Bergamot oil

Bergamot oil is extracted from the peel of the citrus fruit bergamot (Citrus aurantium ssp. bergamia or simply Citrus bergamia), also known as bergamot orange.

Bergamot is mainly grown in southern Italy and is extracted by cold pressing.

Although there is no scientific evidence of bergamot oil's effect on the human psyche, some people use it for anxiety and depression. In this article you can read more about the properties and uses of bergamot oil.

Properties of Bergamot oil

Undocumented properties

Bergamot oil is often attributed with the following health benefits, although there is no scientific evidence to support this:

• Psoriasis (possibly in combination with UV light)
• Mycosis fungoides (a form of blood cancer of the skin)
• Vitiligo (a skin disease where you lose pigment [skin color])
• Anti-lice (against lice, fleas, ticks, worms and other parasites)

In addition, it is also claimed that bergamot oil can alleviate the following health problems:

It should be emphasized that there are no scientific studies that have proven that bergamot oil has a curative effect on the above health problems. Therefore, bergamot oil should not be used to treat the above problems – consult a doctor instead.

Researched properties with a lack of evidence

There are several studies on the effects of bergamot oil on anxiety and depression, but no one has yet been able to prove that the oil can be used to treat these conditions:

• Application: A 2011 Thai study investigated people's response to transdermal absorption (i.e. absorption through the skin) of a mixture of lavender and bergamot oil. 40 healthy people were divided into 2 groups: one group received the oil mixture (experimental group) and the other received a placebo (control group) applied to the stomach. Signals from the autonomic nervous system were used to measure and assess the subjects, i.e. blood pressure, pulse, respiration and skin temperature were measured. In addition, the subjects were asked to self-report their emotional states (relaxed, alert, calm, attention level, mood and vigilance). The result was that the experimental group experienced a significant decrease in heart rate and blood pressure compared to the control group. In addition, the experimental group reported that their emotional state was generally “calmer” and “more relaxed” than the control group. The conclusion of the study was therefore that the oil blend can be used to treat anxiety or depression in humans.

• Hand massage: A Korean study from 2008 used hand massage to investigate the effect of essential oils on pain, anxiety and depression in hospital patients with terminal cancer. 58 cancer patients were divided into 2 groups: 28 patients received hand massage with essential oils (the experimental group) and 30 patients received hand massage with “ordinary” almond oil for massage (the control group). The massage itself took place over 7 days, with each hand being massaged for 5 minutes per day. The oil blend was a combination of bergamot, lavender and frankincense in a 1:1:1 ratio, which was diluted to 1.5% with almond oil. The result of the study was that the experimental group experienced significantly less pain (score: t=-3.52, p=.001) and depression (t=-8.99, p=.000) than the control group. The conclusion was therefore that hand massage with essential oils has a positive effect on pain and depression in patients with end-stage cancer.

In addition, there are also a number of studies on the effects of bergamot oil on mice and rats – also in relation to anxiety.

While these studies are not definitive proof that bergamot oil in itself can relieve anxiety or depression, they clearly indicate that the oil is likely to have a positive effect on the two conditions – but as mentioned above, the studies do not prove that the oil can be used to treat either anxiety or depression.

Application of Bergamot oil

On the skin

Bergamot oil can be used in massage oils as well as in hot tubs. In massage oils, for example, it can be mixed with one or more of the oils mentioned in the “Aromatherapy” section below.

When applied directly to the skin, it should always be diluted with a base oil; at least in a ratio of 1:1 – but it is recommended to start with e.g. 1:9. Always read the dilution instructions on the bergamot oil packaging. See also the precautionary toxicity rule at the bottom of this page.

In the world of cosmetics, bergamot oil is often used in perfumes, creams, lotions, soaps, sunscreens and suntan lotions.

Gastronomy

In gastronomy, bergamot oil is commonly used to give food products a citrus flavor; especially desserts such as gelatins and puddings.

In addition, it is also bergamot oil that gives the well-known Earl Grey tea its characteristic flavor.

Althea candies – typically used for colds or sore throats – also contain bergamot oil.

Aromatherapy

Although most essential oils can be blended, bergamot oil is particularly well suited for blending with the following oils:

In aromatherapy, bergamot oil is mainly used in massage oil, hot baths and direct application to the skin.

Precautions to be taken

• Phototoxicity: Bergamot oil is phototoxic – i.e. applying the oil to the skin and then staying in the sun can cause skin damage. Therefore, you should be aware of this. Some medications also make the skin more sensitive to light; bergamot oil should not be used in combination with these.

• Pregnancy/breastfeeding: Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not apply bergamot oil to the skin (the exact effect of the oil on fetuses or infants is unknown, so it's best to be “on the safe side”)

• Children: It is not recommended to allow children to come into contact with bergamot oil, as there have been cases of serious side effects (mainly among children who have consumed large amounts of bergamot oil). Side effects include convulsions (tremors) and even death