Latin name: Citrus bergamia
Source country: Italy
Appearance: Clear to pale yellow thin liquid.
Aroma: Light, lemony, fresh, citrus.
Derivation: The oil is extracted from the peel of the bergamot fruit.
Chemicals: The active ingredients in bergamot oil are Melitidin, Brutelidin,
Neoeriocitrin, Naringin, Neohesperidin, Ponceritin. The first two have statin like
properties. One of the ingredients is bergaptene. This compound is phototoxic increasing
redness of the skin after sun exposure. Most bergamot oils on the market (including ours)
have this bergaptene removed and is labelled FCF ( fluorocoumarin free). It is safer to use
this on the skin but care should still be taken.
Uses: Bergamot blends well with other essential oils and is used in half of women’s and
one third of men’s perfumes. The extract from the skin of the fruit is used in Earl Grey tea
giving it the distinctive aroma. It can be used to treat anxiety and depression. It is useful
for skin treatment and has been associated with treatment of psoriasis.
Note: As with all pure essential oils, dilute appropriately with a suitable carrier oil
before using on the skin. Do not take essential oils internally
