Bergamot being a look-a-like of lemon is actually a citrus fruit, that is a result of the cross-breeding of a lemon and orange tree and hence the fruit has a pear-like shape as well as yellowish-green colour.

And fabricated from the rinds of this citrus fruit which goes by the botanical name Citrus bergamia, we get the Bergamot essential oil, one of the most used oils in aromatherapy sessions. The bergamot essential oil is similar to lemon or orange oil exhibits similar therapeutic properties including antiseptic, anti-microbial, antispasmodic, anti-depressant, deodorant, antibiotic, sedative, analgesic, disinfectant, febrifuge, digestive and analgesic (pain-relieving) properties.

Noted for its soothing and refreshing citrusy aroma, and slightly spicy flavour, the Bergamot essential oil showers us with immense health benefits. Since the ancient times, the fruit rind and the oil extracted from it, have been extensively used in folk medicines and ayurvedic remedies for alleviating stress, lowering cholesterol, reducing pain and inflammation, promoting cardiac functions, enhancing skin health, preventing infections and augmenting hair growth.

Also Read: Henna For Healthy Hair: Fantastic Benefits Of This Herbal Wonder For Long And Lustrous Tresses

Chemical Constituents Of Bergamot Essential Oil:

The vital bio-active constituents of Bergamot Essential Oil consist of Limonene, Linalool, Linalyl Acetate, Alpha Pinene, Alpha Bergaptnen, Alpha Terpineol,  Nerol, Neryl Acetate, Beta Bisabolene, Geraniol Acetate, Geraniol, and Myrcene.

Owing to its characteristic aroma, the benefits of the bergamot essential oil are now available in the form of skin creams, moisturisers, liniments, pain relief oil for rheumatic pain, rash creams, soaps, shampoos, mouthwashes, perfumes, deodorants and many more. Having a strong aromatic fragrance, it has also found its place as a natural deodorizer and used in room sprays and potpourri preparations. Owing to the potent stress-relieving properties, the Bergamot essential oil has got a strong foothold in aromatherapy and several massage therapies. The wondrous benefits of this oil are not only beneficial to promote health but also enhances skin and hence forms a core part of the beauty and spa industry as well.

Without further ado, let's dive in to know the various uses of this oil.

Incredible Benefits Of Bergamot Essential Oil:

Augments Skin

The host of anti-bacterial properties of this aromatic oil plays a crucial role in treating skin infections like acne, warts, boils, etc. The use of bergamot oil-based beauty products improves complexion by evening out the skin tone, clearing blocked pores, and also reducing various signs of ageing. Owing to the antiseptic nature, the oil also prevents wounds and injuries and facilitates healing.

Promotes Hair Growth

The wealth of essential nutrients in bergamot essential oil makes it a one-stop remedy for all your hair woes. Sanctified with anti-microbial properties, this oil not only improves blood circulation in the hair follicles but also prevents various hair infections and actively takes part in collagen formation. It is extremely useful for revitalizing dull, lifeless hair. Regular use of the oil improves hair texture, adds shine and stimulates hair growth. By effectively alleviating stress, it also prevents hair fall and premature greying of hair.

Enhances Sleep Quality

Be it an approaching deadline at your workplace or some kind of stress in your life, sleeplessness is common in quite a few individuals in today’s fast-paced life. Loss of sleep can be extremely debilitating and can lead to exhaustion, lethargy and can also disturb your physical and emotional being. Using this oil along with other essential oils in several massage therapies help reduce the levels of cortisol which is a stress hormone and thereby attenuates stress and improves the quality, duration and provides peaceful sound sleep.

Diminishes Anxiety

Owing to the natural stress-boosting properties, this oil is widely used in aromatherapy procedures.  A head massage with this oil clears brain toxins and improves cognitive abilities like memory, concentration etc. It also normalises the vata and pitta doshas in the body which in turn regulates the serotonin hormone and helps to reduce the various symptoms of anxiety which include restlessness, uneasiness, cold hands, and feet, etc.  It is also beneficial in subduing pain due to headaches. Also Read: Anxiety Attacks? Here’s How You Deal With It

Relieves Pain And Inflammation

The presence of strong analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and pain-relieving properties of the bio-active component limonene, bergamot essential oil offers extensive relief from pain and inflammation in case of arthritis and joint pain. Being a natural vasodilator, it is also used to treat painful muscle spasms, sore muscles, arthritic conditions, and other inflammatory situation

Eases Digestive Woes

Thanks to antispasmodic properties of bergamot essential oil, it prevents harmful gases in the stomach and also interacts with the gastric enzymes thereby boosting digestion, relieving flatulence, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and irritable bowel syndrome. The richness of volatile oils also helps in curbing abdominal cramps and prevent constipation.

Add 1 to 3 drops of bergamot to a carrier oil, such as jojoba or coconut oil, and massage on to the stomach to ease pain and discomfort.

Bolsters Immunity

Being a rich source of antioxidants and bioactive components, bergamot essential oil confers several folk remedies for improving the immune system, combatting microbes and shielding the body against various infections. It is also sanctified with strong anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and antifungal properties, which is extremely effective in preventing various infections like fever, common cold, sore throat, and other respiratory anomalies.

Remedies Respiratory Discomfort

The abundance of anti-bacterial and expectorant properties of bergamot, make this essential oil a one-stop-remedy for quite a few respiratory problems. It helps clear mucus and phlegm deposits from the nasal passage and provides relief from chest congestion. The soothing nature of bergamot plays a significant role in treating dry, irritated throat. It also serves as a potent remedy for asthma, bronchitis, sinus, headache, and pharyngitis.

Either put a few drops of bergamot oil in a diffuser and breathe in the scent or rub some onto your chest after blending it with a carrier oil first to get relief from nasal and chest congestion.

Also Read: 5 Amazing Essential Oils To Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis