Bergamot Oil

Technical Data Sheets :

Botanical Name: Citrus bergamia

Common Method of Extraction: Cold Pressed or Steam Distilled (less frequently). It is extracted from the rind or peel of the bergamot orange which is a small fruit in size between a lemon and grapefruit. It is a delicate citrus plant and requires special climate and soil to flourish.

Parts Used: Citrus Rind (Peel)

Note Classification: To middle

Aroma: Medium. The aroma of the oil is suggestive to that of orange oil but with more complexity. The oil has an underlying floral characteristic to it.

Largest Producing Countries: Production of bergamot mostly is limited to Italy because the temperature is favourable. The fruit is also produced in Brazil, Argentina, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Turkey, Tunisia and South East Asia where it has its root. The fruit is commercially grown in southern Calabria in the province of Reggio in south of Italy. It is also grown in south of France for essential oil and in Antalya in south Turkey for its marmalade. In Mauritius it is grown on a small scale basis and is largely consumed as juice by the locals there.

Traditional Use: Bergamot essential oil is excellent citrus oil which can be used in the diffuser and for use topically. Bergamot oil’s flavour and aroma is widely used to flavour Early Gray tea. Bergamot essential oil is used during periods of depression, grief and sadness and is also known for its ability to help fight oily skin and acne. In traditional Chinese medicine this oil is used to help with the flow of vital energy which helps in the proper functioning of the digestive system. It is also used in the prevention of growth of bacteria. It helps to relieve muscle pain and is also useful to rejuvenate skin. The oil has antiseptic and antibacterial properties and is used widely used as ingredients for manufacturing perfumes.

Blends Well With:  blends well with almost all kinds of oils. The important ones which the oil blends well with are black pepper, clary sage, cypress, frankincense, Rosemary, Sandalwood, Jasmine, Lavenders, Nutmeg, Geranium, Helichrysum, Vetiver, and Ylang-ylang.

Of Interest: The known story about bergamot is that it was named after the Italian town but there are stories which says that the word came from the Turkish “beg-armade” which means “ Lord’s pear”. Some dictionaries says that the word “bergamot” means “variety of pear” and the word derived from the Turkish beg-armudi, which meant “prince’s pear “ or” prince of pears”.

Safety Data: Do not take any oils internally and don’t apply undiluted essential oils, absolutes, CO2s or any other type of concentrated essences on the skin without consulting a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Do not use the oil if you are pregnant, epileptic or having any type liver damage, cancer or any other medical condition. Be cautious when you use the oil on children and strictly follow the recommended dilution ratio for children. Cold pressed Bergamot oil is phototoxic and it is recommended to a use of 0.4% to avoid photo toxicity. Bergaptene is the naturally happening component found in cold pressed Bergamot Essential Oil that makes the cold pressed oil highly phototoxic.