Bergamot is a type of citrus fruit native to Italy, and its essential oils from the peel and the extract from the juice are used to make medicine. Bergamot oil has a soothing scent, spicy taste, and a wide range of potential uses and possible benefits. Here are some details about bergamot products:
Positive:
- Bergamot extract taken by mouth seems to lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad") cholesterol levels in people with high cholesterol.
- Bergamot oil is commonly used as aromatherapy and has a wide variety of applications.
- Bergamot oil is a popular choice to be included in general off-the-shelf cosmetic skin and hair care formulations to give that pleasant not too sweet, bergamot-orange fragrance.
Negative:
- When applied to the skin, the chemicals in bergamot oil can make the skin sensitive to sunlight.
- The chemical compound in bergamot essential oil (known as bergapten) can be toxic to the skin if applied topically and then exposed to UV sunlight.
Ingredients or materials:
- Bergamot oil has several active chemicals, including Limonene, Linalyl Acetate, Linalool, Pinene, Bergaptene, Terpineol, Nerol, Neryl Acetate, β-Bisabolene, Geraniol, Geraniol Acetate, and Myrcene.
- Bergamot extract is used for high levels of cholesterol or other fats in the blood, anxiety, mental alertness, joint pain, and many other conditions.
- Bergamot supplements may help reduce inflammation, lower blood glucose, and help prevent cardiovascular disease.
Its important to note that while research suggests there are health benefits, the FDA doesn’t monitor or regulate the purity or quality of essential oils. It’s important to talk with a healthcare professional before using bergamot products and be sure to research the quality of a brand’s products. Always do a patch test before trying a new essential oil.
