Citrus bergamia
Plant organ: Fruit peel
Optimal ranges of biochemical composition of a good pure and chemotyped essential oil of Bergamot:
- Limonene 30-45%
- Linalyl acetate 22-36%
- Beta-Pinene 5.5-9.5%
- Range- Terpinene 6-10%
- Linalool 3-15%
General information and properties:
Bergamot essential oil is appreciated for its soft and relaxing fragrance. In vitro studies suggest that due to its linalool content, it inhibits the activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). Inhibition of AChE activity enhances memory and thinking. Selective inhibition of BChe is indicated to treat neurodegenerative diseases, since this enzyme interferes with the function of Acetylcholine. Additionally, BChE is frequently present in brain analysis results of Alzheimer's patients. Interestingly, BChE commonly appears in the results of brain tests in Alzheimer's patients.
Linalool stands out for its antispasmodic and anxiolytic properties. By competing with certain neurotransmitters in the hippocampus, it regulates mood, reduces blood pressure and dissipates tension. Various research concludes that inhaled Bergamot essential oil has the ability to deeply influence the nervous system to reduce anxiety, stress, depression, negative emotions and fatigue, as well as correct mild mood disorders.
Animal studies suggest that Bergamot essence reduces the response of the Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis to stress by reducing the secretion of corticosterone, making it a valuable remedy for anxiety and stress management.
Linalool and limonene are antiseptic and antibacterial. Linalool has manifest action against: Campylobacter jejuni, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis.
Limonene is active against Aspergillus niger and Penicillium digitatum. The presence of both molecules justifies their use for environmental asepsis.
Finally, limonene, the main molecule of bergamot essential oil, acts positively on digestion as a carminative, digestive (stimulates gastric motility and attenuates nausea) and laxative. Additionally, limonene is recognized for being choleretic and cholagogue, stimulating the generation of bile and its secretion at the intestinal level, promoting the digestion of fats and favoring the functions of the liver on which it has a hepatoprotective effect.
Correct traditional indications
Dermatology
Greasy hair
Mix 1 to 2 drops of Bergamot essential oil in a dose of shampoo. Apply during the lathering process and leave it on for a period of 1 to 3 minutes before rinsing.
Gastroenterology
Colic
Mix 2 drops of Bergamot essential oil with a teaspoon of Honey or Olive oil. Apply to the tongue 2 times a day for 5 days.
Colic
Dilute 1 drop of Bergamot essential oil in 4 drops of Argan vegetable oil. Massage the belly until completely absorbed into the skin.
Difficult digestion (Dyspepsia)
Dilute 1 drop of Bergamot essential oil in 4 drops of Argan vegetable oil. Massage the abdomen until completely absorbed into the skin.
Difficult digestion (Dyspepsia)
Mix 2 drops of Bergamot essential oil with a teaspoon of Honey or Olive oil. Apply to the tongue before each meal. Repeat until you notice improvement.
Constipation
Mix 2 drops of Bergamot essential oil with a teaspoon of Honey or Almond oil. Apply to the tongue before each meal. Repeat until you notice improvement.
Inappetence (Lack of appetite)
Mix 2 drops of Bergamot essential oil with a teaspoon of Honey or Almond oil. Apply to the tongue before each meal. Do not apply for a period greater than 3 consecutive weeks.
Neurology
Alzheimer's (adjuvant)
Apply 10 drops of Bergamot essential oil in a diffuser , for 15 minutes for each hour of diffusion.
Psychiatry or Psychology
Distress and Anxiety
Slowly and deeply inhale the Bergamot essential oil directly from the bottle 3 to 5 consecutive times. Apply in diffusion for 30 minutes.
Humor changes
Apply 10 drops of Bergamot essential oil in a diffuser , for 15 minutes for each hour of diffusion.
Stress
Apply 10 drops of Bergamot essential oil in a diffuser , for 15 minutes for each hour of diffusion.
Irritability
Apply 10 drops of Bergamot essential oil in a diffuser, for 15 minutes for each hour of diffusion.
Permitted use according to age or condition of the patient:
- Pregnancy less than 3 months: not during the first 5 months, but later.
- Children from 3 to 6 years: no
- Babies under 3 years old: no
Safe application routes:
- Inhalation: yes
- Topical route: yes
- Oral route: yes
- In diffuser: yes
Risks of using essential oil:
Photosensitizing: yes
Hormonal interaction with estrogen: no
General hormonal interaction: no
Liver toxicity: no
Neurotoxicity: no
Irritant to respiratory tract: no
Allergy risk: yes
Dermocaustic (burns skin if used neat): yes
Skin irritation if used neat: yes
Cortisone-like effect: yes
Warnings on the use of essential oils:
Information on traditional use does not replace the recommendation of a pharmacist or aromatherapy doctor. Its use without following this recommendation will always be under your responsibility. If you have any questions, it is recommended to consult your doctor. It is important to confirm the diagnosis of your illness or condition to make the best decision. It is especially important to review the contraindications and precautions for use of each essential oil. The indications and contraindications of an essential oil depend on its molecular composition. The traditional uses reviewed refer to 100% pure essential oils and vegetable oils with detailed information on origin, quality and specific molecular composition ranges for SAFE AND EFFECTIVE AROMATHERAPY. THEY DO NOT APPLY TO ANY ESSENTIAL OIL THAT DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THIS INFORMATION. QUALITY GLOBAL SAS AND/OR COCTOR SALIARMO VALDERRAMA AND/OR AROMATMA SAS is/are not responsible for inappropriate and/or abusive use of essential oils and vegetable oils. Allergy: Before using an essential oil, it is advisable to apply a drop to the inside of the elbow and wait 24 hours in order to detect a possible allergic reaction. It is appropriate to consult the chapter titled “Risks of using essential oil” if the “Allergy risks” icon appears.
Contraindications:
Do not apply during the first 5 months of pregnancy.
Do not apply to children under 6 years of age.
Applied neat it is irritating and dermocaustic to the skin; For topical application, dilute it in a vegetable oil in a maximum proportion equivalent to 20% and avoid sun exposure for 12 hours after application.
Suitable for diffusion for pregnant women and babies.
Probable interaction with medications.
It can be nephrotoxic when applied in high doses over a long period of time.
It is advisable to test the oil on the inside of the elbow to demonstrate the risk of allergy.
Bibliography:
- De la Charie, T. et al. “Compagnie des Sens” website – https://www.compagnie-des-sens.fr/
Franchomme, P., R. Jollois, and D. Pénoël. 2001. L'aromathérapie Exactement. Encyclopédie de L'utilisation Thérapeutique Des Huiles Essentielles. Editions Roger Jollois.
- Zhiri A., Baudoux D. Huiles essentielles chémotypées et leurs synergies.
- Passeport Santé. Website https://www.passeportsante.net/
- Scott A. Johnson, 2015. Evidence-based essential oil therapy the ultimate guide to the therapeutic and clinical application of essential oils (EBEO)
- https://vanessences.fr/content/28-huile-essentielle-encens-bienfaits-proprietes-utilisation
Image source: from ''Koehler's Medicinal-Plants'' 1887.
Image Description: A. A branch of bergamot flower. Fruit B, almost ripe. C cross section of it. D flower diagram. 1 calyx without disc in longitudinal section; 2 stamens; 3 mortars with disc; 4 equal in longitudinal section. ABC natural size; 1-4 enlarged.