Bergamot Oil Uses

Bergamot oil (citrus bergamia) is a member of the citrus family and was named after the Italian city where the oil was first sold. According to Julia Lawless, author of "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils," the oil is extracted from the peel of the ripe fruit, which resembles a small orange. The scent is fresh, orange/lemon/citrusy, and slightly floral.

Earl Grey Tea

Earl Grey Tea is a popular English tea made by blending Indian and Ceylon tea leaves and uses bergamot as the distinct flavoring. The origin of the exact recipe is not known, however legend has it that the recipe was created for Charles Grey by a Mandarin Chinese man whose life Earl Grey saved.

Cosmetics

Bergamot oil has a pleasant aroma and, as noted by Lawless, has the ability to kill germs, mask or eliminate odors, increase blood flow, help heal and treat wounds, and increase body tone. These properties make it useful in cosmetics, including hair care products and perfumes.

According to the Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep, the Cosmetics Safety Database website, bergamot oil is used in body moisturizers, facial moisturizers and treatments, bath oil, bath salts/soaks, body washes and cleansers, hand creams, body oils, facial cleansers, bar soaps, anti-aging products and exfoliants.

Germicide

A 2006 study published by the National Institutes of Health in the "Journal of Applied Microbiology" reported that bergamot essential oil appears to have an antibacterial component. The component, linalool, which is also present to a degree in lemon and sweet orange, appeared to have the ability to inhibit the growth of a number of microorganisms. The study suggested that the use of bergamot oil could be useful "as a way of combating the growth of common causes of food poisoning."

Perfume

The fruity/sweet aroma of bergamot essential oil lends itself well to use in a number of perfumes and colognes, usually in the Chypre and Fougère fragrance classifications. Bergamot was an ingredient in the original Eau De Cologne, created in Cologne, Germany in the 18th century. Bergamot oil has a refreshing and uplifting quality, states Lawless.