Organic Bergamot Essential Oil

Fragrance: Sweet, citrusy, and spicy notes, with a hint of floral finish

Botanical Name: Citrus aurantium bergamia

Emotional Effect: Uplifting and relaxing

Method of Extraction: Steam Distillation of Peel

Country of Origin: Italy

Bergamot is an aroma used extensively in the perfume industry in both men and women's scents, which is not surprising given its very pleasant smell.  Some people might also recognise it from Earl Grey tea as it is added to give it its distinctive aroma.

Unsurprisingly, this popular scent has many positive benefits to the person inhaling it. An interesting (and extremely easy to read!) study compared people resting for 10 minutes while bergamot essential oil was diffused into the atmosphere to those who either only rested for 10 minutes or rested for 10 minutes with water vapour in the atmosphere. Those who had been in the rooms where bergamot essential oil was diffused showed a number of measurable physiological changes, such as lower salivary cortisol, that are associated with relaxation. Their responses were significantly greater than those who were not in the bergamot group. indicating the bergamot itself (not the rest, not the water vapour) was the factor that significantly relaxed their body.

Like many citrus oils, bergamot is uplifting and helpful to combat depressive states. This study found that it made a significant difference to depression in postpartum women. Another study found that aromatherapy massage with sweet almond oil containing lavender, bergamot and sweet orange or the same blend via inhalation reduced depression in adults over 60. If you are feeling a little down, adding some bergamot, lavender and sweet orange to your diffuser, or a post-bath body oil can work wonders!