Bergamot Essential Oil: Benefits, Therapeutic Actions, and Everyday Uses
Plant Profile
Essential Oil: Citrus aurantium (L.) or Citrus bergamia (Risso)
Plant Family: Rutaceae
Plant part used: Peel
Aroma: Warm, uplifting citrus with a hint of spice
Therapeutic Actions (Plain Language)
Here are some of the key therapeutic actions of bergamot oil:
- Essential oils that ease or reduce pain when applied to the body externally (Analgesic).
- Essential oils that kill bacteria or slow their growth (Antibacterial).
- Essential oils that lift mood and restore energy when spirits or activity are low (Antidepressant).
- Essential oils that counteract or reduce inflammation in the body (Anti-inflammatory).
- Essential oils that help prevent decay and purify the air by reducing microorganisms (Antiseptic).
- Essential oils that ease nervous tension and help reduce or prevent muscle spasms (Antispasmodic).
- Essential oils that reduce or inhibit the activity and replication of viruses (Antiviral).
- Essential oils that kill harmful bacteria (Bactericidal).
- Essential oils that neutralize and remove unpleasant odours (Deodorant).
- Essential oils that help clear mucus from the lungs and airways (Expectorant).
- Essential oils that help lower body temperature during a fever (Febrifuge).
- Essential oils that strengthen and support the nervous system (Nervine).
- Essential oils that soothe the nervous system and promote relaxation (Sedative).
- Essential oils that boost energy, vitality, and overall strength (Tonic).
Everyday Uses
Bergamot essential oil is loved for its warm, citrus-spice aroma that feels both refreshing and soothing. Its bright scent helps clear the air while gently uplifting the mood, making it a wonderful addition to both relaxation and seasonal routines. Emotionally, bergamot promotes calm confidence and helps ease nervous tension. Physically, it supports a clean, balanced environment with natural deodorizing and purifying qualities.
Use bergamot to help:
- Ease feelings of stress, nervous tension, and irritability.
- Support relaxation and calm during busy or overwhelming days.
- Freshen and deodorize the air with a bright, citrus aroma.
- Promote a balanced atmosphere during seasonal changes.
- Encourage easier breathing and a clear, refreshed feeling in your space.
- Add to a diffuser or room spray for a naturally clean, uplifting scent.
- Use in a warm shower or bath to release tension and lift the mood.
You can find bergamot in both the Unwind Collection, crafted to soothe the senses, calm the mind, and promote emotional balance and the Seasonal Support Collection, designed to refresh the air, support easier breathing, and create a clean, balanced environment through the changing seasons.
Emotional Benefits
Essential oils don’t just influence the body; they can also gently support emotional balance. Below are some commonly recognized associations between aroma and emotion, drawn from traditional aromatherapy practice and educational texts.
- Releasing feelings of anger and frustration
- Calming the mind and easing nervous tension
- Easing feelings of bitterness
- Supporting a sense of uplift during melancholy
- Cultivating calm and confidence in moments of fear
- Encouraging self-acceptance and openness
Cautions
- Patch test before use
- Avoid the eyes
- Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Dilute before applying to the skin
- Bergamot essential oil that is not Bergapten-free (also labelled as “non–FCF” or “expressed”) can cause photosensitivity.
These descriptions are for general educational purposes in aromatherapy and do not replace medical advice.
References
Petersen, D. (2020). Therapeutic Action Guide; ACHS Aromatherapy Department. [20th Edition]. American College of Healthcare Sciences.
Petersen, D. (2022). Aroma 101; Introduction to Aromatherapy. [23rd Edition]. American College of Healthcare Sciences.
Petersen, D. (2022). Aroma 203; Aromatherapy I. [20th Edition]. American
College of Healthcare Sciences.