Bergamot Essential Oil in Aromatherapy

Bergamot essential oil, sometimes called the "sunny oil", promotes a cheerful, friendly attitude when used in aromatherapy. It soothes and calms while energizing and uplifting the spirit. Its anti-depressant qualities make it ideal to use on cold, gray days.

When breathed in, the bergamot aroma of a lightly sweet citrus, passes through the nasal cavity, past the olfactory bulb, and triggers the limbic system of the brain. A professor at the University of Milan in Italy by the name of Paoli Rovesti conducted research using essential oils on depression, hysteria, and anxiety. He found that Bergamot oil aromas helped psychologically with relieving fear and calming anxiety. Further research indicates that bergamot seems to help the hypothalamus gland work more in synch with the pituitary and pineal glands to regulate hormonal cycles, sleep cycles, and symptoms of jet lag.

To use bergamot oil as a room deodorizer, add 30 drops of bergamot and 30 drops of lemon oil to two ounces of pure water. Store in a dark colored glass misting bottle.

To use in an Eau de Cologne, combine the following:
3 drops Lavender
2 drops Rosemary
1-2 drops Bergamot

Bergamot itself has been cultivated in South America and the United States, but the best quality bergamot is grown in Calabria, Italy. The fruit of bergamot is very sour, but its rind produces a sweet lemon-like oil. The oil is used in the production of Earl Grey tea, giving the drink its characteristic scent.

Precautions: Bergamot should not be used on the skin directly. It should only be used in a carrier oil, lotion, or bath water. A few drops in a solution is adequate. Since most bergamot oil is photosensitive, to prevent severe skin reaction, it should not be used on skin within 12 hours prior to sun exposure.

More info:
Organic Facts website
KG Stiles website