General Description
The tree can grow up to twelve meters high, with star-shaped flowers, and smooth leaves, bearing citrus fruit resembling a cross between an orange and a grapefruit but in a pear-shape. The fruit ripens from green to yellow. Named after Bergamo, Italy, where the oil originated, it scents colognes and flavours Earl Grey tea and some candies. This tree is native to South East Asia but was introduced to Europe, and particularly Italy, but is also found in the Ivory Coast, Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria.
Don't confuse Citrus bergamia with common garden bergamot (Monardo didyma), also known as "bee balm".
Odour Description
This greenish yellow oil with it's fresh, clean scent is basically citrus, yet fruity and sweet with a warm spicy floral quality, and is reminiscent of Neroli and Lavender oil.
Blends well with
Basil, Black Pepper, Clary sage, Coriander, Cypress, Elemi, Frankincense, Geranium, Ginger, Grapefruit, Jasmine, Lavender, Mandarin, Neroli, Nutmeg, Orange, Petitgrain, Rosemary, Sandalwood, Vetiver and Ylang Ylang.
Strength of Aroma: Medium Note Middle
Common Uses
Bergamot aids digestion, and reduces inflammation and infection in the genito-urinary system, mouth, throat, and skin (psoriasis). It kills several viruses, including those responsible for flu, herpes, shingles, and chickenpox, and is a traditional Italian folk medicine to treat fever and intestinal worms.
It counters depression, anxiety, insomnia, and compulsive behaviour cycles, including eating disorders. Bergamot essential oil can be used in the treatment of depression, stress, tension, fear, hysteria, anorexia and general convalescence.
Bergamot is a wonderful deodoriser and is great for refreshing rooms that smell of mildew and stale sweat.
Therapeutic Actions
Analgesic, antidepressant, antiseptic, antiviral, carminative, cicatrisant, cordial, deodorant, digestive, febrifuge, sedative, stomachic, tonic, vermifuge, vulnerary.
Works with the following Body Systems
Digestive, Immune, Nervous, Urinary, Skin Care
Best form of Application
Massage, compress, bath, sitz bath, douche, skin care, hair care, inhalation, diffuser, oil vaporiser. Extensively used in room sprays and household insect repellents.
Safety Precautions
Bergamot oil can cause severe burns when used on sensitive skin that has been exposed to sunlight due to the high bergaptene content.
Avoid exposure to the sun after having used bergamot in massage or bath
Important Note: The information provided is for educational purposes only
Sourced from
Battaglia, S. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy, 2nd Edition. The International Centre of Holistic Aromatherapy, Australia, 2003
Cunningham, S. Magical Aromatherapy. Llewellyn Publications, USA, 1993
Lawless, J. The Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Essential Oils. Element Books, UK, 1995
Worwood, V. The Fragrant Mind. Transworld Publishers, UK, 1995
Worwood, V. The Fragrant Pharmacy. Bantam, UK, 1990