Essential Oil Spotlight - Bergamot (Citrus bergamia)

Bergamot is a beautiful essential oil, it has so many uses and has a truly beautiful scent.

Bergamot is considered a cross between Bitter Orange (Citrus aurantium) and Lemon (Citrus limon). It is the size of an orange with a lemony colored peel. Bergamot essential oil does not have your typical, citrusy aroma, it has more of a sharpness that gives way to a sweeter, more citrusy scent. You may also detect somewhat of a lemony facet, since it is a lemon cross. It’s easy to work with, and very versatile because of the wonderful smelling aroma. It blends very well with floral and herbal essential oils. In fact, I haven't found one that I didn't like it with.

Bergamot is very phototoxic. Serious skin burning or damage can occur if it is applied and the skin is exposed to the sun or a tanning booth. This means you must avoid direct sunlight or tanning beds for up to 18 hours after applying to the skin. It may be used safely with no phototoxic response if used in a blend at no more than 2 drops per 1 oz/30 ml of carrier oil. It must never not be applied to the skin undiluted. If you use the oil on an area of your skin that has no exposure to the sun or UV light, there is no safety concern. If oxidized, Bergamot essential oil may cause skin irritation or sensitization. Store in a cool, dark place.

According to my aromatherapy studies, Bergamot is considered:

• Analgesic: may reduce discomfort

• Anti-inflammatory: may take away discomfort and inflammation

• Antibacterial: has been used in past applications for infections

• Antidepressant: support emotional health and well-being, reduce feelings of stress and bring a calming and uplifting state

• Antifungal: has been used in history to reduce fungal issues

• Antispasmodic: may help to reduce smooth muscle cramping to reduce abdominal cramps, aid digestion, and reduce a "spastic" cough

• Cooling: may provide a cooling element to the body

• Immunostimulant: studies show it can help boost white blood cells when you are feeling ill

• Musculoskeletal: may reduce tension and soothe the entire body

Please dilute all essential oils accordingly. Remember this oil is phototoxic, no more than 2 drops per ounce of carrier oil due to risk of sunburn. *1

​In 1 ounce of carrier oil:

• 0.5% (1/2 percent) - 1 years old to 3 years old (2-3 drops)

• 1% - 6 years old to 10 years old (5-6 drops)

• 2% - 10 years to adult (10-12 drops)

• 3% - 4% adult bad cold, infection, acute pain (18-24 drops)

Should you need anything blended or would like to purchase one of our ready made blends, visit us at http://www.sweetwillowspirit.com. Questions? Email me at melissa@sweetwillowspirit.com. If you would like to purchase this beautiful oil, visit Barefut.com to see what is available. Thank you, have a wonderful and blessed day!

Love and light,

Melissa

Caution: The material on this page is not meant to take the place of diagnosis and treatment by a qualified medical practitioner. Since the actual use of this product by others is beyond our control, no expressed or implied guarantee as to the effects of their use can be given nor liability taken. Use at your own discretion. Any application of the recommendations is at the user’s risk. Sweet Willow Spirit, LLC disclaims any liability arising directly or indirectly from the use of this information and assumes no responsibility for any actions taken. This should not be used in place of traditional therapies but solely as a complementary means for bringing well-being. The FDA has not evaluated the statements on this website. No claims are made as to any medicinal value of any oil or healing modality.

*1 Tisserand and Young; Essential Oil Safety A Guide for Health Care Professionals: Second Edition. New York: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2014. Print

Some research done on the AromaHead Institute aromatherapy course site. Page contains affiliate link.