Bergamot essential oil is obtained from the rind of the citrus Bergamia, commonly called Bergamot Orange fruit. The pear-shaped, lemon-coloured fruit is the same size as a regular orange. The bergamot is a tropical plant native to Southeast Asia. Still, today it is also grown in Europe, particularly in Italy.
Bergamot oil offers many health benefits. It has analgesic, antiseptic, anti-depressant and deodorant properties, which is beneficial for your overall wellbeing.
This article is for you if you want to know more about bergamot essential oil using bergamot extract.
Is Bergamot a Citrus Essential Oil?
Yes. Bergamot oil is an essential oil that is extracted by cold compressed. Due to its fantastic citrus scent, bergamot oil is primarily used in aromatherapy. This oil is clear, often in green or yellow, and mainly comprised of volatile components. It is often described as a hybrid of lime and sour orange. Simply put, bergamot fruit has a pleasing taste and a pleasant odour.
What Does Bergamot Smell Like?
Belonging to the citrus family, bergamot has that typical sweet-tart smell. It also adds a floral and spicy edge to the classy citrus odour. Its scent is highly unique, which is notable in Earl Grey Tea. Bergamot is an extremely versatile scent and bonds well with other fragrances such as jasmine, sandalwood, rosemary, and vetiver. It also can be used with different citrus scents like lime, grapefruit, lemon, and orange to make distinctive fragrances.
What Effect Does Bergamot Have?
Bergamot oil is predominantly used for mental alertness, anxiety, joint pain, hair care and several other conditions.
Here are more benefits of bergamot fruits in general and bergamot essential oil benefits you should know about:
1) Lowers Cholesterol levels
Bergamot has many health benefits, of which the bergamot cholesterol-lowering effect is notable when inhaling its smell. Bergamot extract is used to lower the risk of cholesterol and other fats in the blood. Researches on bergamot reveal it could significantly reduce blood cholesterol levels naturally. According to researchers and studies, when bergamot was given to the participants involved in the study of bergamot's beneficial effects on cholesterol, they showed considerable improvement within six months. The extract could lower total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides while increasing HDL (good cholesterol).
2) Boost Your Mood
Bergamot essential oil is used mainly in aromatherapy because of its rejuvenating citrus scent. It is delightful and can astonishingly relax your body and mind, reducing anxiety and fatigue and calming your nerves. Studies have proved bergamot scent works as an anti-depressant as it directs the brain to release serotonin and dopamine.
Bergamot oil is a natural remedy if you are experiencing a lack of appetite or sex drive. It is perfect for those low in mood and feeling helpless and lost. Bergamot comes with an exceptional stimulating quality that promotes cheerfulness, a feeling of freshness and enhanced energy. It also improves blood circulation.
3) Alleviate Digestive Discomfort
Bergamot benefits include easing digestive discomfort. Traditional Chinese medicine for digestive issues included bergamot whole fruits and peels. The oil stimulates the secretion of bile and other digestive enzymes, which helps improve nutrient absorption, while its soothing property aids digestion. It also enhances the metabolism rate. Due to its antibacterial quality, bergamot treats food poisoning when eating whole fruits.
4) Calm Pain and Inflammation
Bergamot oil health benefits comprise calming pain and inflammation. The oil significantly reduces the symptoms of muscle aches, sprains, headaches, and more.
According to studies, bergamot oil comes with analgesic properties. A component by name linalool present in bergamot possesses anti-inflammatory and anticonvulsant qualities. These properties of linalool, researchers believe, may help in blocking the sense of pain receptors. It also inhibits the release of the compound responsible for the transmission of nerve impulses.
5) Boost Your Immune System
Bergamot essential oil supports your immune system. It also prevents infections and fights off organisms responsible for causing illness in your body. Studies have proved that bergamot extract enhances the production of white blood cells, boosting your immunity. Another study reveals that the oil, when inhaled in vapour form, can also fight the influenza virus.
How to Use Bergamot Essential Oil?
Here are some ways to use mesmerising bergamot oil.
· Fill your oil diffuser with clean water and add a few drops of bergamot essential oil. Place it in a ventilated area.
Read: Top 5 Tips Where to Place Essential Oil Diffusers
· You can add 10-15 drops of well-diluted bergamot essential oil to your soothing body oil and use it for massages.
*NOT recommended if you have sensitive skin. Please do a skin patch test before using it on your body.
Bergamot side effects
Bergamot oil offers several benefits, but it can cause some side effects in some people. Some allergic reactions bergamot oil can cause are redness, burning sensation, hives, pain and blisters. We advise you to dilute the oil and use it over your forearm first. Observe for 24 hours. Use ONLY a skin-friendly bergamot essential oil if you want to apply it topically.
Recommended Citrus Essential Oils
The best citrus essential oils include Bergamot, Blood orange, Lime, Sweet Orange, and Neroli. If you are looking for good quality bergamot essential oil Singapore, Shiora can be a great place to explore. Shiora Bergamot Essential Oil is strictly NOT for consumption and topical uses. Please ONLY use it for inhaling or add in the oil diffuser to make your home smell good.
Check out Shiora's other Citrus Essential Oil of Citronella Essential Oil and Lemongrass Essential Oil.
You may also like to read: Top Reasons to Use Lemongrass Essential Oil for Your Health and Home