Bergamot - FCF / Citrus bermania

Common Name: Bergamot Essential Oil

Botanical Name: Citrus bergamia Risso & Poit

Rectified bergamot, furanocoumarin-free bergamot

Synonyms:  Citrus aurantium subsp. bergamia 

Family: Rutaceae

 Chemical Composition includes

Italian grown species in addition to more than 50 other chemical compounds contain:

Limonene - 30-50%

Linalyl acetate – 23 – 35 %

Linalool – 6-15% 

The non-volatile components that are responsible for the phototoxicity of bergamot include

Bergamottin @ 0.08 – 0.68%

Citropten @ 0.01 – 0.35%

Bergapten @ 0.11 – 0.33%

Bergaptol @ maximum 0.19% 

Precautions / Contraindications

As a citrus oil, unrectified Bergamot can be phototoxic; can cause burns on skin when applied 12 hours or less before exposure to the sun or UV rays / tanning beds.  

FCF Bergamot has no known hazards / GRAS

Old or oxidized oils should be avoided. 

FCF Bergamot is more prone to oxidation.  

Robson Valley Aromatherapy offers FCF Bergamot in which the furanocoumarin has been removed rendering the oil non phototoxic. 

As with all essential oils, taking internally, ingesting or adding to food / beverages is not recommended and can cause harm. 

Keep all essential oils out of the reach of children, lids secured in a cool dark location.  

Actions commonly cited in aromatherapy:

The actions cited within this profile are not guaranteed in every situation; they are examples of what we can expect from each oil.  They are based on scientific analysis of each oil’s unique chemical composition, knowledge of the expected actions of those components, lab & clinical studies, historical & traditional uses, and firsthand & anecdotal experiences.

Analgesic

Antidepressant

Antimicrobial

Antiseptic 

Anxiolytic 

Antifungal 

Antiviral 

Carminative

Cicatrisant

Deodorant

Digestive system 

Febrifuge

Sedative

Stomachic

Tonic 

Vermifuge

Vulnerary

Reduce preoperative anxiety

Treating wounds, burns, varicose ulcers

Not sure what something means – check the Glossary here.

Please reach out if you want to better understand how essential oils work, have any questions or see how they may be right for you.     

Mental & Emotional health benefits commonly cited in aromatherapy

Depression - studies suggest bergamot for improving mood and reducing symptoms of stress induced disorders such as anxiety and depression.  

Promotes emotional stability - reducing irritability, moodiness, frustration, mood swings / alleviate negative thinking, repetitive thinking, pessimism and mild depression / release of pent-up feelings, redirect nervous energy from unproductive or addictive behavior helping us to rediscover spontaneity and optimism / relax and let go

Sets the stage for true emotional transformation / promotes optimism / exceptionally harmonizing / close the gap between mind, body and emotions / ideal for stress related conditions with fluctuations between hyper and hypo functioning

Accepted health benefits supported by clinical studies

Antidepressant – Very effective when blended with Lemon and Orange

Antimicrobial 

Anti fungal 

Antiseptic

Anxiolytic – Reducing post operative stress & anxiety 

Sedative                                  

Cognitive Health – in combination with Lavender, Lemon and Rosemary

Chakra: Solar Plexus / Heart

Cool and refreshing aroma is relaxing yet uplifting.  Harmonizes, regulates Liver Qi; helps maintain the free and even flow of energy.  Helps irritated mood, anxiety, frustration, mood swings.  Harmonies the Shen – restlessness, insomnia, palpitations, irritability, anxiety, depression 

Myers Briggs: ENFP

Young at heart, fresh, caring, considerate, joyful approach to life, outgoing, lively.  Do not allow negativity to get them down.  Generally confident, strong positive attitude, inspiring and charismatic leaders, able to make people feel comfortable.  Likes to display charismatic or caring sides professionally – require large amounts of energy, skill and enthusiasm.  Wears a mask, does not easily let others know the more personal or shadow side, emotional pain.  Enjoy emotional intensity, sharing and feeling emotions

Aromatic Note/ Blending Suggestions:  Top Note / Blend enhancer

For Fatigue, lethargy, mental exhaustion – Geranium, ginger, lemon, lemongrass, peppermint or Rosemary

Nervous Tension, stress – frankincense, lavender, geranium, sweet orange, sandalwood, or ylang-ylang.

Oil & Aromatic Description:  Green to olive-green color with a warm, fruity-sweet aroma, citrus, floral note / oily-herbaceous / balsamic body and dry out.  Color fades as it ages.  

Not sure what something means – check the Glossary here

Method of Extraction:  Cold expressed

Parts Used:  Only the peels of slightly unripe fruit are used. Leaves and twigs may be distilled to produce a bergamot-petitgrain oil.  

Country of Origin:  Italy 

Please reach out if you want to better understand how essential oils work, have any questions or see how they may be right for you.     

As a Trained Aromatherapist, the services, recommendations and products offered by Robson Valley Aromatherapy are that of a complementary nature only and in no way replace medical advice or treatment of any other modality. I do not provide diagnostic services, make any curative claims, or prescribe medications. Clients are provided with information on how & why recommendations are made, appropriate methods of using essential oils, and encouraged to make educated decisions on the safe & effective use of essential oils. I do not recommend or support the use of essential oils internally. 

References:

Salvatore Battaglia – The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy – Volume 1 – Third edition 

Robert Tisserand, Rodney Young – Essential Oil Safety – Second Edition