Bergamot Citrus bergamia

A cooling and refreshing energy waiting to lift you up into the clouds...

Botanical name alternative: Citrus aurantium bergamia
Country of origin: Ivory Coast
Growing method: Cultivated       Plant part: Peel
Extraction method: Cold Pressed

Characteristics:
Bergamot with its fresh, clean scent is basically citrus, yet fruity and sweet with a warm spicy floral quality, and is reminiscent of Neroli and Lavender oil. It is a greenish-yellow oil produced from the peel of the bergamot tree which can grow up to four meters high, has star-shaped flowers, and smooth leaves, and bears citrus fruit resembling a cross between an orange and a grapefruit but in a subtle pear-shape. The fruit ripens from green to yellow.   Don't confuse Citrus bergamia with common garden bergamot (Monardo didyma), also known as "bee balm".

Therapeutic Actions:
Analgesic, antidepressant, antimicrobial, antiseptic, antiviral, anxiolytic, carminative, cicatrisant, deodorant, digestive, febrifuge, sedative, stomachic, tonic, vermifuge, vulnerary.

When to use:
Bergamot aids digestion, and reduces inflammation and infection in the genito-urinary system, mouth, throat, and skin (psoriasis). It kills several viruses, including those responsible for flu, herpes, shingles, and chickenpox. It counters depression, anxiety, insomnia, and compulsive behaviour cycles, including eating disorders. Bergamot essential oil can be used in the treatment of depression, stress, tension, fear, hysteria, anorexia and general convalescence. It aids sleep by assisting in clearing the internal chatter in the mind. It is also used as a deodoriser.

How to use:
Massage, compress, bath, sitz bath, douche, skin care, direct inhalation, diffuser, oil vaporiser.
Used as a fragrance in colognes (eg 4711) and bodycare products.

Blends well with:
Black Pepper, Clary sage, Cypress, Frankincense, Geranium, Jasmine, Mandarin, Nutmeg, Orange, Rosemary, Sandalwood, Vetiver and Ylang Ylang.
Strength of Aroma: Medium   Middle Note for blending.

Traditional usage:
Named after Bergamo, Italy, where the oil originated, it scents colognes, and flavours Earl Grey tea and some candies, and is a traditional Italian folk medicine to treat fever and intestinal worms.

Personality profile
Bergamot is young at heart, fresh, caring and considerate, confident with a strong positive attitude.   They are very similar in personality to a 5 in numerology.

Energetics and subtle aromatherapy
Bergamot keeps us young and enthusiastic, and helps us to see the silver lining hiding behind the clouds of life, keeping us motivated to move forward with hope when we feel our would could be crashing down around us.   Bergamot is cooling and refreshing, which I find amusing considering it is from hot climates and used in 4711 - a fresh and cooling perfume and a wonderful uplifting body spray when feeling hot and tired.
Planet: Sun
Element: Fire
Magical influences: Peace, Happiness, Restful sleep

Safety precautions: Bergamot oil can cause severe burns when used on sensitive skin that has been exposed to sunlight due to the high bergaptene content. Avoid exposure to the sun after having used bergamot in massage or bath. We recommend Bergamot Bergaptene Free for skincare and cosmetics.

Important Note: The information provided is for educational purposes only.

Sourced from
Battaglia, S. (2018). The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy, 3rd Edition. Black Pepper Creative Pty Ltd, Australia.
Battaglia, S. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy, 2nd Edition. The International Centre of Holistic Aromatherapy, Australia, 2003
Cunningham, S. Magical Aromatherapy. Llewellyn Publications, USA, 1993Lawless, J. (1995). The Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Essential Oils. Element Books Ltd, UK.
Schnaubelt, K. (1999). Medical Aromatherapy - Healing with Essential Oils. Frog Ltd, USA.
Wildwood, C. (1994). Create Your Own Perfumes using Essential Oils. Piatkus, UK.
Worwood, V. (1995). The Fragrant Heavens - The Spiritual Dimension of Fragrance and Aromatherapy. Doubleday, UK.
Worwood, V. (1999). The Fragrant Mind - Aromatherapy for Personality, Mind, Mood and Emotion. Doubleday, UK.