All About Bergamot
Bergamot oil comes from the pressed peel and sometimes fruit of the bitter orange tree. Its aroma is fresh, herbal, and citrus-like. The aroma in research has been found to be calming, and the oil has shown in vitro to be antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-nociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and more.
Fun Fact
It is believed that bergamot was first brought to Bergamo, Italy by Christopher Columbus after his expedition to the Canary Islands!
Bergamot Research
Over 60 research articles have been catalogued on bergamot. 11 human studies were found on the anxiolytic and anti-depressive effect of bergamot in aromatherapy. It has also shown in vitro and in vivo action against bacteria and fungi. It may be antioxidant, anti-cancer, gastroprotective, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, wound and skin healing, anti-inflammatory, and pain reducing. More research is necessary. Click the button below for a detailed review of research.
Bergamot Blog Articles
Bergamot Essential Oil
Latin Name: Citrus aurantium var. bergamia (Risso) orCitrus bergamia
Family: Rutaceae
Plant Description
Bergamot comes from the peel or fruit of the bitter orange tree, grown in Italy, France, Germany, and South America.
Essential Oil Description
Oil is cold pressed or steam distilled. Steam distallation removes furanocoumarins, which can be photosensitizing. Unrectified expressed bergamot essential oil contains furanocoumarins. The steam distilled oil is light, colorless or light yellow, green, or brown. The expressed version darkens with age, while the distilled type turns light yellow with age. The aroma is sweet, herbaceous, and citrus-like.
Key Constituents
- d-Limonene / Limonene / Dipentene
- Linalyl acetate
- Linalool / Beta Linalool / Linalyl Alcohol / Linalyl Oxide
- Terpinene / Alpha Terpinene / Gamma Terpinene
- Pinene / Alpha Pinene / Delta Pinene / Beta Pinene
- Furocoumarins (such as) Bergaptene / Bergaptol / Psoralen
