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Bergamot Essential Oil
Posted in Essential Oil Basics by Rocky Mountain Oils

Bergamot Essential Oil

Bergamot: what is it?

Bergamot (Citrus aurantium var bergamia) is the citrus fruit of the petite and fragile bergamot tree. The essential oil is extracted through cold pressing the nearly-ripe bergamot fruit peel. The bergamot fruit is known to be a hybrid of lemon and orange, and it is commonly grown in Argentina, Brazil, Algeria, Italy, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Tunisia, Turkey, and South-East Asia.

Bergamot essential oil presents a medium-strength, tangy, fresh, fruity, and slightly sweet aroma that is bright, uplifting, and energizing.

The most common types of Bergamot is Bergamot FCF that is sourced from Italy and standard Bergamot sourced from the Ivory Coast.

Bergamot Ivory

Our Bergamot Ivory is sourced from the Ivory Coast. We decided to include “Ivory” in the name of this limited-time Bergamot essential oil so that customers will know that there is a difference between Bergamot Ivory and the well-known and loved Bergamot FCF.

Bergamot Ivory vs. Bergamot FCF

The difference between Bergamot Ivory and Bergamot FCF is that Bergamot FCF is heated up after cold pressing to destroy the furanocoumarins, which removes the phototoxins. This makes it is safe to wear out in the sun.

Because Bergamot Ivory is a phototoxic essential oil, you should not expose your skin to direct sunlight or tanning beds for 12-18 hours after applying this oil topically.

Bergamot Ivory Facts

Botanical Name: Citrus aurantium var. bergamia
Country of Origin: Ivory Coast
Extraction Method: Cold Pressed
Plant Part: Citrus Peel
Aroma: Citrusy, Tangy, Sweet
Consistency: Thin
Blends Well With: Cinnamon Bark, Ylang Ylang, Pink Grapefruit, Lemon, Red Mandarin, Orange, Sandalwood, Cedarwood

Bergamot FCF Facts

Botanical Name: Citrus aurantium var. bergamia
Country of Origin: Italy
Extraction Method: Cold Pressed
Plant Part: Citrus Peel
Aroma: Citrusy, Fruity, Sweet
Consistency: Thin
Blends Well With: Cinnamon Bark, Geranium, Pink Grapefruit, Lemon, Red Mandarin, Orange, Sandalwood, Cypress

Benefits of Bergamot

  • Enhances the mood
  • Uplifts the mind
  • Alleviates fatigue
  • Promotes happiness
  • Control and balance appetite
  • Cleanses the air
  • Protects the body against environmental threats
  • Supports the immune and respiratory systems in the body
  • Relieves skin irritation

Fun Fact

Did you know that Bergamot is commonly used to flavor tea, such as Earl Grey Tea?

How to use Bergamot 

  • Combine Bergamot and Vetiver essential oils with a carrier oil, and apply topically to promote focus and clear thoughts.
  • Mixes well with other citrus oils. Blend them to your heart’s content.
  • Diffuse with Lavender to relax and soothe a stressed mind.
  • Sprinkle Bergamot, Myrrh, Frankincense, and Cinnamon Bark on your holiday decorations to give them a festive scent.
  • Combine Bergamot with Epsom salts and any of these oils — Clary Sage, Geranium, Melissa, Frankincense, Palmarosa, Jasmine and Red Mandarin — for an uplifting bath.

Mainly, you should inhale the scent and see how it makes you feel. That’s a great way to get started. And have fun with it!

Recipes

*Please note: With any recipe involving bath or massage blends, always test on a small part of your skin first before using all over your body. Please be sure your skin can handle the blend before being covered in it.

Citrus Air Freshener

  • 20 drops Bergamot
  • 20 drops Red Mandarin
  • 10 drops Clove Bud
  • 4 ounces of purified water

Fill a 4-ounce mist spray bottle with purified water. Shake well before using. Spray the mist into the air.

Bergamot Massage Blend

  • 4 drops Bergamot
  • 2 drops Roman Chamomile
  • 2 drops Lavender
  • 2 drops Geranium
  • 2 teaspoons F.C.O.

Combine ingredients and use as a relaxing massage blend.

Feel Good Diffuser Blend

  • 2 drops Bergamot
  • 2 drops Lavender
  • 4 drops Rose

Use in a diffuser to experience love and dispel loneliness.

Spritz Your Spirits Body Spray

  • 20 drops Bergamot
  • 10 drops Lavender
  • 10 drops of Cedarwood
  • 4 ounces of pure water

Add ingredients to a 4-ounce spray bottle and use anytime you feel your spirits drooping.

Relaxing Bath Blend

  • 4 drops Bergamot
  • 4 drops Lavender
  • 2 drops Clary Sage
  • 1 tablespoon F.C.O.

Add to a warm bath. Close the bathroom door, slide into the tub, and relax for 15-20 minutes.

Rocky Mountain Oils is not liable for any damage caused by the use of these recipes. Each recipe was tested by employees of RMO and did not cause damage to home or person, but we still implore our customers to use caution before trying a recipe in their home. Test recipes on small areas before applying them to the entire surface and do not apply recipes to areas that are potentially sensitive (i.e. priceless Victorian tubs, Baby Grand pianos, etc.).