There are so many benefits when using bergamot essential oil it’s no surprise that it is so popular.
When I speak with people about their favourite essential oils, bergamot is always very high on the list. It’s sweet, slightly fruity-floral aroma provides a burst of freshness and immediately makes us feel joyful, comforted and cozy.
Used to flavour Earl Grey Tea, part of bergamot’s appeal may be due to its familiarity in many households. As a kid growing up, we often had tea after dinner, and most of the time it was Earl Grey.
Bergamot essential oil comes to us from the cold pressed rind of the citrus fruit. It’s citrus tree has star shaped flowers and dark green leaves.
Although Italy produces a large portion of bergamot essential oil, it also grows in the Ivory Coast, Morocco, Corsica, and Guinea. Historically, it was used to treat fevers.
Bergamot is a top note, a light scent that will evaporate more quickly than deeper notes, but it will bring you therapeutic benefit before it does.
Soothing Skincare
Bergamot essential oil’s versatile properties extend into the realm of skincare. Its antiseptic qualities make it beneficial for fighting acne. Of course, not only is bergamot beneficial for oily skin, but it can also be used in products for oily hair and scalp.
Yet bergamot is also soothing and can offer relief for conditions like psoriasis and eczema.
Known to be wound-healing, bergamot supports skin regeneration and recovery, making it a valuable addition to skincare formulations.
Looking to soothe skin infections? Look no further than bergamot. Its natural antifungal properties provide a gentle yet effective solution for various skin infections.
When combined with lavender and tea tree oils, bergamot can even contribute to alleviating the discomfort associated with shingles.
Caution:
As much as bergamot can be beneficial in skincare remedies, we must approach this application with care. Bergamot is one of the most phototoxic essential oils. Use it in your products with mindfulness and awareness. Exposure to UV light after using bergamot can result in severe skin damage, leading to prolonged healing times or permanent scarring. Opting for FCF-free Bergamot or avoiding its use before sun exposure altogether can mitigate these risks, ensuring that your skincare routine remains safe and effective. Don’t worry. I’ll go into this in more detail, providing you with a guide on the safer use of bergamot essential oil.
Emotionally Uplifting
Bergamot essential oil has a positive effect on us emotionally. It is incredibly uplifting and with antidepressant properties, it serves as a gentle yet effective remedy for easing stress and promoting relaxation. By targeting the central nervous system, bergamot encourages the release of pent-up emotions, offering solace for anxiety. By soothing the restless, anxious mind, bergamot may help you to alleviate insomnia. Its calming effect extends to easing irritability and mood swings, promoting a sense of tranquility and emotional balance.
Incorporate bergamot into a luxurious bath soak or blend it into a massage oil. Bergamot envelops the senses in a cozy blanket of relaxation, relieving muscle tension and promoting a state of calm.
The citrus oils are all helpful on cold, grey and gloomy days, and bergamot is no exception. Its bright aroma may provide support for those experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder, infusing the spirit with renewed vitality and resilience. Bergamot can also provide emotional support during times sorrow, offering comfort and lightening the burden of grief,
Bergamot lightens the heart, while instilling a sense of confidence and quieting self-critical thinking, helping to provide self-assurance.
Pain relieving
Bergamot provides relief from muscle pain, especially due to tension. You will love it in a topical application to relieve tension and discomfort.
Vintage Perfume
Since the 16th century, bergamot has been used as a perfume, and is one of the key ingredients in eau-de-cologne. Check out my recipe below to make your own!
Digestive Relief
Like many citrus oil, bergamot essential oil can be beneficial to ease digestive distress. It’s pain relieving and antispasmodic properties make it a great choice for digestive discomforts. Combine it with chamomile, and your favourite carrier oil, such as jojoba oil, to create a soothing tummy rub.
Did you know that bergamot can also be used for loss of appetite? Create a personal inhaler or diffuse it in your space for 30 minutes.
How to Care for Bergamot Oil
As delicate top notes, citrus oils tend to oxidize quickly. Therefore it is important that you store this essential oil well to get the most out of it. Bergamot essential oil should be stored in an amber bottle in a cool dark space. You may be able to extend the shelf life of your oil by transferring half bottles to a smaller container to minimize the amount of air that is in your bottle. By limiting its exposure to air, you will limit it’s ability to oxidize.
Safety First
Bergamot essential oil is one of the most highly phototoxic oils. It contains chemical components called furanocoumarins. These chemical components are what cause the essential oil to create adverse skin reactions when exposed to UV light. It is important to know that this means both sun exposure as well as tanning beds. When purchasing bergamot essential oil look for FCF on the label. This means that the oil has gone through a special processing method and is furanocoumarin free.
So many people love bergamot that I hope you will enjoy experimenting with the recipes below.
Recipes
Digestive Ease Tummy Oil
What you need:
- 30 ml glass bottle or PET plastic bottle
- Vinyl gloves
- 30 grams jojoba oil
- 5 drops Bergamot essential oil
- 3 drops Peppermint essential oil
- 1 drop Fennel essential oil
Instructions:
- Begin by ensuring your work area is clean and free from any contaminants.
- Put on vinyl gloves to maintain hygiene and prevent skin irritation.
- Carefully pour 30 grams of jojoba oil into the glass bottle using a funnel for precision.
- Add 5 drops of Bergamot essential oil, 3 drops of Peppermint essential oil, and 1 drop of Fennel essential oil into the glass bottle containing the jojoba oil.
- Seal the bottle tightly with its cap and shake gently to blend the oils thoroughly.
- Store the tummy oil in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight.
- Before each use, give the bottle a gentle shake to ensure the oils are evenly distributed.
- To apply, dispense a small amount of the tummy oil onto your fingertips and gently massage onto the abdomen in a clockwise motion.
- Use as needed for digestive discomfort or to promote digestive ease.
- Experience the soothing relief of this bergamot tummy oil, crafted to ease digestive distress and restore balance to your well-being.
Relaxing Bergamot Bath Salt
What you need:
- 1 cup Epsom salt
- ½ cup sea salt
- ½ cup baking soda
- 1 tablespoon unscented liquid soap
- 5 drops Bergamot essential oil
- 4 drops Frankincense essential oil
- 4 drops Sweet Orange essential oil
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the Epsom salt, sea salt, and baking soda.
- Add the liquid soap and 5 drops each of Bergamot, Frankincense, and Sweet Orange essential oils to the salt mixture.
- Stir the ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution of the essential oils.
- Transfer the scented bath salts into a clean, airtight container for storage.
Usage:
- To use, add ½ to 1 cup of the bath salts to warm running water as you fill your bathtub.
- Stir the water to help dissolve the salts and release the aroma of the essential oils.
- Relax and soak in the fragrant bath for 20-30 minutes, allowing the therapeutic properties of the essential oils to soothe your body and mind.
- After bathing, rinse off with clean water and pat dry.
Note: Adjust the amount of bath salts used according to personal preference and the size of your bathtub. Enjoy the rejuvenating experience of this citrus-infused bath blend, perfect for unwinding after a long day.
Citrus Blossom Vintage Eau-de-Cologne
Ingredients:
- 3 drops Bergamot essential oil
- 3 drops Lemon essential oil
- 3 drops Sweet Orange essential oil
- 3 drops Rose essential oil
- 2 drops Rosemary essential oil
- 2 drops Lavender essential oil
- 1 drop Petitgrain essential oil
- 1 drop Clove essential oil
- 30 ml witch hazel
- 20 ml water
Instructions:
- Prepare a clean and sterilized glass bottle with a tight-fitting mister.
- Carefully add 50 ml of witch hazel to the glass bottle.
- Add the essential oils one by one, starting with Bergamot, Lemon, Sweet Orange, Rose, Rosemary, Lavender, Petitgrain, and finally, Clove.
- Close the bottle tightly and shake well to thoroughly blend the essential oils with the alcohol.
- Let the mixture sit for at least 24 hours to allow the scents to meld together and develop.
- After 24 hours, give the bottle another shake and test the scent. Adjust the essential oil quantities if necessary to achieve your desired fragrance balance.
- Store the eau-de-cologne in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight.
- To use, apply a small amount to pulse points such as wrists, neck, and behind the ears for a refreshing and uplifting fragrance.
This eau-de-cologne recipe offers a delightful blend of citrus and floral notes with hints of herbaceous and spicy undertones. Adjust the proportions of essential oils according to personal preference, keeping in mind the desired balance of scents. Enjoy the aroma of this homemade cologne, perfect for everyday wear or special occasions.
