Bergamot Essential Oil: History, Uses, and Benefits

Introduction

Bergamot essential oil, extracted from the rind of the Citrus bergamia fruit, is celebrated for its distinctive, uplifting aroma and wide array of therapeutic applications. With roots in traditional medicine and a prominent place in modern aromatherapy, bergamot oil is beloved for its ability to balance mood, support skin health, and add fragrance to everything from perfumes to Earl Grey tea. This document explores the history, composition, extraction methods, uses, potential benefits, safety considerations, and scientific references pertaining to bergamot essential oil.

Botanical Background

Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) is a small, round citrus fruit with a yellow-green hue when ripe, believed to be a hybrid of bitter orange (Citrus aurantium) and lemon (Citrus limon). Native primarily to the Calabria region in southern Italy, the bergamot orange is now also cultivated in parts of the Ivory Coast, Argentina, Brazil, Turkey, and Morocco.

Extraction Methods

Let’s break this down by talking about Bergamot Essential Oil and Bergamot FCF.

Bergamot Essential Oil

Bergamot essential oil is cold pressed from the peel of the bergamot orange, a citrus fruit primarily cultivated in Italy. Its scent is fresh, sweet, and slightly floral, making it a popular choice in perfumes and teas (notably Earl Grey).

• Phototoxicity: Traditional bergamot oil contains natural compounds known as furocoumarins (mainly bergapten), which can cause phototoxic reactions on the skin when exposed to sunlight or UV light. Phototoxicity may result in redness, irritation, and even blistering.

• Aroma: A complex citrus with underlying florals, and a slight spice undertone.

Bergamot FCF (Furocoumarin Free)

Bergamot FCF is an essential oil that has been specially processed to remove most or all of its furocoumarins, particularly bergapten. "FCF" stands for "Furocoumarin Free."

• Phototoxicity: Bergamot FCF is not phototoxic due to how it is processed. Bergamot FCF is cold pressed and then the bergapten is removed via Vacuum distillation or rectification. Steamed distilled is available and is bergapten free due to bergapten being too heavy to come through steam distillation. The steam distilled is not as desirable due to the aroma. (Aromaweb)

• Aroma: While the overall scent profile remains similar, some aficionados note a slightly lighter or less complex aroma due to the removal of some natural constituents.

  
  

Chemical Composition

The primary constituents of bergamot essential oil include:

·         Limonene (up to 45%) – Gives the oil its citrusy scent.

·         Linalyl acetate (20–30%) – Responsible for the sweet, floral undertones.

·         Linalool (5–15%) – Contributes floral, slightly spicy notes.

·         γ-Terpinene, β-Pinene, α-Pinene, Bergapten* (a type of furanocoumarin), and other minor compounds.

*The presence of furanocoumarins such as bergapten gives bergamot oil its well-known phototoxic properties.

Aromatherapy and Therapeutic Uses

• Mood Enhancement and Stress Relief: Bergamot oil is widely recognized for its uplifting and calming effects. It is commonly diffused or inhaled to reduce feelings of anxiety, stress, and depression. Several studies suggest that inhaling bergamot oil can positively affect neurotransmitter activity, promoting relaxation, reducing salivary cortisol levels, and promoting a sense of well-being. It (Watanabe et al., 2015). Bergamot orange essence decreased anxiety and salivary alpha amylase level. Therefore, this method can be used as a complementary technique to reduce patients' anxiety prior to laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgery. (Pasyar et al., 2020) 

• Antimicrobial and Antiviral Activity: Bergamot essential oil has demonstrated antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties in laboratory studies. It is sometimes used in natural cleaning products and topical applications to support skin health and prevent infection (Sivropoulou et al., 1996; Sacchetti et al., 2005).

• Pain Relief: Applied topically (properly diluted), bergamot oil may aid in reducing localized pain due to its mild analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects (Rombolà et al., 2017)

• Skin Care: Bergamot oil is included in formulations for acne-prone and oily skin, thanks to its antibacterial and sebum-balancing actions. However, its phototoxicity makes sun exposure after topical use risky.

• Digestive Comfort: Traditional medicine has used bergamot oil for its soothing effects on the digestive system, helping alleviate indigestion and bloating when properly administered.

  
  

Scientific Research and Evidence

While many traditional uses of Bergamot essential oil are supported by anecdotal evidence, a growing body of research is investigating its pharmacological properties:

• Mood and Anxiety: A randomized clinical trial by Han et al. (2017) found that aromatherapy with bergamot oil significantly reduced anxiety and improved mood among participants compared to controls.

• Antibacterial Activity: In vitro studies have shown that bergamot oil inhibits the growth of several harmful bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli (Sivropoulou et al., 1996).

• Pain Management: Studies have shown Bergamot is beneficial for pain and inflammation.  (Perna et al., 2019) Linalool and linalyl acetate give Bergamot it’s antinociceptive activity. (Sakurada et al., 2009, 2011)

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Safety and Precautions

While Bergamot essential oil is generally safe when used appropriately, there are important precautions:

• Phototoxicity: Furanocoumarins like bergapten make skin sensitive to sunlight and UV rays, potentially causing burns or irritation after topical application. Always dilute bergamot oil and avoid sun exposure on treated skin for at least 12 hours.

  If you choose to use Bergamot FCF you do not have to worry about phototoxicity.

• Dilution Rate: Bergamot has a dilution rate of 0.04% for topical use, unless you choose to use Bergamot FCF, then the dilution rate for topical use is 2 to 5%.

• Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may experience sensitization or allergic reactions. Patch testing is recommended for new users.

• Internal Use: Bergamot oil should never be ingested unless under the care of a qualified health professional, as certain components can be toxic.

• Pregnancy Use: During pregnancy should be performed under medical guidance only.

  
  

Applications in Everyday Life

• Aromatherapy: Diffuse a few drops to freshen indoor air and promote an uplifting environment.

• Massage Blends: Dilute in a carrier oil for a soothing massage to ease tension and relax muscles.

• Bath Additives: Add (diluted) to bathwater for a calming soak—always mix with a dispersant first.

• Skin Care Products: Found in soaps, creams, and lotions designed for oily or blemish-prone skin. Use only products formulated for safe use and avoid sun exposure afterward.

  
  

Conclusion

Bergamot essential oil, with its vibrant aroma and storied past, occupies a unique niche in both natural health practices and the perfume industry. While its uplifting effects and antimicrobial benefits are well-supported, safe use is paramount, particularly due to the risk of phototoxicity. As scientific interest in this oil grows, new discoveries continue to illuminate both its time-honored uses and its potential for future applications.

References

• AromaWeb, Wendy Robbins, Bergamot vs. FCF Bergamot Essential Oil Explained, https://www.aromaweb.com/articles/bergamot-vs-fcf-bergamot-essential-oil.php

• Watanabe, E., Kuchta, K., Kimura, M., Rauwald, J. W., Kamei, T., & Imanishi, J. (2015). Effects of bergamot (Citrus bergamia (Risso) Wright & Arn.) essential oil on the behavior of anxiety and depression in mice. Journal of Essential Oil Research, 27(1), 47-52.

• Pasyar N, Rambod M, Araghi F. The effect of bergamot orange essence on anxiety, salivary cortisol, and alpha amylase in patients prior to laparoscopic cholecystectomy: A controlled trial study. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2020 May;39:101153. doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2020.101153. Epub 2020 Mar 21. PMID: 32379683.

• Sivropoulou, A., Kokkini, S., Lanaras, T., & Arsenakis, M. (1996). Antimicrobial activity of aromatic plants: Correlation with their chemical constituents. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 44(6), 1548-1551.

• Sacchetti, G., Maietti, S., Muzzoli, M., Scaglianti, M., Manfredini, S., Radice, M., & Bruni, R. (2005). Comparative evaluation of 11 essential oils of different origin as functional antioxidants, antiradicals and antimicrobials in foods. Food Chemistry, 91(4), 621-632.

• Han, X., Gibson, J., Eggett, D. L., & Parker, T. L. (2017). Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) essential oil inhalation improves positive feelings in the waiting room of a mental health treatment center: A pilot study. Phytotherapy Research, 31(5), 812-816.

• Mollace, V., Sacco, I., Janda, E., Malara, C., Ventrice, D., Colica, C., ... & Musolino, V. (2011). Hypolipemic and hypoglycaemic activity of bergamot polyphenols: from animal models to human studies. Fitoterapia, 82(3), 309-316.

• Perna S, Spadaccini D, Botteri L, Girometta C, Riva A, Allegrini P, Petrangolini G, Infantino V, Rondanelli M. Efficacy of bergamot: From anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative mechanisms to clinical applications as preventive agent for cardiovascular morbidity, skin diseases, and mood alterations. Food Sci Nutr. 2019 Jan 25;7(2):369-384. doi: 10.1002/fsn3.903. PMID: 30847114; PMCID: PMC6392855.

• Sakurada T, Kuwahata H, Katsuyama S, Komatsu T, Morrone LA, Corasaniti MT, Bagetta G, Sakurada S (2009) Intraplantar injection of bergamot essential oil into the mouse hindpaw: effects on capsaicin-induced nociceptive behaviors. International Review of Neurobiology 85: 237-248 doi: 10.1016/S0074-7742(09)85018-6.

• Sakurada T, Mizoguchi H, Kuwahata H. et al. (2011) Intraplantar injection of bergamot essential oil induces peripheral antinociception mediated by opioid mechanism. Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior 97 (3): 436–443.

• Gupta, C., & Prakash, D. (2015). Therapeutic potential of Citrus bergamia Risso and its phytoconstituents: A review. International Journal of Green Pharmacy, 9(3), 164-172.