Fragrant Friday #2: Bergamot

Has it really been a week since I introduced you to our seductive new friend Clary Sage? If you are new to this feature, each Friday I profile one specific essential oil so that you, too, may have your life enriched by the gentle power and beauty of natural aromatics.

If you own Clary or bought some, today's oil will blend beautifully with her. Since I covered a relaxing oil last week, I thought today we'd pick things up with an exquisite citrus oil that has uplifting and antidepressant properties. And quite frankly, who can't use a bit of that these days?

Essential Oil of Bergamot
Citrus bergamia
or (C. aurantium subsp. bergamia)

Bergamot is an oil that has a front row seat in my oil cabinet because I use it to soothe one of my biggest personal demons: anxiety. Specifically, separation anxiety. I even mentioned it in my very first post. I blame my parents, of course, who abandoned their bouncing baby daughter and took their older children (i.e., my brother and sister) to London for a week-long holiday leaving me in Morocco with neighbors...and missed my first birthday. I mean, who does that?

Oops. Sorrry. Back to Bergamot.

This oil not only smells divine, but has properties that help alleviate both anxiety and mild depression. It lifts a heavy heart and brings in positive energy. I use Bergamot in a massage for its refreshing and uplifting aroma when the weather is dismal or my client is down and needs brightening. Citrus oils tend to be very affordable, but this one is costlier - double the price of other citruses.

Note: Don't confuse this oil with the herb bergamot, aka bee balm (Monarda didyma)

Geographical Source: Bergamot is grown almost exclusively in the southern tip of Italy. (Another reason I adore this oil).

Extraction: Like all the citrus oils, Bergamot is produced by cold expression of the peel of the nearly ripe fruit. The fruit is pretty much inedible and grown specifically for the essential oil which is formed in the zest.

Characteristics: A light greenish-yellow with a fresh sweet-fruity aroma. The color fades with age, especially when exposed to light. Don't buy bergamot that is brownish. It is old and probably rancid.

Principal Constituents: Known to have about 300 compounds: Primarity monoterpene hydrocarbons, monoterpene alcohols and esters. High in linalyl acetate (30-60%), linalol (11-22%). Bergamot oil is high in a furocoumarin called bergaptene which is phototoxic to the skin. You can buy Bergamot FCF (furocoumarin free), although I prefer to buy my oils unrectified.

Uses: Primarily uplifting and anti-depressant. Helpful for loss of appetite, cold sores, cystitis, fevers and the emotional upheaval of PMS.

Safety: Never use on the skin immediately before sunbathing because of the furocoumarins. In a nutshell, furocoumarins increase your chance of sunburn and create changes in skin pigmentation when exposed to direct sun. Once, when I was covering this oil in class, a student gasped and said, "that explains a lot". She pulled up the sleeves of her long-sleeved shirt to expose black streaks on her arms. Two years earlier while on a cruise, she had rubbed Bergamot all over her arms without diluting it in any way. She got badly sunburned and was left with skin discoloration. Be warned. This oil does NOT mix well with sunshine (or tanning beds). It bears repeating: You can buy Bergamot FCF (furocoumarin free).


Subtle Properties: (i.e., vibrational and energetic): Bergamot brings in postive energy. This oil resonates with the fourth chakra, opening the heart center and allowing love to radiate. It is a wonderful oil for easing the pain of grief.

Methods of Application:
Topical application: massage (5 d to 1 oz oil), bath (10 d) Again, avoid sun exposure up to 12 hours after dermal application.
Inhalation: direct inhalation from bottle, diffuser (5 d to 1C water), spray (10 d to 1 oz water)

Fun Facts: It is used extensively by perfumers and is one of the ingredients in the original and famous eau de Cologne. It is also used in the production of Early Grey tea. It can be pronounced with a hard "t" or silent "t". I prefer the latter (bearg-uh-mo).

Blends well with: Most other essences, particularly geranium, clary sage, lavender and ylang ylang.

My Bergamot SoulCollage® Card:

I am one who dances the light fandango and trips the light fantastic!

I am one who fills the scary dark places with light.

I am one who opens your heart chakra allowing joy to radiate.

I am one who soothes your wounded heart and eases your grief.

I am one who transports you to Italy and fills you with the energy of your beloved Eternal City.