Essential Oil - Bergamot
Essential Oil – Bergamot
Botanical Information
Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) belongs to the Rutaceae family and is a small evergreen tree that grows to approximately 4.5 metres in height. It has smooth, oval-shaped leaves and produces small, round fruits that ripen from green to yellow, resembling miniature oranges. The plant is also known by its botanical synonym Citrus aurantium subsp. bergamia. It should not be confused with the herb bergamot or bee balm (Monarda didyma), which is an entirely different plant.
Distribution and Traditional Uses
Bergamot is native to tropical Asia but is cultivated extensively in Calabria, southern Italy, where the highest-quality essential oil is produced. It is also grown commercially in the Ivory Coast.
The name “Bergamot” is derived from the Italian city of Bergamo, where the essential oil was first marketed. Traditionally, the oil has been used in Italian folk medicine to help relieve fever, including malaria, and to eliminate intestinal worms. Modern research has expanded its reputation, demonstrating its usefulness in supporting skin health, respiratory function, oral hygiene, and urinary tract wellness.
Essential Oil and Characteristics
Bergamot essential oil is obtained through cold expression of the peel of nearly ripe fruits. A rectified or bergapten-free version is also produced through vacuum distillation or solvent extraction to reduce phototoxicity.
The oil is a light greenish-yellow liquid with a fresh, sweet, fruity fragrance complemented by a delicate spicy-balsamic undertone. As it ages, the colour gradually changes to a brownish-olive shade. Bergamot blends beautifully with lavender, neroli, jasmine, cypress, geranium, lemon, chamomile, juniper, coriander, and violet essential oils.
Chemical Composition
Bergamot essential oil contains approximately 300 naturally occurring compounds. Its principal constituents include linalyl acetate (30–60%), linalool (11–22%), along with other alcohols, sesquiterpenes, terpenes, alkanes, and naturally occurring furocoumarins, including bergapten (0.30–0.39%).
Therapeutic Benefits
Bergamot essential oil possesses analgesic, anthelmintic, antidepressant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antitoxic, carminative, digestive, diuretic, deodorant, febrifuge, laxative, parasiticidal, stimulant, stomachic, tonic, vermifuge, vulnerary, and rubefacient properties.
In aromatherapy, it is highly valued for supporting healthy skin and is commonly used to help manage acne, boils, eczema, psoriasis, cold sores, insect bites, oily skin, wounds, and minor skin irritations. It also promotes oral and respiratory health by helping relieve bad breath, sore throats, tonsillitis, and mouth infections. For digestive wellness, Bergamot may help reduce flatulence and stimulate appetite. It is also traditionally used to support urinary tract health in cases of cystitis, thrush, leucorrhoea, and itching. Emotionally, its fresh citrus aroma is widely appreciated for reducing anxiety, stress, nervous tension, and mild depression while uplifting mood and promoting emotional balance.
Safety and Precautions
Bergamot essential oil contains naturally occurring furocoumarins, particularly bergapten, which can make the skin highly sensitive to sunlight. When applied to the skin, exposure to direct sunlight or ultraviolet light may cause pigmentation changes, irritation, or phototoxic reactions. For topical use, a bergapten-free (FCF) Bergamot oil is generally recommended. Aside from its phototoxic potential, Bergamot essential oil is generally considered relatively non-toxic and non-irritating when properly diluted.
Industrial Uses
Bergamot essential oil is one of the world’s most important fragrance ingredients and is extensively used in perfumes, cosmetics, toiletries, soaps, and suntan products. It is a signature ingredient in traditional Eau de Cologne formulations because of its bright, refreshing citrus aroma. The oil is also widely used as a flavouring agent in confectionery, beverages, and numerous food products, most famously in Earl Grey tea.
