Bergamot: what is it for and how to use its oil

The bergamot is a fruit very used by its essential oils, the wines are obtained to rallar and express its shell, being widely used in the elaboration of perfumes, cosmetics, foods and in the confection industries, for its intense fragrance and freshness. Bergamot is not consumed because it is very bitter, however, some scientific studies indicate that its juice has anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic and hypolipemic properties.

The scientific name of bergamot is citrus × bergamot and this fruit is considered a hybrid between an orange and a lemon, characterized because its essential oil when used in aromatherapy or applied to the skin can provide several benefits for health.

The essential oil of bergamot can be purchased at natural products stores or at stores online.

what is it for

The essential oil of bergamot can provide several benefits for health, which include:

1. Posses antimicrobial property

La bergamot has antimicrobial properties, helping to fight different microorganisms, which include: Campylobacter jejuni, Escherichia coli O157, Listeria monocytogenes, Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus, which are bacteria that are transmitted through food and cause food poisoning.

In addition to this, it also seems to exert antifungal action against the fungi of the genus Candida spp, mainly Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Candida krusei, Candida tropicalis and Candida parapsilosis, which have been associated with both symptomatic and asymptomatic vulvovaginal candidiasis.

2. Lower cholesterol

Bergamot has flavonoids, which are active compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties, and that according to some scientific studies ^[1][2] help to lower cholesterol, preventing the onset of heart disease.

3. Reduce pain and inflammation

Bergamot has some bioactive compounds found in its essential oil, called linalool, bergamot and carvacrol that have antioxidant, analgesic and help to reduce inflammation in the body.

4. Prevent cancer

Bergamot poses the active compounds called limonene and linaloyl, which help to inhibit the survival and multiplication of tumor cells, causing necrosis and death of these cancer cells, especially in neuroblastomas.

5. Help with acne treatment

Due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, bergamot can be an excellent option to complement acne treatment, especially in those who do not have sensitive skin.

6. Improve anxiety and stress

The essential oils of bergamot affect the transmission of nerve impulses in the brain and have neuroprotective and analgesic properties. Why using bergamot in aromatherapy can help to minimize the symptoms of anxiety induced by stress and mild mood disorders.

How to consume bergamot

There are several ways to use bergamot oil, and it can be used in aromatherapy, by inhalation or applied to the skin, as well as ingested as a supplement.

1. Essential bergamot oil

To use bergamot oil on your skin, it must be mixed with a vegetable oil, such as almond, coconut or avocado oil, for example, so that it can be applied in the desired region.

See how to use the bergamot oil in inhalations or in the diffuser.

2. Bergamot supplement

The recommended dose of the supplement is from 500 to 1000 mg of bergamot once or twice a day before meals, for a maximum of 12 weeks, always consult a professional expert in medicinal plants before ingestion.

Side effects and contraindications

The use of essential bergamot oil is quite safe, although when it is applied to the skin, especially in areas exposed to sunlight, it can cause phytophotodermatitis, es decir, a burn on the skin. For this reason, once applied, it should not be exposed to the sun.

In addition, some people with bergamot can cause hypersensitivity or allergy in the skin, producing symptoms such as reddening, burning sensation and comezón in the affected region.

There is no insurance on the effects of bergamot in embarazadas, during lactation and in children under 12 years old, which is why you should consult a doctor before use.