Bergamot (FCF)

Botanical Name

Citrus bergamia

Plant Family

Rutaceae

Bergamot Essential Oil Uses

acne, abscesses, analgesic, anthelmintic, antidepressant, antiseptic (pulmonary, genito-urinary), antispasmodic, antitoxic, anxiety, boils, carminative, cold sores, cystitis, depression, deodorant, digestive, diuretic, febrifuge, halitosis, itching, laxative, loss of appetite, oily skin, parasiticide, psoriasis, rubefacient, stimulant, stomachic, stress, tonic, vermifuge, vulnerary.

Source: Julia Lawless, The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Updated Edition) (London: Harper Thorsons, 2014), 48-49.

Common Method of Extraction

Cold Pressed or Steam Distilled (less frequently)

Plant Part Typically Used

Citrus Rind (Peel)

Color of Bergamot Essential Oil

Green/Golden

Consistency

Thin

Perfumery Note

Top

Strength of Initial Aroma

Medium

Aromatic Description

Bergamot Essential Oil smells citrusy and possesses a beautifully complex aroma with underlying floral and bitter characteristics.

Possible Substitute Oils

Neroli, Lime, Lemon, Grapefruit

Blends Well With

Bay leaf, balsam fir, black pepper, cardamom, carrot seed, cassia, coriander, cedarwood, chamomile (Roman), chamomile (German), camphor, cypress, clary sage, fennel, frankincense, geranium, helichrysum, lavender, lemon, lemon verbena, lime, neroli, niaouli, nutmeg, palmarosa, petitgrain, ravensara, sage, Spanish sage, vetiver, ylang ylang

Source: Dr. Scott A. Johnson, Evidence-Based Essential Oil Therapy The Ultimate Guide to the Therapeutic And Clinical Application of Essential Oils (First Edition) (Scott A. Johnson Professional Writing Serices, LLC), 58-60.

GRAS Status	Safe for Kids	Pregnancy Safe	Nursing Safe	Fur-Baby Safe	Shelf-Life
Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	2-3 years

Major Constituents of Bergamot Essential Oil

• (+)-Limonene
• Linalyl Acetate
• Linalool
• Sabinene
• Gamma-Terpinene
• Bergapten

Source: B.M. Lawrence, Essential Oils 1981-1987 (Wheaton: Allured Publishing, 1989), 39-40. B.M. Lawrence, Essential Oils 1988-1991 (Wheaton: Allured Publishing, 1993), 7, 175.A. Verzera, A. Trozzi, I. Stagno D’Alcontres, et al., The Composition of the Volatile Fraction of Calabrian Bergamot Essential Oil. (Riv. Ital. EEPOS 25, 1998), 17-38. P. Dugo, L. Mondello, A.R. Proteggente, et al., Oxygen Heterocyclic Compounds of Bergamot Essential Oils. (Rivista Italiana EPPOS 27, 1999), 31-41. SCCP, Opinion on Furocoumarins in Cosmetic Products. (Scientific Committee on Consumer Products, 13-Dec.-2005), SCCP/0942/05. Sources cited in Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young, Essential Oil Safety (Second Edition. United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2014), 211.

Recommended Dilution Range

5%-50%; neat for some conditions

Bergamot Essential Oil Safety Information

Cold pressed Bergamot Oil is phototoxic. Tisserand and Young recommend a dermal maximum use of 0.4% to avoid phototoxicity. Reading Tisserand and Young’s full profile on this oil is recommended. [Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young, Essential Oil Safety (Second Edition. United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2014), 87, 211.] Rectified FCF/Bergaptine-Free versions of cold pressed Bergamot Oil are available that dramatically reduce the phototoxicity of the oil.

• Our Bergamot is furocoumarin-free (FCF) where the Bergapten has been removed.

Very photosensitizing, do not expose skin to UV rays for up to 24 hours following topical application where skin is exposed.

May interfere with the enzymes responsible for drug metabolism (NSAIDs, proton-pump inhibitors, acetaminophen, antiepileptics, immune modulators, blood=sugar medications, blood pressure medications, antidepressants, antipsychotics, diabetic medications, antihistamines, antibiotics, and anesthetics).

Source: Dr. Scott A. Johnson, Evidence-Based Essential Oil Therapy The Ultimate Guide to the Therapeutic And Clinical Application of Essential Oils (First Edition) (Scott A. Johnson Professional Writing Serices, LLC), 59.

General Safety Information

Do not take essential oils internally nor apply undiluted essential oils, absolutes, CO2s or other concentrated essences onto the skin without advanced essential oil knowledge or consultation from a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Read, Birkat Natural’s, Guide to Diluting Essential Oils, for general dilution information. If you are currently experiencing pregnancy, epileptic, have liver damage, have cancer, have any other medical problem, or are otherwise under the care of a physician, use oils only under the proper guidance of a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Use extreme caution when using oils with children and be sure to first read the recommended dilution ratios for children. Consult a qualified aromatherapy practitioner before using oils with children, the elderly, if you have medical issues or are taking medications. Carefully read Birkat Natural’s Essential Oil Safety Information page, before using any essential oil. For in-depth information on oil safety issues, read Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young.

The FDA has not evaluated the statements on this website. No claims are made by Birkat Adonai Farm, LLC as to the medicinal value of any products from Birkat Adonai Farm, LLC. The information presented here is for educating our customers about the traditional uses of essential oils and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. You are responsible for understanding the safe application of these products. If you have any questions, please call or email us for further information.