Bergamot Essential Oil
Bergamot has a light refreshing citrus scent. It has antiseptic, anti-depressant, anti-viral, analgesic and antispasmodic properties which make it a versatile oil. It is particularly good at lifting low moods and relieving tension so makes a good natural anti-depressant and stress reliever. Bergamot is also great for relieving skin problems such as acne, it can also be used to boost appetite where this is low.
You can also use Bergamot to relieve symptoms associated with cystitis due to its stimulating beneficial effects on the liver, stomach and spleen coupled with its antiseptic properties which are beneficial in relieving the symptoms of urinary tract infections such as cystitis.
BENEFITS
Bergamot essential oil has the following healing properties:
Antiseptic, Anti-depressant, Anti-viral, Analgesic, Anti-spasmodic and Tonic
Anti-depressant - can help to lift low mood and calm and relax the mind.
Skin – can help alleviate symptoms of skin conditions such as acne, eczema and psoriasis due to its anti-bacterial and antiseptic properties.
Pain and Inflammation – Bergamot can help reduce pain and inflammation.
Lowers cholesterol – Can be beneficial in lowering cholesterol.
Urinary tract infections- can be used to relieve symptoms associated with urinary tract infections such as cystitis.
Fatigue – due to its stimulating properties it can help relieve the feelings of fatigue.
BLENDS
Whilst most essential oils can be used together, some oils can overpower other oils. Bergamot goes particularly well with oils such as:
Black pepper
Clary sage
Cypress
Frankincense
Geranium
Jasmine
Mandarin
Nutmeg
Orange
Rosemary
Sandalwood
Vetiver
Ylang-ylang
WAYS TO USE
DIFFUSE
Bergamot essential oil can be used in diffusers or oil burners. Using Bergamot essential oil in this way is particularly beneficial in relieving symptoms associated with SAD, PMS, depression and low mood.It can also relieve respiratory conditions such as colds and flu.
Diffuse 1 - 3 drops of Bergamot essential oil in an oil burner or diffuser.
BATH
Bergamot essential oil can be added to a warm bath to relieve stress and tension and soothe skin conditions such as acne, eczema and psoriasis
Add 1 - 3 drops of Bergamot essential oil to a warm bath.
Note: Care should be taken not to use more than 3 drops to prevent the bath from becoming too slippery. Essential oils should be added to a carrier oil before adding as oil and water do not mix and essential oils will float on the surface of the water and if used neat can burn the skin.
MASSAGE
Massage is a great way of relaxing the body and mind, it can help to improve low mood, anxiety and depression and symptoms associated with SAD and PMS.
Adults - up to 7 drops in 1 tbsp of carrier oil.
Children over 2 years old - up to 3 drops in 1 tbsp of carrier oil.
CREAM
Adding a few drops of Bergamot to a base cream is a great way of harnessing Bergamot’s antiseptic and antibacterial properties to treat minor cuts and scrapes and to soothe skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, cold sores, acne scabies and chickenpox. It can also help to dry out oily skin.
Add up to 12 drops of essential oil to 30 ml of base cream.
SIDE EFFECTS
As with all essential oils Bergamot should not be used neat on the skin, essential oils are very concentrated oils that can irritate the skin unless mixed with a carrier oil. Essential oils should not be used internally unless under the supervision of an aromatherapist.
Bergamot can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some people. You should also avoid exposure to the sun or using a sunbed after using Bergamot as it can cause skin pigmentation problems.