Bergamot

Overview:

About Bergamot

Bergamot, typically used as bergamot oil which is extracted from the rinds of citrus fruit (Citrus bergamia) that grow on bergamot orange trees. The bergamot tree likely originated in Southeast Asia.

It first came to prominence and received its name from the town of Bergamo in southern Italy, and it’s currently grown in many parts of the world.

Overview of Benefits:

Bergamot essential oil is well-known for its soothing aromatherapy treatment. Here are a few ways you can use it regularly:

Mix 15-30 drops of bergamot essential oil with a carrier oil to use as a body lotion or for massage.
Add 2-5 drops of Bergamot essential oil to products such as body wash, shampoo, and facial scrubs.
Add bergamot essential oil to scented homemade candles and air fresheners. You can also dab it in vaporizers to distribute its scent in a room or add it to potpourri.
Dab it on a bandana or handkerchief for a soothing scent on the go.

According to a 2017 study, using bergamot oil as part of aromatherapy may be helpful as an adjunct therapy for mental health. However, the study notes additional research is still needed to determine the oil’s large-scale effect and safety.

Health Benefits of Bergamot

Reduces Stress

A small 2015 study done on women in Japan found that inhaled bergamot oil mixed with water vapor reduced feelings of anxiety and fatigue.

A study from 2017 supports this and other earlier findings regarding mental health. Researchers suggest you can use it as a part of an adjunct therapy for mental health.

Helps Fight Food Poisoning

Compounds in bergamot may be effective at destroying bacteria responsible for food-borne illnesses. Older research has found that bergamot oil may be used to help control food-borne illnesses and may provide a better solution compared to using antibiotics and other additives, especially now that bacteria are increasingly becoming antibiotic-resistant.

A 2016 study also tested the effect of different types of bergamot essential oil against strains of Listeria monocytogenes, the bacteria that causes listeriosis infection. Researchers used listeria samples from different sources, including fish and poultry.

The different formulations of bergamot had weak to strong effects on stopping the growth of the different bacteria samples. Given the variability, researchers concluded that bergamot essential oil’s effectiveness against food bacteria should be estimated.

A 2017 study on herbs and the aspergillus fungus also found that bergamot oil possesses antifungal qualities. The oil’s properties can help inhibit fungal growth. Another in vitro 2022 study also found a similar effect on fungus that can contaminate fruit.

This may be particularly helpful in protecting foods from going bad from fungal growth, which may also help reduce the use of artificial preservatives. That said, bergamot oil does not dissolve easily in water and can degrade easily, which may be a roadblock to its use in this area.

Lowers Cholesterol

Numerous studies have found that bergamot oil may be able to reduce cholesterol, according to a 2019 review of studies. A 2016 review of human and animal studies also indicated that flavonoids found in bergamot could help reduce lipid levels. However, the study indicated that the exact mechanism driving this result needs to be clarified.

A 2018 animal study also affirmed this finding. It also found that the polyphenols in bergamot had an anti-inflammatory effect in the livers of rats recovering from nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Reduces Pain and Inflammation

Linalool and carvacrol are compounds found in bergamot oil. A 2017 review of studies analyzed the effects of multiple essential oil compounds on pain response and other conditions in humans and animals.

It found that both linalool and carvacrol had analgesic, anticonvulsant, and anti-inflammatory capabilities when used in a variety of methods that included applying it on the skin.

The review also indicated that the potential toxicological effects of essential oils in humans require further study. Another 2020 study conducted on rats confirmed similar findings.

Bergamot Oil can be irritating to the skin and/or cause allergic reactions. It is recommended to apply a small amount to the skin in one area first to see how you tolerate it prior to using widespread.

Allergic symptoms can include:

Redness
Hives
Burning
Blisters
Pain

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Overview:

About Bergamot

Overview of Benefits:

Health Benefits of Bergamot