Bergamot Essential Oil
Bergamot essential oil is derived from the citrus fruit known as Citrus bergamia. This fruit is primarily grown in the southern regions of Italy, particularly in Calabria, where the climate is well-suited for its cultivation.
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History
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The bergamot orange is believed to be a hybrid between the sweet lemon and bitter orange, and it likely originated in Southeast Asia.
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The name "bergamot" is believed to have originated from the Italian city of Bergamo, where the fruit was first sold.
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Bergamot essential oil has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and perfumery. It was highly valued for its fragrant and medicinal properties.
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In traditional medicine, bergamot oil was used for its potential calming and soothing effects, as well as for its ability to help support skin health and digestive issues.
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It gained popularity in perfumery, where it became a key ingredient in many well-known fragrances, including the famous Eau de Cologne by Farina.
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Plant Description
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Citrus bergamia is a small, evergreen tree that typically reaches a height of around 4 meters (13 feet).
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The leaves of the bergamot tree are glossy and dark green, with an elliptical shape.
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The fruit of the bergamot tree is round and yellow when ripe, similar in appearance to a small orange but slightly flattened. It is about the size of a common lemon.
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The peel of the bergamot fruit is where the essential oil is extracted from. It contains small oil glands that release the aromatic and flavorful oil.
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Bergamot oranges are not typically consumed as fresh fruit due to their sour and bitter taste, but they are prized for their aromatic oils and used extensively in the fragrance and flavor industries.
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The fruit is harvested during the winter months when the oil content in the peel is at its highest.
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Bergamot Essential Oil
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Bergamot essential oil is extracted through cold-pressing the peel of the ripe fruit.
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The oil has a fresh, sweet, and citrusy aroma with subtle floral and spicy notes.
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It is a popular essential oil in aromatherapy and is often used for its uplifting and calming properties. It is believed to help reduce stress and anxious feelings.
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Bergamot oil is also used in skincare products and perfumes due to its pleasant fragrance and potential skin-benefiting properties.
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It's important to note that bergamot essential oil, like many citrus oils, can be photosensitive, meaning it can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight. As a result, it should be used with caution on the skin, and exposure to direct sunlight should be avoided after applying it. Always dilute essential oils properly and consider consulting with a qualified aromatherapist or healthcare professional before using them for therapeutic purposes.
Take a Closer Look
BOTANICAL NAME
Citrus bergamia
EXTRACTION METHOD
Compression
AROMATIC DESCRIPTION
Citrus, Spice, Floral
BOTANICAL FAMILY
Rutaceae (citrus)
PLANT PART
Rind (peel)
DIRECTIONS FOR USE
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Diffusion: Use three to four drops in the diffuser of your choice.
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Internal: Dilute one drop in 4 fl. oz. of liquid.
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Topical Use: Apply one to two drops to the desired area. Dilute with Fractionated Coconut Oil to minimize any skin sensitivity
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RECOMMENDED USES
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Diffuse in the classroom, at work, or at home when stress levels or tension is high.
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Apply to the skin while showering and inhale deeply to experience its calming aroma while enjoying its purifying skin benefits.
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Change regular tea to Earl Grey with the addition of Bergamot.
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Apply to the feet before bedtime or use with Fractionated Coconut Oil for a calming and relaxing massage.
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Add one to two drops of Bergamot to your favorite skin care product for added cleansing properties.
BENEFITS OF BERGAMOT OIL
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​Skin Nurturing: Gently applying Bergamot essential oil can provide soothing support to irritated skin, promoting a calming and comforting sensation.
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Supporting Tissue Regeneration: Bergamot oil may contribute to the rejuvenation of skin cells, assisting in the recovery of minor cuts and irritations.
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Muscle Discomfort: When suitably diluted and massaged onto sore muscles or joints, bergamot oil can offer relief from muscle discomfort.
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Muscle Spasm Relief: This oil possesses antispasmodic qualities, which can assist in alleviating muscle spasms and cramps.
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Supporting Digestive Health: Bergamot oil may help manage digestive concerns such as indigestion and bloating when utilized in aromatherapy or diluted application to the abdominal area.
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Body Temperature: It can contribute to reducing the temperature by promoting perspiration, which aids in cooling the body.
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Stuffiness: The aroma of bergamot oil can aid in clearing nasal stuffiness and relieving respiratory discomfort when inhaled.
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Relief for Insect Bites: When applied topically, it may provide relief from the itching and discomfort associated with insect bites.
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Oral Health Support: Bergamot oil is included in natural oral care products for its natural properties that support oral hygiene, assisting in maintaining oral freshness and a healthy mouth environment.
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CAUTIONS
Possible skin sensitivity. Keep out of reach of children. If you are pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, and other sensitive areas. Avoid sunlight or UV rays for up to 12 hours after applying product.
10 ways to use bergamot oil
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Scented Stationery: Add a drop of bergamot oil to your stationery or journal pages to infuse them with a pleasant aroma, making your writing experience more enjoyable.
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Scented Candles: Customize your candles by mixing a few drops of bergamot oil into the melted wax before pouring it into candle molds. It will create unique, aromatic candles for relaxation.
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Refreshing Laundry: Add a few drops of bergamot oil to your laundry detergent or dryer balls for naturally fragranced and refreshing laundry.
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Homemade Perfume: Create your signature scent by blending bergamot oil with other essential oils and a carrier oil. Apply it to your wrists and neck for a personalized perfume.
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Scented Wood Furniture: Mix a few drops of bergamot oil with a carrier oil and apply it to wooden furniture for a natural polish and a fresh, woodsy scent.
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Aromatic Bath Salts: Make your bath more luxurious by adding a few drops of bergamot oil to Epsom salts. This creates scented bath salts that promote relaxation and skin benefits.
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DIY Air Freshener: Create a natural air freshener by mixing bergamot oil with water and spraying it in your home or car for a refreshing aroma.
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Flavored Water: Add a drop of bergamot oil to a glass of water for a citrusy twist, making your hydration routine more enjoyable.
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Refreshing Foot Soak: Add a few drops of bergamot oil to a basin of warm water for a soothing foot soak that can help relax tired feet and improve foot odor.
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Scented Jewelry: Place a drop of bergamot oil on a felt pad or cotton ball and tuck it into a locket or pendant to carry the aroma with you throughout the day.
diy recipes with bergamot oil
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Bergamot and Lavender Linen Spray
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Ingredients:
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2 oz distilled water
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1 oz witch hazel or vodka
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10-15 drops bergamot essential oil
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5-10 drops lavender essential oil
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Instructions:
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Mix all the ingredients in a spray bottle.
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Shake well before each use.
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Spray on your bed linens, curtains, or upholstery for a calming and refreshing scent.
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Bergamot Citrus Sugar Scrub
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Ingredients:
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1 cup granulated sugar
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1/4 cup coconut oil (melted)
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10 drops bergamot essential oil
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Zest from one citrus fruit (e.g., lemon, lime, or orange)
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Instructions:
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Combine sugar and melted coconut oil in a bowl.
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Add bergamot oil and citrus zest, mixing until well combined.
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Use as a rejuvenating body scrub in the shower, rinsing thoroughly afterward.
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Bergamot and Cedarwood Beard Oil
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Ingredients:
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1 oz jojoba oil
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1/2 oz argan oil
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5 drops bergamot essential oil
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3 drops cedarwood essential oil
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Instructions:
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Mix all the oils in a small glass bottle.
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Apply a few drops to your beard daily to condition and add a refreshing scent.
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Bergamot and Eucalyptus Shower Melts
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Ingredients:
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1 cup baking soda
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1/2 cup cornstarch
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5-10 drops bergamot essential oil
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5-10 drops eucalyptus essential oil
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Water (as needed)
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Instructions:
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In a bowl, combine baking soda and cornstarch.
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Add bergamot and eucalyptus oils, mixing well.
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Slowly add water until you have a thick paste.
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Spoon the mixture into silicone molds and let it harden overnight.
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Place one melt on the shower floor, and as it dissolves, the steam will release the invigorating scent.
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Bergamot and Chamomile Relaxing Bath Salts
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Ingredients:
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1 cup Epsom salt
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1/2 cup sea salt
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10 drops bergamot essential oil
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5 drops chamomile essential oil
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Instructions:
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Mix the Epsom salt and sea salt in a bowl.
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Add the bergamot and chamomile oils, stirring to distribute evenly.
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Store in an airtight container.
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Add a handful to your bathwater for a soothing and aromatic bath experience.
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essential emotions & spirituality
Bergamot - The Oil of Self-Acceptance
Spiritual Benefits
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Mood Elevation: Bergamot oil is believed to have the spiritual benefit of uplifting one's mood and promoting a sense of joy and positivity. It can be used in aromatherapy to create a harmonious and cheerful environment for meditation and spiritual practices.
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Balancing Energy: Some individuals use bergamot oil to help balance their spiritual energy and chakras. Its pleasant scent is thought to promote emotional equilibrium and harmony, making it a popular choice in practices such as yoga and meditation.
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Cleansing and Purification: Bergamot essential oil is sometimes used in spiritual and ritualistic practices for cleansing and purification. Its fresh, citrusy aroma is believed to help clear negative energies and promote a sense of spiritual purity.
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Emotional Benefits
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Stress Reduction: Bergamot oil is well-known for its emotional benefit of reducing stress. Its aroma can have a calming effect on the mind, helping to alleviate feelings of tension and promoting relaxation.
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Mood Stabilization: Bergamot oil is thought to have mood-stabilizing properties. It can help regulate emotions and promote emotional balance, making it valuable for individuals dealing with mood swings or emotional fluctuations.
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Confidence and Self-Esteem: This essential oil is believed to boost confidence and self-esteem. Its uplifting scent can enhance feelings of self-worth and empowerment, making it beneficial for those seeking greater emotional resilience.
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Don't have this oil?
Substitutes may include:
Wild Orange, Lemon or Tangerine.
bergamot oil affirmations
Using affirmations in combination with essential oils can enhance the overall effectiveness of both practices. Affirmations are positive statements or phrases that are repeated to promote a desired mindset or belief. When paired with the aromatherapy of essential oils like bergamot, affirmations can create a powerful synergy, amplifying their respective benefits.
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Enhanced Emotional Well-Being: Affirmations, when used with bergamot oil's mood-enhancing properties, can promote a more positive and optimistic emotional state. This combination may help reduce stress, and feelings of negativity.
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Increased Focus and Clarity: Affirmations can help sharpen your mental focus and clarity. When paired with bergamot oil's ability to alleviate mental fatigue, this can result in improved concentration and productivity.
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Boosted Self-Confidence: Repeating affirmations that focus on self-worth and confidence, along with the uplifting aroma of bergamot, can enhance feelings of self-assurance and empowerment.
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Stress Reduction: Combining stress-reduction affirmations with the calming scent of bergamot can create a soothing and supportive environment for relaxation and stress relief.
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Spiritual Connection: For those seeking spiritual growth, affirmations that align with their spiritual beliefs can be complemented by the spiritually cleansing and grounding properties often associated with bergamot oil.
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Here are five affirmations you can use with bergamot oil
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"I am filled with positivity and joy, and I radiate this energy to those around me."
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"I am confident in my abilities and trust in my inner strength."
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"I release stress and tension, allowing my mind and body to find peace."
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"I am open to new opportunities and embrace each day with enthusiasm."
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"I am connected to my inner wisdom and trust the path that unfolds before me."
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To use these affirmations with bergamot oil, follow these steps
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Choose a quiet and comfortable space for your affirmation practice.
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Dilute a few drops of bergamot essential oil with a carrier oil and apply it to your pulse points or diffuse it in the room.
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Close your eyes, take a few deep breaths, and center yourself.
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Repeat your chosen affirmation(s) silently or aloud, focusing on their meaning and allowing the positive energy to fill you.
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Take a few moments to reflect on the emotions and sensations that arise during this practice.
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Regularly incorporating these affirmations with bergamot oil into your daily routine can help reinforce positive beliefs and promote emotional well-being.