What is Bergamot Essential Oil Good For?
Bergamot is a popular and versatile oil that is derived from the rind of the bergamot fruit. This oil has been used for centuries in traditional medicine practices and is known for its numerous health benefits, uses, and zesty energizing aroma.
In this article, we will explore the benefits and uses of bergamot essential oil in depth. You’ll discover why this oil should be a staple in your collection of natural remedies. Whether you are a seasoned essential oil user or just starting out, the many bergamot essential oil uses are definitely worth exploring.
A Brief Introduction to Bergamot Oil
Bergamot oil is a highly aromatic essential oil that is extracted from the rind of the bergamot fruit, which is a type of citrus fruit native to Italy. The oil has a fresh, citrusy scent with a floral undertone, making it a popular ingredient in perfumes and colognes.
Bergamot oil has been used for centuries in traditional medicinal practices for its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic (pain-relieving) properties. It is also commonly used as a natural remedy for anxiety, depression, and stress because of it’s bright, uplifting aroma.
In addition to its therapeutic and medicinal benefits, bergamot oil is also used in the food and beverage industry as a flavoring agent, particularly in Earl Grey tea and in aromatherapy and massage therapy for its relaxing and uplifting effects.
What is Bergamot Essential Oil Good For?
Let’s dive into some of the main benefits of bergamot, and we are confident you’ll find a use personalized to you!
Relieves Stress
Bergamot essential oil is known to have a calming and relaxing effect on the mind and body, which can help reduce stress and anxiety. There’s good evidence to suggest that inhaling bergamot essential oil can reduce anxiety and stress levels in patients preparing for stressful events like surgery. A recent study found that different test groups experiencing anxiety drastically felt relief after simply inhaling Bergamot essential oil.
A study performed in Taiwan showed that bergamot essential oil could be used to reduce work-related stress levels in elementary school teachers. This research found that the teachers not only felt less stressed, but also showed a reduced heart rate and lowered blood pressure. The evidence is substantial that bergamot may be the pick for you if you are experiencing high levels or stress and anxiety!
Reduces Pain & Inflammation
Bergamot essential oil has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that can help reduce pain caused by injury and chronic inflammation. One study found that bergamot essential oil can inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (cells that prohibit the body’s ability to reduce inflammation on its on) and reduce pain in mice. There’s also growing evidence to suggest that bergamot essential oil can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in human cells.
Fights High Cholesterol
Another benefit of bergamot essential oil is its ability to fight high cholesterol. Multiple studies have indicated that bergamot oil can lower overall cholesterol levels. It also appears that bergamot oil can go even further, reducing the levels of only bad cholesterol (LDL) and potentially even increasing the levels of good cholesterol (HDL).
Treats Food Poisoning
There’s a reason why so many antibacterial products are citrus-scented, and it’s not just for the delightfully fresh aroma! Citrus oils, including bergamot essential oil, contain a compound called linalool. Linalool has antibacterial properties and can prevent the growth of certain bacteria that often cause food poisoning, including E. coli and Listeria. This is why one of the bergamot essential oil uses is as an essential oil for upset stomachs.
Uplifts Mood & Reduces Depression
The scent of bergamot essential oil is very fresh and uplifting. This alone can help improve your mood and reduce the symptoms of depression. Pro tip: Try making a soothing and relaxing essential oil blend with bergamot oil and lavender oil and applying to pulse points to instantly improve your mood. Mixing essential oils is a great way to see even more additional benefits of bergamot!
Treats Certain Skin Conditions
One quite common use of bergamot oil is for treating skin conditions like acne and psoriasis making it a valuable addition to your skin care routine. In animal models, bergamot oil has been shown to increase the amount of collagen in the skin (making it one of the best anti-aging oils) and decrease the number of psoriatic plaques (dry, itchy skin patches covered in scales). It is also considered one of the best essential oils for dry skin.
Keeps Hair Healthy
Believe it or not, bergamot essential oil is one of the most effective essential oils for hair growth. One study performed on shaved mice found that applying bergamot oil to the shaved area for six weeks promoted hair growth that was significantly faster than in mice where bergamot oil was not applied. Not only can bergamot oil help with hair growth, it’s also a great essential oil for dry scalp conditions too.
Deodorize & Cleanse a Space
If you’re looking for essential oils that clean the air, bergamot oil is a great option. With a refreshingly zesty scent, bergamot essential oil can leave your home or car smelling fresh and clean. If you’re trying to remove any unwanted odors or mustiness, it’s also perfect for that too. Plus, its antimicrobial properties will also help to cleanse the air around you and make it a fantastic oil to add to cleaning or odor-removing products.
Boosts the Digestive System
Bergamot helps to improve digestion by increasing the amount of digestive enzymes and acid released into the stomach. This helps the body to break down food into nutrients more efficiently, making bergamot oil a fantastic essential oils for energy production and to ease the affects of acid reflux.
How to Use Bergamot
Can You Apply Bergamot Oil Directly to the Skin?
It is important to remember to use caution when applying any essential oil directly to the skin. In some cases it’s not safe since some pure essential oils are extremely concentrated and powerful and can burn the skin. In other cases it’s simply because they are not absorbed through the skin very efficiently when applied directly. Instead, carrier oils are commonly used to dilute essential oils first, then this combination is applied to the skin to give you the best benefits from the oil.
Some of the best carrier oils for essential oils include coconut oil, jojoba oil, aloe vera gel, or grapeseed oil. All you’ll need to do is add a few drops of bergamot oil into your carrier oil of choice, and then you can safely apply the mixture to any area of your skin. You can massage essential oils into your skin for a soothing, relaxing feel.
If you’re still wondering how to use bergamot oil, another option is to use an essential oil roll on. Simply put 40-50 drops into a 10 mL roll-on bottle and fill the rest with a carrier oil, and you’ll always have a pre-diluted option on hand. This can safely be applied to your skin, and is so easy to leave in your handbag, car, or at your desk at work.
It is important to note that when using citrus-based essential oils topically, you’ll want to avoid prolonged sun exposure to the area for at least 12 hours. The sun can react with the oil and cause severe burns.
Can you Diffuse Bergamot?
Another way to enjoy the benefits of bergamot essential oil is through diffusion into the air. A diffuser for essential oils is extremely easy and effective to use. Not sure how to use bergamot oil in a diffuser? All you need to do is add a few drops of bergamot oil to the water in your diffuser, then let the diffuser do the work and gently release the oil into the air while you’re working, relaxing on the couch, or even sleeping!
Other Tips for How to Use Bergamot Oil
As well as using bergamot oil by itself, you can enjoy bergamot benefits by combining this essential oil with other oils to create a powerful essential oil blend. Try adding two drops of bergamot oil and two drops of lavender oil to your favorite carrier oil. Rub this mixture onto your wrists and the back of your neck to calm and soothe your body before bed.
You can also add a couple of drops of bergamot oil to a glass of water, and create your own deliciously refreshing mouthwash. Plus, if you add bergamot oil to a cup of regular black tea, you’ll both give it a delicious Earl Grey flavor and enjoy all the bergamot benefits.
Potential Side Effects & Precautions of Using Bergamot Essential Oil
As we already mentioned, make sure you don’t apply bergamot essential oil directly to your skin. Dilute it in a suitable carrier oil first, then apply the diluted mixture to your skin to safely enjoy the benefits of bergamot essential oil. If you haven’t used bergamot oil before, apply it to a small area of your skin first, to make sure you don’t experience any side effects like redness, itchiness, or irritation.
Bergamot oil generally doesn’t have any side effects, but it’s worth mentioning that this oil has not been thoroughly tested on children. While a diffuser is perfectly safe to use around kids, ingesting bergamot oil or applying it topically might not be safe for young children.
Final Thoughts on the Bergamot Essential Oil Benefits & Uses
This incredible essential oil has many amazing benefits for your skin, hair, mind, digestive system, and almost every other aspect of your health. The best part is that bergamot essential oil is so easy to use! All you need to do is add a few drops to a carrier oil, diffuser, or beverage.
At REVIVE, we have 100% pure, therapeutic-grade bergamot essential oil that contains no synthetic fillers and is never tested on animals. With our safe, pure, top-rated bergamot oil, you can experience the incredible benefits of this magic oil for yourself!
You can also buy essential oil products at REVIVE, including an essential oils kit to create your own special blends of essential oil mixtures. REVIVE also offers USDA organic essential oils, as well as CBD essential oils, diffusers, rollers, and everything else you could need. Not only are our retail prices unbeatable for therapeutic-grade essential oils, but REVIVE is also an essential oil wholesale distributor for bulk purchases.
Discover the incredible health benefits of bergamot essential oil. Get yours at REVIVE today!
