Organic Bergamot Essential Oil

Organic Bergamot
Citrus bergamia

Source: Organic Whole Peel
Origin: Italy
Energetics: Yin
Extraction Method: Cold Pressed
Scent: A refreshing, sweet, citrus aroma.
Blends Well With: Rose Damascena, Frankincense, Vetiver, Melissa, Clary Sage and Cypress. It is a top note. 

About

Bergamot essential oil, derived from the citrus fruit Citrus bergamia, is prized for its delightful citrus aroma and numerous therapeutic properties. With its bright, refreshing scent, bergamot oil is widely used in aromatherapy to uplift mood, promote relaxation, and reduce stress and anxiety. Its antiseptic and skin-regenerating properties make it beneficial for skincare, helping to cleanse and tone the skin while promoting a healthy complexion. Bergamot essential oil is also valued for its digestive and respiratory support, making it a versatile addition to natural wellness routines. Whether diffused, applied topically, or used in massage blends, bergamot essential oil offers a fragrant and rejuvenating experience, making it a popular choice for holistic health enthusiasts.

Please be aware that bergamot oil is sometimes extended with the addition of less expensive oils such as lemon oil, rectified and/or acetylated ho oil and the like. Our bergamot oil is pure and natural and is not unadulterated or extended. For more information on this please read information from Tony Burfield.

Ayurvedic Uses

In Ayurveda, Bergamot essential oil, known as "Bergamota Taila," holds significance for its diverse therapeutic properties. Bergamot oil is commonly used to balance the "Pitta" dosha, helping to alleviate symptoms associated with excess heat, such as irritability, anger, and inflammation. Its citrusy aroma is believed to uplift mood and promote mental clarity, making it beneficial for reducing stress and anxiety. Bergamot oil is also valued for its cooling and calming effects, supporting emotional balance and relaxation. Additionally, it is used in skincare for its purifying and rejuvenating properties, promoting healthy skin and a radiant complexion. 

Historical Snippets

Bergamot essential oil has a fascinating historical background dating back centuries. The bergamot fruit, Citrus bergamia, is believed to be a hybrid of lemon and bitter orange and was originally cultivated in Southern Italy. The name "bergamot" is derived from the Italian city of Bergamo, where the fruit was first sold. Bergamot oil gained popularity in the 18th century for its delightful citrus scent and was extensively used in perfumery. Notably, it became a key ingredient in the original eau de cologne formula developed by Johann Maria Farina in Cologne, Germany, in 1709. Bergamot oil was also used in traditional Italian folk medicine for its antiseptic and febrifuge properties. 

Key Constituents

• Limonene
• Linalyl acetate
• Linalool
• Gamma Terpinene
• Beta Pinene
• Alpha Pinene
• Myrcene
• Sabinene
• Citral

Facts

• May be used as an insect repellent and to sooth insect bites or itchy skin.
• Gives Earl Grey Tea its flavour profile.
• Bergamot is paradoxically both uplifting yet calming!
• Used in the food and flavour industry in liquers, confectionaries, jams and beverages.
• Bergamot was the original base in French "eau de cologne".

How To Use

Diffuse: Add a few drops to a diffuser to disperse around the room

Topically: Dilute essential oil with any carrier oil at a 2.5% ratio. This equates to 2.5ml essential oil/oils in total mixed with 100ml of chosen carrier oil. 1ml of essential oil is approximately 20-22 drops of oil.  Decant into a roller or glass bottle with eye dropper to apply easily or a larger bottle if using for massage. Please note this dilution rate is for adults and children over the age of 6. More information on children and essential oils is on our blog page. Essential Oils should not be used directly on the skin without mixing first with a carrier oil

Inhalation: Add 1-2 drops essential oil to a tissue and inhale at a distance while ensuring that the oil does not come into direct contact with the skin. Alternatively, you can smell the oil directly from the bottle.

Shelf Life 

Our freshly decanted Organic Bergamot essential oil will last for 2 to 3 years minimum from when you open your amber glass bottle if stored correctly.

Primary Storage Considerations: Keep away from direct light (U.V. radiation). Keep in the amber glass bottle with lid tightly closed. Only open when you need to and decant into a smaller "working" amber glass bottle if possible (and label so you know what is in it). This is to reduce oxidation.
Secondary Storage Considerations: Keep in a refrigerator at around 4 degrees celsius.

Safety

General
Some essential oils may cause photosensitivity to the skin - Use diluted in Jojoba or other complete carrier oil.
Do not ingest essential oils.
Do not apply to eyes, sensitive areas or mucous membranes.
The information on this website is not intended to be used in the diagnosis, treatment or mitigation of any physical or mental illness. Ahimsa Oils offer no advice or recommendations only general information. No therapeutic claims are made within.
Pregnant women, nursing mothers and children should not use essential oils without first consulting an appropriately trained healthcare practitioner.

The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the TGA. David Bosley however worked for a long period in consultation with the TGA to ensure correct labelling with reference to the Ahimsa Oil product range.

Specific
Bergamot oil should not be used on the skin if going out in the sun. Allow 48 hours before sun exposure.
Hazards: Phototoxic (moderate risk); may be photocarcinogenic
Contraindications (dermal): If applied to the skin at over maximum use level, skin must not be exposed to sunlight or sunbed rays for 12 hours. 
Cautions: Old or oxidized oils should be avoided.
Maximum dermal use level: 0.4% to avoid phototoxicity. 
Because of its limonene content, oxidation of bergamot oil should be avoided by storage in a dark, airtight container in a refrigerator. The addition of an antioxidant to preparations containing it is recommended.

Contraindications

This essential oil is anti-coagulant, which means it can thin the blood. Avoid inhaling, using topically, or ingesting if using aspirin or other blood thinners, or before and after surgery.
Avoid internal use with pethidine, MAOIs, or SSRIs.
Do not use around your pets.

References

Tisserand, R., & Young, R. (2014). Essential Oil Safety: Second edition