10 Surprising Benefits of Bergamot Essential Oil for Health

Bergamot essential oil has gained popularity in recent years for its wide range of potential health benefits. From reducing stress and anxiety to improving skin health, this citrus-scented oil derived from bergamot orange trees offers a natural approach to enhancing wellbeing. But what exactly are the benefits of bergamot essential oil, and how can you incorporate it into your daily routine?

As someone who's experimented with various essential oils over the years, I've found bergamot to be one of the most versatile and pleasant to use. Its fresh, uplifting aroma will instantly brighten your mood.

The more I've researched its properties, the more impressed I've become with its potential therapeutic effects. Let's take a closer look at some of the key benefits of bergamot essential oil and the science behind them.

Stress Relief and Mood Enhancement

One of the most well-known benefits of bergamot essential oil is its ability to reduce stress and anxiety while boosting mood. The calming, citrusy scent seems to have an almost immediate effect on the nervous system.

I often diffuse bergamot oil when I'm feeling overwhelmed or anxious. Within minutes, I notice my breathing slow, and my muscles start to relax. There's solid research backing up these stress-busting effects too.

A 2015 study on women in Japan found that inhaling vaporized bergamot oil reduces pain and fatigue. The researchers noted significant decreases in cortisol levels, indicating a reduction in physiological stress.

Another study from 2017 supported these findings, suggesting bergamot aromatherapy could be a helpful complementary treatment for mental health. The oil appears to modulate the release of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which play key roles in mood regulation.

To harness these mood-boosting benefits, try adding a few drops of bergamot oil to a diffuser or inhaling directly from the bottle. You can also mix 15-30 drops with a carrier oil for a relaxing massage blend.

Antibacterial and Antifungal Properties

Beyond its effects on mental wellbeing, bergamot essential oil shows promise as a natural antimicrobial agent. This could make it useful for fighting various harmful bacteria and fungi.

Research has found that bergamot oil may help control food-borne illnesses. Bergamot oil could provide safer solutions for food preservation as bacteria become increasingly resistant to antibiotics. A 2016 study tested bergamot oil against strains of Listeria monocytogenes, the bacteria responsible for listeriosis. The oil showed varying levels of effectiveness in inhibiting bacterial growth.

Bergamot also appears to have antifungal qualities. A 2017 study found it could help inhibit Aspergillus growth, a common mold. Another in vitro study from 2022 showed similar effects against fungi that contaminate fruit.

These antimicrobial properties make bergamot oil a great addition to natural cleaning products. I like to add a few drops to a spray bottle of water and vinegar for an all-purpose surface cleaner. The oil helps disinfect while leaving behind a fresh, citrusy scent.

Potential Cholesterol-Lowering Effects

One of the most intriguing benefits of bergamot essential oil is its potential to lower cholesterol levels. This could make it a valuable natural supplement for supporting heart health.

A 2019 review of studies found that bergamot oil may be effective in reducing cholesterol. The oil contains flavonoids that appear to influence lipid metabolism. A 2016 review of human and animal studies indicated that these bergamot flavonoids could help reduce lipid levels. While more research is needed, the results so far are promising.

An study from 2018 confirmed these cholesterol-lowering effects. It also found that bergamot polyphenols had anti-inflammatory effects in the livers of rats with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. It's important to note that most of these studies used concentrated bergamot extracts rather than essential oils. Never ingest essential oils without guidance from a qualified professional.

However, the aromatherapeutic use of bergamot oil may still offer some cardiovascular benefits through stress reduction.

Pain Relief and Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Bergamot essential oil contains compounds that may help reduce pain and inflammation. This makes it a potentially useful natural remedy for various aches and pains.

A 2017 review of studies looked at the effects of various essential oil compounds on pain response. It found that linalool and carvacrol, both present in bergamot oil, demonstrated analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Another study conducted on rats in 2020 confirmed these findings, showing that bergamot oil had pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects.

While more human studies are needed, these results suggest bergamot oil could be helpful for managing minor aches and pains. I often use a diluted bergamot massage oil to soothe sore muscles after a workout.

Skin Health and Acne Treatment

The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of bergamot essential oil also make it beneficial for skin health. It may be particularly useful for those dealing with acne or other skin irritations. Bergamot oil can help cleanse the skin and unclog pores, potentially reducing acne breakouts. Its anti-inflammatory effects may also help calm redness and irritation.

Always dilute bergamot oil with a carrier oil first to use it for skin care. A good rule of thumb is to use a 2% dilution, about 12 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil. Here's a simple recipe for a bergamot acne spot treatment:

Ingredient	Amount
Bergamot essential oil	6 drops
Tea tree essential oil	6 drops
Jojoba oil	1 ounce

Mix all ingredients in a small, dark glass bottle. Apply a small amount to acne spots using a cotton swab before bed.

Sleep Support

While bergamot is often praised for its energizing effects, it can also promote better sleep when used appropriately. Its ability to reduce stress and anxiety makes it helpful for calming the mind before bedtime.

I like to diffuse a blend of bergamot and lavender oils about an hour before sleep. The combination helps me unwind and prepare for a restful night. Some studies have shown that bergamot aromatherapy can improve sleep quality, though more research is needed in this area. If you're using bergamot oil to support sleep, try adding a few drops to a warm bath before bed or applying a diluted blend to your chest and neck.

Digestive Support

In traditional medicine, bergamot has been used to aid digestion and relieve gastrointestinal discomfort. While scientific evidence is limited, some people find that inhaling bergamot oil or applying a diluted blend to the abdomen can help ease bloating and indigestion. The oil's potential ability to reduce stress may also indirectly support digestive health, as stress is a common trigger for various gastrointestinal issues.

The Best Bergamot Essential Oil in Australia

When considering what is the best Bergamot Essential Oil to buy in Australia, you cannt go past Lively Living. Lively Living Essential Oils are 100% pure essential oils, are not tested on animals, are sourced direct from farmers and have rigourous testing.

FAQs About Bergamot Essential Oil

What is Bergamot Essential Oil Used For?

Bergamot essential oil is used for various purposes, including stress relief, mood enhancement, skin care, and as a natural antimicrobial agent. It's commonly used in aromatherapy to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. Some people also use it topically (when properly diluted) to help with skin issues like acne.

Who Shouldn't Use Bergamot Essential Oil?

Pregnant women, nursing mothers, and young children should avoid using bergamot essential oil without consulting a healthcare professional first. People with sensitive skin or certain medical conditions should also use caution. Always do a patch test before applying essential oil to your skin, even when diluted.

What Does Bergamot Oil Do Spiritually?

In aromatherapy and some spiritual practices, bergamot oil is believed to promote feelings of joy, freshness, and emotional balance. Some use it during meditation or prayer to enhance feelings of peace and positivity. However, these effects are largely based on personal experience and cultural beliefs rather than scientific evidence.

Is Bergamot Essential Oil Good for Sleep?

While bergamot is often considered energizing, it can also support sleep when used appropriately. Its stress-reducing properties can help calm the mind before bed. Some find diffusing bergamot oil or using it in a relaxing massage blend helps them prepare for sleep.

Conclusion

The benefits of bergamot essential oil are wide-ranging and impressive. From its ability to reduce stress and anxiety to its potential for supporting heart health and fighting harmful microbes, this versatile oil offers a natural approach to enhancing overall wellbeing.

As with any essential oil, using bergamot safely and responsibly is crucial. Always dilute it properly before applying it to the skin, and avoid exposure to sunlight after topical use due to its photosensitizing effects.

Whether you're diffusing it for its uplifting aroma, adding it to skin care products, or exploring its potential health benefits, bergamot essential oil is a valuable addition to any natural wellness toolkit.

Lively Living are Australias leading brand of organic essentail oils, diffusers and baby wellbeing products.

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