuser along with water (as directed) to calm the mind.
For the home
- Add 3 drops of bergamot essential oil, 2 drops of cedarwood essential oil, and 5 drops of argan oil to an essential oil candle burner and light candle to create a relaxing and refreshing environment.
- Fill a medium-sized spray bottle with 1 cup of white vinegar, 3 cups of water, 8 drops of bergamot essential oil, and 8 drops or orange essential oil. Shake and spray on kitchen and bathroom countertops and wipe clean.
Best Essential Oils to Blend with Bergamot Essential Oil
The bright citrus scent of bergamot essential oil can be complemented by other citrus varieties, in addition to floral or spicy essential oils. Here are some of our favorites to pair.
- Lavender essential oil
- Orange essential oil
- Rosemary essential oil
- Rosemary essential oil
- Black pepper essential oil
How to Safely Use Bergamot Essential Oil
Cliganic Bergamot Essential Oil is safe to use on the skin and does not cause any photosensitivity. We have gone the extra step and removed a certain molecule called bergaptene. This molecule can cause severe skin distress if bergamot essential oils is applied directly to the skin, without a carrier oil, and exposed to the sun. In general, all citrus oils should be used moderately topically if you plan to spend a long time outdoors, as their unique chemical composition can cause the skin to be more susceptible to sunburn. Pregnant women should avoid using bergamot essential oil and it should be used with caution around pets and children. Never apply bergamot essential oil to the skin directly and always combine it with carrier oil before use. It’s best to conduct a skin patch test before applying it to a larger area. Bergamot essential oil should only be applied topically or inhaled, and not ingested. For more essential oil safety tips, take a look at this article.
All About Cliganic Bergamot Essential Oil
Cliganic Bergamot Essential Oil is 100% pure and sourced from Italy. It is made from cold-pressing bergamot peels. It has a fresh citrus aroma that is very uplifting. As with all Cliganic products, it’s free of chemicals, parabens, SLS, or other artificial ingredients, and cruelty-free.
Closing Thoughts
Bergamot essential oil is a fantastic citrus variety to add to your aromatherapy collection. It’s great for the skin, hair, and scalp when used topically, and can be wonderfully calming when inhaled. Similar to other citrus essential oils, bergamot essential oil can be irritating to some people, so it’s best to test it out before using a large amount. To learn more about citrus essential oils, take a look at this article: Benefits of Orange Essential Oil.