The bergamot fruit should not be confused with an herb in the mint family, monarda, which is also known as bergamot ...

Bergamot has a fresh sweet-fruity top note and slightly spicy-balsamic undertone.

Nature: balancing, euphoric

It is an antidepressant and is widely used to relieve anxiety, nervous tension and stress.

Ideal in massage for all types of skin care – acne, boils, cold sores, eczema, psoriasis, scabies, wounds, and for oily complexions.

Use in a vaporizer to freshen the air.

Principal Actions: Antidepressant, healing for infected skin.

Practical Uses

Methods of Use: application, aroma lamp, bath, cold compress, deodorizer, diffusor, douche, inhalant, local wash, massage, mist spray, vaporize

Skin Care with Bergamot

Bergamot is useful for many skin conditions including acne, cold sores, eczema, psoriasis, ulcers of the skin, oily skin and infected skin conditions.

To clear and cleanse oily or problem skin: Mix 2 drops bergamot, 4 drops sweet orange and 4 drops cedarwood in a light carrier oil such as grapeseed. Apply to the face or any other affected area as necessary.

To cleanse and heal infected cuts or boils: Use a hot compress with 2 drops bergamot and 4 drops tea tree.

Respiratory System

Bergamot is an effective antiseptic that aids in the treatment of halitosis, mouth infections, cold sores, sore throats and tonsillitis.

For sore throat and throat infections: bergamot can be used alone or combined with the following oils in a vaporizer or steam inhalation - clary sage, eucalyptus, geranium, hyssop, lavender, myrrh, Spanish sage, tea tree, thyme.

For tonsillitis: bergamot can be used an inhalant or mixed into a blend with the following oils to rub on to neck and chest - bay leaf, clary sage, geranium, hyssop, thyme.

Digestive System

Bergamot is a stomachic (strengthens, stimulates and tones the stomach) and can be used as an appetite regulator. It is helpful in cases of indigestion, delayed digestion and constipation.

To stimulate the appetite: bergamot can be combined in a massage blend and rubbed on to the abdomen in a circular clockwise direction. Additional oils that are helpful: bay leaf, caraway, cardamon, ginger, myrrh, black pepper.

Genito-urinary and Endocrine Systems

The antiseptic and antibiotic properties of bergamot make it effective for infections - most notably thrush, cystitis (inflammation of the urinary bladder) and urethritis (inflammation of the urethra) and pruritis (itching caused by local irritation of the skin or nervous disorders).

For cystitis: bergamot can be added to a compress, used in a bath or douche and combined with any of the following oils: cedarwood (Atlas, Texas & Virginian), chamomile (Roman & German), juniper, lavender, Scotch pine, sandalwood, tea tree, thyme and yarrow.

For urethritis: bergamot can be combined with tea tree and added to a bath or douche.

For pruritus/itching: bergamot can be used in a douche and combined with any of the following oils: Atlas cedarwood, juniper, lavender, myrrh and tea tree.

Immune System

Bergamot can be used to ease symptoms of colds, fever, and infectious diseases such as chickenpox and measles.

For chickenpox: bergamot can be combined with chamomile (German & Roman), lavender or tea tree and used in a compress, skin lotion or bath.

For measles: bergamot can be combined with eucalyptus blue gum, lavender, spike lavender or tea tree and used in a skin lotion, bath, as an inhalant or vaporized.

Nervous System

The scent of bergamot is uplifting and soothing making it superb when dealing with anxiety, depression, hysteria, nervous tension, SAD, PMS, postnatal depression and stress-related conditions. It has a stabilizing effect on the emotions/digestive system, and can help balance the mind/body connections associated with eating disorders such as anorexia and compulsive eating.

To ease severe emotional anxiety: take a bath with 2 drops bergamot and 4 drops neroli.

For computer burn-out: put 4 drops bergamot, 5 drops cypress and 2 drops petitgrain in a diffusor or vaporizer.

Safety Data: Non-toxic, non-irritating and non-sensitizing; safe for all skin types. Sensitivity with sunlight. Bergamot oil can cause burns when used on skin which is then exposed to sunlight, as the high content of bergaptene can cause photo-toxicity. It is advisable to keep out of the sun if this oil is used on the skin. Substitute rectified or "bergapten-free" bergamont when using oil in dermal applications.

Bergamot in Aromatherapy

Botanical Name: Citrus bergamia

Note: Top - 6

Parts Used: Rind of a non-edible citrus fruit

Source: Obtained by expression of the rind of the small orange-like fruit native to Italy.

Description and Odor Effect: A light green essence with a delightfully citrus aroma with a hint of spice. Refreshing and uplifting to the emotions.

Blends well with: black pepper, cedarwood, clary sage, coriander, cypress, geranium, jasmine, juniper, lavender, neroli, other citrus oils, vetiver, ylang ylang.

Applications: application, aroma lamp, bath, cold compress, deodorizer, diffusor, douche, inhalant, local wash, massage, mist spray, vaporize

Therapeutic Properties: analgesic, anthelmintic, antibacterial, antidepressant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antistress, antitoxic, antiviral, aperitive, calmative, carminative, cicatrizant, cordial, deodorant, digestive, expectorant, febrifuge, insecticide, laxative, parasiticide, relaxant, refreshing, rubefacient, sedative, skin care, stomachic, tonic, uplifting, vermifuge, vulnerary

Safety Data: Non-toxic, non-irritating and non-sensitizing; safe for all skin types. Sensitivity with sunlight. Bergamot oil can cause burns when used on skin which is then exposed to sunlight, as the high content of bergaptene can cause photo-toxicity. It is advisable to keep out of the sun if this oil is used on the skin. Substitute rectified or "bergapten-free" bergamont when using oil in dermal applications.

Bergamot – Quick Reference

Skin: acne, boils, chicken pox, cold sores, eczema, insect repellent, insect bites, oily complexion, psoriasis, scabies, spots, varicose ulcers, wounds

Respiratory: halitosis, mouth infections, sore throat, tonsillitis

Digestive: flatulence, loss of appetite

Genito-urinary: cystitis, leucorrhoea, pruritus, thrush

Immune: colds, fever, influenza, infectious disease

Nervous: anorexia, anxiety, compulsive eating, depression, hysteria, nervous tension, SAD, PMS, postnatal depression, stress-related conditions

Keyword: Uplifting

Bergamot Magic: Place a few drops in a diffuser to ensure the happiness and prosperity of the home and all who live in it.

Bergamot Harmony

Add these essential oils to 20 ml / 4 teaspoons carrier oil

To soothe the pain of grief or loss:

• 2 drops Bergamot
• 4 drops Rose Otto
• 4 drops Australian Sandalwood