Like other citrus essential oils, Bergamot is obtained by expressing the zest of the fruit and has a light, lemony odor. It is very popular in diffusion: it helps purify the air and facilitates sleep, thus combating insomnia. Latin name: Citrus x bergamia Risso & Poit. Part used: zest

This article was updated on 29/03/2023
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Precautions for use

Vigilance ! Bergamot essential oil is not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women. No method of use should be prohibited, but it is very photosensitizing therefore caution is required when applying to the skin: dilute it well and do not expose yourself to the sun! The best method of use is undoubtedly olfaction because the scent of Bergamot essential oil is particularly pleasant.

Authorized users

Adults and Teenagers Adults and Teenagers
Children under 6 years old Children under 6 years old
Pregnant & breastfeeding women Pregnant & breastfeeding women
Babies under 3 years old Babies under 3 years old

Possible ways of use

Inhaled Inhaled
Dermal Dermal
Oral route Oral route
In broadcast In broadcast

Risks of use

Allergenic Allergenic
Cortison-like Cortison-like
Irritating to the skin Irritating to the skin
Dermocaustic in its pure form Dermocaustic in its pure form
Photosensitizing Photosensitizing
Not Estrogen-like Not Estrogen-like

Other precautions

Skin application

Bergamot essential oil is irritating and dermocaustic if applied pure. Dilute it to 20% in a vegetable oil before any application (20% essential oil in 80% vegetable oil). do not expose yourself to the sun for 12 hours following application.

In broadcast

For pregnant women and babies the use of this essential oil by atmospheric diffusion is possible.

Contraindications

  • Be careful, if the use of Bergamot essential oil lasts more than a few days, there is a risk of drug interference.

  • Bergamot essential oil should not be used in case of gallstones. It can be nephrotoxic after ingestion in high doses and over a long period.

Allergenic components

Bergamot essential oil contains a high proportion of allergenic biochemical components.

  • limonene (34 to 52%);

  • linalool (3 to 15%);

  • geranial + neral (≤ 1%);

  • geraniol (≤ 0.2%).

Note: It is preferable to test the essential oil before using it (dilute a drop of essential oil in a little vegetable oil and apply it to the crook of the elbow. Wait at least 24 hours to check that it is there is no reaction).

Properties of Bergamot essential oil

Bergamot essential oil is highly concentrated in limonene, linalyl acetate and linalool. These different molecules give it the following main properties:

  • calming, sedative +++ (linalool, monoterpene esters):

    bergamot essential oil contains linalool and monoterpene esters, with spasmolytic and anxiolytic properties. Linalool acts via neurotransmitters: it competes with these molecules during the transmission of information via the nervous system. Linalool helps regulate mood, reduce blood pressure and also inhibit tremors. It also has a sedative action on the central nervous system: it limits the time it takes to fall asleep and increases the duration of sleep.

  • antispasmodic ++ (linalool):

    linalool intervenes in the nervous processes responsible for contractions of smooth and striated muscles; it has an antagonistic action on the molecules involved in these processes. Linalool thus helps reduce these contractions, and therefore limit and calm spasms. This spasmolytic action is complemented by the presence of linalyl acetate, which allows the progressive relaxation of the muscles during a contraction.

  • antiseptic, antibacterial ++ (linalool, limonene):

    linalool has a known bactericidal, antifungal and parasiticidal action on the following micro-organisms: Campylobacter jejuni, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis… By spraying Bergamot essential oil on food, this helps prevent bacterial contamination. Limonene also has bactericidal and antifungal properties: it is active against Aspergillus niger and Penicillium digitatum. Limonene is especially effective as an atmospheric antiseptic, used in diffusion.

  • carminative, digestive, laxative ++ (limonene):

    bergamot essential oil facilitates digestion. It contains limonene acting on gastric motility and relieving nausea. This component also has choleretic and cholagogue activity, that is to say it promotes the production of bile by the liver and its release in the intestine, thus promoting the digestion of fatty substances. It also has a hepatoprotective effect. Finally, Bergamot essential oil has a carminative action: that is to say, it promotes the expulsion of intestinal gas.

For Clean the air

Efficiency: +++

Simple use

From 3 months.  In broadcast, pour the number of drops of Bergamot essential oil as indicated on the diffuser instructions. Broadcast in blocks of 30 minutes maximum.

Against the Greasy hair

Efficiency: +++

Simple use

Reserved for ages 6+. Through the skin, 1 to 2 drops of Bergamot essential oil in a usual dose of shampoo.

In case of Colic, Intestinal infection

Efficiency: +++

Simple use

Reserved for ages 6+.  Orally, 2 drops of Bergamot on a neutral tablet under the tongue, twice a day for 5 days.

In case of Dyspepsia, Difficult digestion

Efficiency: +++

Simple use

Reserved for ages 6+. Orally, 2 drops of Bergamot on a neutral tablet under the tongue, twice a day for 5 days.

Against the Lack of appetite

Efficiency: +++

Simple use

Reserved for ages 6+.  Orally, 2 drops of Bergamot on a neutral tablet under the tongue, twice a day before meals until improvement. Do not exceed 3 weeks of use.

Use in synergy

Reserved for ages 6+. 1 to 2 drops in a teaspoon of honey 1/2 hour before the 2 main meals until visible improvement:

  • 3 mL of Bergamot essential oil
  • 1 mL of Green Anise essential oil
  • 1 mL of Ginger essential oil
  • 1 mL of Cardamom essential oil

Source: Baudoux, d. (2017). aromatherapy. dunod.

Against the Anxiety, Stress

Efficiency: +++

Simple use

Reserved for ages 6+.  Through the skin, 1 drop on the inside of each wrist and breathe deeply.

From 3 months. In broadcast, pour the number of drops of Bergamot essential oil as indicated on the diffuser instructions. Broadcast in blocks of 30 minutes maximum.

In case of Sleep problems, Insomnia

Efficiency: +++

Simple use

Reserved for ages 6+.  Through the skin, 1 drop on the inside of each wrist and breathe deeply.

From 3 months.  In broadcast, pour the number of drops of Bergamot essential oil as indicated on the diffuser instructions. Broadcast in blocks of 30 minutes maximum.

Bergamot or Roman Chamomile?

Bergamot essential oil is effective in cases of sleep disorders and insomnia, but theroman Chamomile essential oil is even more effective. It can be used from the age of 3 months in diffusion for example, 10 minutes before bedtime or cutaneously, 1 drop diluted in 9 drops of vegetable oil, massage on the solar plexus and/or the soles.

Use in synergy

Reserved for ages 6+. Use the mixture by diffusion or inhalation. It is also possible to use it cutaneously, 1 drop on the inside of the wrists, or add 4 mL of vegetable oil for sensitive skin, applying to the wrists, solar plexus or soles of the feet.

  • 60 drops of Roman Chamomile essential oil
  • 30 drops of Bergamot essential oil
  • 30 drops of Petit Grain Bigarade or True Lavender essential oil depending on preference

More details or other users: essential oils for insomnia.

Other famous applications of Bergamot

Bergamot essential oil is used on many occasions, particularly linked to its calming, antispasmodic, antiseptic and even digestive properties. For the majority ofthe following uses it will be effective, but without necessarily being the best essential oil. We therefore indicate to you the best replacement for Bergamot for the following different problems.

Acne

Effective bergamot but… It is better to use thetea Tree essential oil : cutaneously, 1 pure drop on each pimple, morning and evening after washing the face, until the acne disappears. Take a week's break after 3 weeks of use.

Enterocolitis, Colitis

Effective bergamot but… It is better to use thecoriander seeds essential oil : via the skin, 1 drop in 4 drops of vegetable oil to apply to the stomach after a meal. Orally, 1 to 2 drops on a neutral support twice a day for 5 to 7 days

Concentration problems

Effective bergamot but… It is better to use thewild Mint essential oil : via the skin, 1 pure drop to apply to the forehead. Watch out for your eyes

Constipation

Effective bergamot but… It is better to use theginger essential oil : cutaneously, 2 drops diluted in 8 drops of vegetable oil, massaged on the stomach before meals for 5 to 7 days. Orally, 1 pure drop in a teaspoon of olive oil, before meals, for a maximum of 3 days.

Fatigue

Effective bergamot but… It is better to use theblack Spruce essential oil : via the skin, 1 drop in 4 drops of vegetable oil applied to the lower back at the kidney level, 3 times a day. Take a one-week break after three weeks of use.

How to recognize a good Bergamot essential oil?

Botanical characteristics
  • Latin Name: Citrus x bergamia Risso & Poit.
  • Botanical family: Rutaceae
  • Part used: zest
  • Country of origin: Italy.
Physical characteristics
  • Density at 20°C: 0.874 to 0.883
  • Refractive index at 20°C: 1.465 to 1.470
  • Rotary power at 20°C: 15 to 32
  • Flash point: 59 to 65
Organoleptic characteristics
  • Appearance: clear mobile liquid (possible appearance of deposit after storage)
  • Color: yellow to dark green
  • Odor: fresh, characteristic, pleasant.
Biochemical characteristics
  • limonene: 30 to 45%
  • linalyl acetate: 22 to 36%
  • linalool: 3 to 15%
  • γ-terpinene: 6 to 10%
  • β-pinene: 5.5 to 9.5%
  • β-bisabolene: 0.3 to 0.55%
  • geranial: 0.25 to 0.5%
  • bergapten: 0.18 to 0.38%

Bergamot vs Bergamot without bergapten

Bergamot essential oil naturally contains furocoumarins: bergaptens. If these present certain benefits, particularly in terms of depigmentation of the skin, they also confer a photosensitizing risk to the essential oil. This therefore requires the greatest precautions when using it through the skin. By fractional distillation, it is possible to obtain Bergamot without bergapten. The latter therefore does not present a photosensitizing risk, and is less caustic for the skin. Its use is more flexible, but be careful that bergaptens are not at the heart of the desired property!

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Bibliography

Publication: Igarashi, T. (2013). Physical and Psychological Effects of Aromatherapy Inhalation on Pregnant Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 19(10), 805–810. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2012.0103

Publication: Rombolà, L. and al. (2016). Rational Basis for the Use of Bergamot Essential Oil in Complementary Medicine to Treat Chronic Pain. Mini-Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry, 16(9), 721–728. https://doi.org/10.2174/1389557516666160321113913

Publication: Cirmi, S., Bisignano, C., Mandalari, G., & Navarra, M. (2016). Anti-infective potential of Citrus bergamia Risso et Poiteau (bergamot) derivatives: a systematic review. Phytotherapy Research, 30(9), 1404–1411. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.5646

Publication: Scuteri, D. and al. (2018). Antinociceptive effect of inhalation of the essential oil of bergamot in mice. Fitoterapia, 129, 20–24. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fitote.2018.06.007

Publication: Navarra, M., Mannucci, C., Delbò, M., & Calapai, G. (2015). Citrus bergamia essential oil: from basic research to clinical application. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 6. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2015.00036

Publication: Watanabe, E., and al. (2015). Effects of Bergamot (Citrus bergamia (Risso) Wright & Arn.) Essential Oil Aromatherapy on Mood States, Parasympathetic Nervous System Activity, and Salivary Cortisol Levels in 41 Healthy Females. Complementary Medicine Research, 22(1), 43–49. https://doi.org/10.1159/000380989

Publication: Wang, C., Huo, X., Tian, ​​X., Xu, M., Dong, P., Luan, Z., Wang, X., Zhang, B., Zhang, B., Huang, S., Deng, S., & Ma, X. (2016). Inhibition of melatonin metabolism in humans induced by chemical components from herbs and effective prediction of this risk using a computational model. British Journal of Pharmacology, 173(22), 3261 3275. https://doi.org/10.1111/bph.13612

Publication: Saiyudthong, S., & Marsden, C. A. (2010). Acute effects of bergamot oil on anxiety-related behavior and corticosterone level in rats. Phytotherapy Research, 25(6), 858 862. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.3325

Work : de la Charie, T. (2019). Treat yourself with essential oils. Why and how does it work? Editions du Rocher.

Work : Baudoux, d. (2017). aromatherapy. dunod.

Work : Couic Marinier, F., & Touboul, A. (2017). The Living Earth guide to essential oils. Terre Vivante Editions.

About these tips

This aromatherapy article was written by Théophane de la Charie, author of the book “Treat yourself with essential oils”, accompanied by a multidisciplinary team made up of pharmacists, biochemists and agronomists. 

La Compagnie des Sens and its teams do not encourage self-medication. The information and advice provided comes from a reference bibliographic database (books, scientific publications, etc.). They are given for information purposes, or to suggest avenues for reflection: they should in no case replace a diagnosis, consultation or medical follow-up, and cannot engage the liability of the Compagnie des Sens.