Benefits of bergamot oil

If you want to enjoy the benefits of bergamot essential oil, you may be able to use it to:

1. Support mental health

One of the most common uses of bergamot oil is through diffusion, which benefits people looking to tackle anxiety, stress or low moods.

A 2011 study [1] looked at how blood pressure, pulse rates, skin temperature, breathing rates and other emotional responses shown by patients dealing with depression and low moods could be affected by a combination of bergamot and lavender oil.

Compared to those who inhaled a placebo, the oil blend helped to improve all of the markers mentioned above.

An earlier study, conducted in 2006 [2], suggested that the production of bile, insulin and digestive juices – which are responsible for lowering blood pressure and the breakdown of sugars – could be stimulated by bergamot, which helped to lower stress responses.

2. Improve skin conditions

Bergamot oil contains properties that promote wound-healing, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties.

If you do not have sensitive skin, this allows it to work as a spot treatment for acne and other small wounds.

When mixed with a carrier oil, bergamot essential oil can be applied to small cuts, cysts, pimples and blackheads.

Alternatively, it can be diluted with water or with a facial cleanser and used to address skin issues.

It is important to note that, like nearly all citrus-based essential oils, cold-pressed bergamot essential oil can cause phototoxicity.

So, it may not be suitable for people with sensitive skin and should not be used when coming into contact with UV rays.

3. Aid oral health

Oil pulling is an ancient, Indian folk remedy that many claim offers a natural way to whiten your teeth, freshen breath and generally improve oral health.

Combining bergamot oil with a vegetable-based carrier oil offers a way to try oil pulling, which may help to remove bad bacteria on gums and teeth, whilst refreshing breath.

Researchers have found [3] that bergamot contains antibacterial properties, suggesting that this could be due to the presence of the linalool compound, which can offer some protection against foodborne pathogens.

4. Offer pain relief

The linalool compound can not only help to improve oral health but may also be able to provide pain relief.

The anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anticonvulsant properties of bergamot oil were analysed in a 2017 review [4], which concluded it offered some effective pain-relieving qualities.

Scientists also believe that linalool can affect pain receptors and inhibit the release of substance P – a compound that plays a role in the transmission of pain and other nerve impulses.

5. Lower cholesterol

Based on results produced by numerous studies [5] , it is believed that bergamot oil may be able to reduce cholesterol.

A review of human and animal studies in 2016 [6] indicated that the flavonoids in bergamot may be able to reduce lipid levels.

However, the paper also stated that further research is needed to clarify these results.

An animal study published in 2018 [7] also backed up this claim.

In addition, researchers found that the anti-inflammatory effect produced in the livers of rats recovering from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease were affected by the polyphenol compound found in bergamot.

6. Work as a natural deodorant

According to research published in 2022 [8] , bergamot oil may be able to prevent the growth of germs responsible for bad body odour.

Bergamot has a citrusy, refreshing smell that can be applied to the skin (after being diluted with a carrier oil) underneath the armpits.

This helps to explain why bergamot oil is used by many brands in a variety of colognes and perfumes.

It also works well with other essential oils like cedarwood, lemon and sandalwood, giving you more scent options if you want to make your own natural, chemical-free deodorant.

7. Help to reduce fever

When your cortisol levels are elevated, your body temperature starts to rise, and sweat is produced in an attempt to cool the system.

Bergamot may be able to help lower cortisol levels [9] , thereby reducing the fever-like feeling, in some instances.

You can put this to the test at home by diffusing bergamot essential oil with a diffuser or oil burner.

Simply add a few drops and let the scent disperse across the space.

Alternatively, dilute with carrier oil and apply to your temples, back of the neck and bottoms of your feet to feel this effect.

8. Ease digestive issues

Indigestion and various other minor digestive issues have long been treated by traditional Chinese practitioners by using the peels of the bergamot fruit.

Because of bergamot's ability to stimulate digestive juices, these soothing properties can ease digestion, so the mucosa does not become too sensitive.

One study [10] involving mice with a form of inflammatory bowel disease, found that there was a reduction in diarrhoea episodes and in the release of inflammatory proteins after the consumption of bergamot juice.

9. Clear the airwaves

One of the slightly lesser-known benefits of bergamot oil is its ability to clear the airwaves, with its uplifting aroma working to open up the chest.

It can work in a similar way to eucalyptus oil, which not only supports better breathing, but also clears up your senses, removing the feeling of being “bunged up”.

Most people enjoy this through diffusion or by adding the oil to a candle recipe (before it has been lit).

Another method can be by adding a few diluted drops of the oil to warm bath water.

10. Improve hair health

According to a 2019 review [11] , animal studies had noted that bergamot essential oil was able to promote hair growth in certain circumstances.

This scientific evidence offers some confirmation for the anecdotal belief that applying bergamot oil to the scalp can ease and calm irritation.

Others also firmly believe that including bergamot essential oil in their daily hair care routine helps to keep hair soft, whilst also taming frizz and curls.