Bergamot essential oil

An interesting oil with a multitude of uses.

Bergamot is part of the citrus genus, and is, like oranges and lemon, a result of cultivation. Bergamot is a hybrid of bitter orange and lemon, but being extremely bitter and sour, is not edible. The essential oil is made of the skin of the Bergamot fruit.

Sought after in perfumery

The oil is highly valued in the perfume industry and many exquisite perfumes such as Armani My Way, Armaf Club de Nuit for men, Jo Malone Oud & Bergamot, Tom Ford Black Orchid, Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium and Aqua Allegoria Bergamote Calabria by Guerlain, and Jean Paul Gaultier Ultra Male and La Belle for men and women respectively, has it as an ingredient.

If you are interested in learning more about Bergamot in the perfume industry, you’ll find a fascinating article on the subject here.

Earl Grey Tea

Bergamot is responsible for the exquisite taste of Earl Grey tea. Earl Grey Tea is made by adding either the essential oil to black tea leaves, or by mixing some of the Bergamot rind with the black tea leaves. You’ll find the whole history of Earl Grey tea here

Fragrance

Bergamot’s smell is reminiscent of flowers, although the oil is made from the fruit’s skin. The aroma is subtle yet lively.

An interesting quality is that it balances blends - if you’ve misjudged the effect of a particular oil in a blend and find it overpowering, a few drops of Bergamot will restore the blend to a more pleasing aroma. It could also be used to improve the aroma of blends with a strong medicinal smell.

Therapeutic qualities

Emotional

Bergamot offers versatile emotional support since it has an uplifting yet calming effect.  It is used to treat depression, stress, anxiety and stress. Its overall effect is restoring, relaxing and calming.

Use Bergamot to help dissolve unexpressed anger. This is an enormously helpful quality of Bergamot, since pent-up emotions could lead to depression, insomnia, anxiety and mood swings.

The fragrance of Bergamot also helps one to regain self-confidence and is heart-warming. The reassuring fragrance of Bergamot also supports emotionally in times of grief. 

Digestive system

Bergamot treats the underlying stress in anorexia nervosa and is in general helpful for those that lose their appetite due to stress.

Drinking some Earl grey tea after a big meal is quite helpful to assist with digestion, and to relieve flatulence and digestive discomfort.

Combining with...

A combination of Bergamot, Rosemary and Lemongrass or Verbena is mentally stimulating, refreshing, and uplifting.

Combined with jasmine and Ylang ylang, Bergamot is strengthening on the physical level, e.g., when recovering from illness.

Natural affinity.

People with a lighter and joyful approach to life seem to like Bergamot instinctively.

Bergamot people are also often those that care, are considerate and full of energy.

Sources:

Battaglia, S.

The complete guide to aromatherapy, 2 nd edition.

The International Centre of Holistic Aromatherapy, Brisbane, Australia, 2003

P261-262

Fischer-Rizzi, S.

Complete Aromatherapy Handbook, English Edition 1990.

Sterling publishing Company Inc. New York USA. pp 70 - 76.

Disclaimer

The use of essential oils must be done responsibly and does not replace any medical treatment. It is used at your own risk.