Essential Oil Database

Botanical Nomenclature: Citrus bergamia
Extraction Method: Cold Pressing

Bergamot essential oil, like all other citrus oils, is too delicate to be distilled. The essential oil of this small fruit is, instead, forced out of the peel through a mechanical procedure aromatherapists call “cold pressing”. In many ways, citrus oils like bergamot are the only “true” essential oils because they contain no solvent residues and haven’t been exposed the potentially damaging heat used in distillation.

Native to a small area of southern Italy, the tree that gives us bergamot is now grown throughout the Mediterranean. The fruit that this small tree produces is too bitter for human consumption but the essential oils contained in the fruit’s peel is one of the most important oils in all of aromatherapy.

Characteristics of Bergamot Oil

Bergamot essential oil has a distinctive citrus scent that’s similar to orange oil but less sweet and with hints of grassy undertones. A good bergamot should be lightly colored and may range from very light green to yellow.

Psychological Aromatherapy

Like other citrus oils, bergamot is regarded as an anti-depressant, uplifting and happy oil. Sometimes called the “grown-up’s orange” bergamot is similar to orange oil but smells far less sweet.

Traditional Uses for Bergamot Oil

Traditionally, bergamot’s most popular use was as a flavoring for Earl Grey tea. But bergamot is believed to have therapeutic properties, too. Essential oil expert Salvatore Battaglia tells us that bergamot oil is:

• Analgesic
• Antidepressant
• Anti-Microbial
• Carminative
• Digestive
• Sedative
• Febrifuge
• Nervine
• Stomachic
• Tonic

Scientific Studies on Bergamot Oil

Fungal Infections

A number of in vitro studies have found bergamot essential oil effective against many of the most common species of dermatophytes. One of the most notable studies was a 2007 Italian study that ultimately suggested that bergamot oil may be an effective topical treatment for Candida and other common nail and skin infections.

Antibacterial Properties

Bergamot has long been known to have anti-microbial properties. A 2006 study of essential oil vapors confirmed this when it found bergamot essential oil the most effective citrus oil tested against common species of bacteria, including E. coli, Campylobacter and Listeria.

Safety Issues

Like many other citrus oils, bergamot is a phototoxic oil. The International Fragrance Research Association advises that bergamot not exceed 0.04% of any formula that is allowed to stay on the skin.

In a 2001 study from Austria, researchers cite two separate instances in which bergamot oil caused phototoxic and melanogenic reactions. One patient reported no prior direct contact with any essential oil but experienced a reaction after diffusing bergamot oil in a sauna then using a tanning bed.

References:

Battaglia, S. (2005). The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy.

Sanguinetti, M., et al. (2007). In vitro activity of Citrus bergamia (bergamot) oil against clinical isolates of dermatophytes.

Fisher, K., et al. (2007). The effect of lemon, orange and bergamot essential oils and their components on the survival of Campylobacter jejuni, Escherichia coli O157, Listeria monocytogenes, Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus in vitro and in food systems.

Kaddu, S., et al. (2001). Accidental bullous phototoxic reactions to bergamot aromatherapy oil.