Citrus bergamia was our intuitive choice when creating our ‘Faith’. Our Certified Organic Bergamot Essential Oil comes from a fruit grown at the very southern tip of Italy under the warm sunshine of Calabria. Farmers who have worked the land for generations dedicated while restoring traditions of the past.
What is Bergamot?
Bergamot is a sweet, tangy citrus fruit that is yellow-green in colour. Hand-picked during the winter harvest. Tree ripened, this delicious fruit is used for producing not only our organic essential oils. Juice extracted is used to flavour gelato, soft drinks and liqueurs such as Rosolio.
Working together as a community of friends, family and neighbouring farmers, they harvest the fruit. I love picturing these age-old farming methods that were also applied by my great grandparents here in Australia. The family all had their farms side by side and worked together to bring their crops to harvest.
What does Bergamot smell like?
Our Bergapten-free Bergamot is fresh, delicate, a mix of the familiar scents of orange and lemon with floral overtones. Produced by cold pressing the peel of the fruit, all the love and attention given to the fruit is clearly evident in the scent.
You will recognise its distinctive taste and the intensely fruity-floral aroma in Earl Grey tea. The addition of Bergamot is what makes the tea so highly prized and a great addition to recipes such as this Earl Grey Tea Ice Cream.
Bergamot essential oil benefits
Prized for its soothing scent, spicy taste and therapeutic benefits, you will enjoy diffusing the oil for its delightful citrus scent. There are many uses for it as part of your daily self-care.
It has been used for centuries to elevate moods, suppresses anxiety, and clears the mind. Bergamot is also incredible for promoting a good night sleep and Sweet Dreams. One of the best essential oils for anxiety, it is a core ingredient in our Serenity blend.
How to use Bergamot essential oil
Massage
Added to your favourite Alkimista massage oil, it will help reduce muscle tension, relieve tightness or sore muscles, giving a relaxing and soothing massage. Add 1-2 % (20-40 drops per 100ml) to TMA massage oil for general body application.
Skincare
Bergamot is soothing on the skin and can help with teenage acne and oily skin. It has anti-inflammatory, anti-infectious properties and rejuvenating properties, along with being helpful for acne, cold sores, skin infections, wounds, burns, ulcers, eczema, and psoriasis. Add 1-2 % (20-40 drops per 100ml) to cream, lotion or body butter for general body application.
Diffuser
When used in a diffuser and inhaled, Bergamot will relax, calm and uplift the mind. Add 2-5 drops to a vaporiser to scent the room.
Use Bergamot oil with other essential oils
When blending with other oils, Bergamot is a top note essential oil and acts as an equaliser, modifier, and enhancer.
Do you feel anxious? Bergamot pairs wonderfully with our Awareness organic Ylang Ylang essential oil for promoting calm and easing anxiety.
Want to relax? Bergamot combines beautifully with Lavender for relaxing those tired muscles and is also fabulous with geranium, Eucalyptus, Lemon and Patchouli.
Risks with using Bergamot essential oil
Bergapten Free is important – Like many citrus essential oils which contain vitamin c, Bergamot oil can cause increased sensitivity to sunlight or photosensitivity. Bergapten is the culprit, and it is a form of furanocoumarin, which interacts with UV rays to produce chemical burns and skin discolouration.
That is why when choosing our Faith–Bergamot essential oil, we chose bergapten-free, relax and enjoy the sweet aroma without the risk to your skin.
Ingestion
Despite Bergamot being found in food, we never encourage the ingestion of essential oils without specific medical advice – mild side effects.
Lowers Blood Sugar
It is important to note that essential oils can interfere with medications. You should always check for contra indicators before using them. Bergamot can cause blood sugars to drop.
Babies and Children
Most concerns about using Bergamot relate to the impact of photosensitivity and ingestion. Do not use Bergamot that is not bergapten-free, and always use diluted with oil or water. Never leave essential oils in the reach of children. Never give babies or children essential oils orally unless under medical advice. This article is most helpful from a credible and expert in their field – Robert Tisserand.
Pregnancy and Breast Feeding
Most concerns about using Bergamot relate to the impact of photosensitivity and ingestion. Do not use Bergamot that is not bergapten-free when pregnant, as your skin is already more sensitive. Do not ingest, and be aware that you are always more sensitive to scents, so while not necessarily harmful, it may not agree with you. Always seek medical advice before introducing any essential oils to your pregnancy routine.
