Bergamot essential oil is obtained from the peel or skin of the Citrus bergamia risso, a citrus fruit that resembles an orange in size. It was originally extracted from this fruit by manual cold pressing the skin or by steam distillation, but in recent times, machines are available to help in the extraction process.
In the eighteenth century, bergamot essential oil became famous as a constituent of perfumes made by Johann Maria Farina called Eau de cologne. It is also famous as a flavoring for food and tea and was used in cosmetics. It is cultivated in parts of Italy, Morocco, Argentina, and The Ivory Coast, though today you can find it in many more locations.
It possesses a sweet orange citrus scent and is commonly added to body lotion for its purifying properties.
Health Benefits and Uses
Bergamot oil has numerous benefits that make it one of the most useful oils out there. Its volatile fraction is versatile enough to be used aromatically, applied topically, or even ingested under the right circumstances.
1. Keeps Blood Pressure In Check
When an individual develops high blood pressure, there is increased pressure on the heart and the surrounding blood vessels. Bergamot essential oil is useful in lowering blood pressure by relaxing these vessels. The effect of this essential oil may be noticed when a few drops are massaged onto the temple. In one study, it was discovered that combining Bergamot essential oil with other essential oils in a blend is effective in reducing the effect of psychological stress responses and blood pressure. The subjects in the research had primary hypertension, and this blend of essential oil significantly lowered their blood pressure.
2. Promotes Healthy Skin
Some scars can be embarrassing, and it may be traumatic to tell the story behind them. As such, individuals look for ways to get rid of them. Bergamot essential oil is a natural remedy for fading scars, reducing the need for cosmetic surgery.
Its antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties make it suitable for improving skin tone and preventing common conditions. Painful cysts, pimples, acne and other conditions characterized by skin inflammation can also be treated with bergamot oil. May also help with treating warts.
3. Protects the Teeth
Bacteria in the mouth is responsible for tooth decay or cavities. Regular use of Bergamot essential oils is effective against the germs in the mouth; hence, it may be found in mouthwashes. To improve its germ-fighting potential, a few drops of bergamot oil can be added to toothpaste and used to brush the teeth. When used as a mouthwash, this essential oil may be capable of cleansing the mouth, relieving toothaches, soothing sore gums and removing plaque. Its citrus-like fragrance may also help neutralize bad breath and leave the mouth fresh.
4. Fights Infections
Possessing antibacterial properties, bergamot essential oil can rid the body of harmful bacteria. It may also be helpful in preventing the adverse effects of food poisoning. Some of the signs of a yeast infection like candida include bad breath and joint pains. Use of bergamot oil can help treat the symptoms of yeast infections.
To fight infections using bergamot essential oil, a few drops could be massaged onto the skin of the neck and the temples. Infections can also lead to fevers, characterized by high body temperature. Use of bergamot essential oil can reduce body temperature and increase metabolic rate. If you decide to consume the oil, be sure to get your hands on food-grade oil suitable for consumption.
5. Alleviates Depression
Fatigue, loss of appetite, low libido, and lack of focus are all signs of depression. Bergamot essential oil is a natural remedy for depression since it has stimulating properties. It works to alleviate depression by improving circulation around the body thus providing increased energy and stimulating happiness.
As a relaxant, the bergamot essential oil may help reduce nervous tension as well as stress, thus providing relief from anxiety with a calming action. In one study, bergamot oil was found to reduce secretions of cortisol, the stress hormone, and that when inhaled together with water vapor, psychological and physiological benefits are experienced in a short time.
6. Helps Digestion
By increasing the secretion of digestive juices, bergamot essential oil can improve the rate at which food is digested and prevent indigestion from occurring. The entire digestive process is also quickened as this essential oil may help regulate peristaltic activity so that the right amount of contractions are generated to help push ingested food along the digestive tract.
It may also assist with proper absorption of nutrients from food. Gastrointestinal (GIT) disorders and fluid retention can cause bloating and discomfort, but by applying this essential oil regularly bloating may be prevented.
7. Moisturizes the Scalp
Irritation of the scalp can result when there is dirt, oil buildup or even infection. The scalp needs to be moisturized regularly so that hair growth is stimulated, and a natural way to achieve healthy hair is to use the bergamot essential oil. It is antibacterial and antifungal in nature; thus it can kill off bacteria and fungi that affect the hairline.
When applied to the scalp, this essential oil may be able to stimulate the hair follicles to grow hair. Apart from moisturizing and cleansing the scalp, bergamot oil is also used to add shine to dull, dry hair.
8. May Lower Cholesterol
Bergamot has been shown to reduce low-density lipoproteins (LDL) or bad cholesterol and raise the level of good cholesterol (High-density lipoproteins or HDL) in the body. By lowering LDL levels, bergamot essential oil helps protect the heart since excess LDL levels may cause the arteries to clog and may lead to severe disease conditions like stroke and circulatory problems.
Again, by stimulating the production of HDL, bergamot oil proves to be good for the heart. Its antioxidant properties may be responsible for its ability to reduce LDL levels. In recent studies, bergamot oil was shown to have fewer side effects than drugs made to lower cholesterol such as the statins.
9. Relieves Pain
Aches and pains can easily be treated by topical application of Bergamot essential oil. It has analgesic properties that may help relieve pain quickly. Muscle spasms may also be managed with bergamot oil since it is antispasmodic.
In one study, this essential oil significantly decreased the sensitivity of the nerves to pain; thus it is useful in the treatment of headaches, menstrual cramps and even neuropathy. Bergamot essential oil is an effective natural method of managing pain while avoiding the dangerous side effects associated with the use of synthetic painkillers.
10. Treats Respiratory Ailments
A natural home remedy for coughs and other respiratory ailments is the bergamot aromatherapy oil. It readily kills off microbes that cause respiratory conditions and can help clear the nasal passages when inhaled.
By helping to loosen up phlegm and mucus that block the airways, the bergamot essential oil is a natural expectorant. To treat respiratory conditions, the bergamot oil may be inhaled, or a few drops can be applied to the chest area.
FAQ
Does Bergamot Oil Need To Be Mixed With A Carrier Oil?
Yes, bergamot oil should be mixed with a carrier in order to reduce the risk of dermatitis or sensitivity reactions occurring.
Can Bergamot Essential Oil Be Ingested?
Cold pressed food grade bergamot is used as an additive and safe for consumption, but unless you are positive this is what you have, do not attempt to consume undiluted forms of the oil as they have not been confirmed safe for human consumption.
Can I Go Into The Sun With Bergamot Oil On?
It is a better idea to not go into direct sunlight or receive unnecessary sun exposure while you have it on. It tends to increase sensitivity to the sun and UV rays and can trigger nasty reactions. To avoid phototoxicity, cover exposed areas or avoid direct rays altogether.
Where Can I Buy Bergamot Essential Oil?
For the highest quality essential oils, one of the first things to look for is if it was cold-pressed. This may cost more, but you will save in the long run by only having to use one to two drops at a time for the desired effect.
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Conclusion
Bergamot oil has been reported to be responsible for phototoxic reactions that leave the skin sensitive to sunlight. Thus, a good plan of action is to use it at night, being sure to wash off from the skin upon waking. Alternatively, cover areas of the body that you may be applying the oil.
Regardless, Bergamot essential oil has benefits that make it worthy of your time. It is not extremely popular, but is obtainable in most parts of the world.