We all have that certain scent. That scent that, when we smell it, makes us feel so good; so at home. It makes us feel like us.
For me, that scent has always been jasmine. Even looking at the word gives me that feeling. But I’ve recently added another to the list. And that, my friends, is bergamot.
The Bergamot orange, or Citrus bergamia, is a fruit that looks like a cross between an orange and a lemon – and not for no reason. It’s believed to be a hybrid of the sweet lemon and the Seville orange. It comes from a small tree that is most commonly grown in southern Italy, but can also be found in southern France as well as southern Turkey.
For the mind: Bergamot oil has a beautiful sweet citrus scent that is uplifting yet relaxing at the same time. That may sound like an oxymoron, but one whiff and you’ll know exactly what I mean. The scent can help relieve stress, anxiety, and depression by opening up the heart chakra and bringing positivity to the mind. It also improves blood circulation, which creates energetic feelings of freshness and joy from within.
As I write this, I sit here with a small bottle of it right next to me, lifting it up to my nose every minute or two. I seriously can not get enough.
For the body: Bergamot oil is commonly used in skincare products like soaps and creams, due to its ability to reduce scars and even out skin tone. It also has disinfectant properties, which inhibit the growth of odor-causing bacteria. That, coupled with its gorgeous aroma, makes this oil a prime ingredient for natural deodorants like this one!
Forget pain meds, favor a bottle of bergamot essential oil instead. It’s often used as a pain remedy – especially for headaches and muscle aches – because it stimulates the release of certain hormones in the body which cause you to be less sensitive to pain. Bergamot oil is often used for digestion, as well, as it helps increase digestive acid secretions, and speeds up the digestive process as a whole.
How to use: To use topically, add a drop of bergamot essential oil into 1 or 2 teaspoons of a carrier oil like avocado, coconut, or almond, then rub into your skin. Wait until it’s fully absorbed before going outside, and avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight, as bergamot oil may increase sensitivity to UV light.
To use aromatically, the scent is safe to be inhaled directly. Just like I’m doing right now…
Internal use is not recommended without expert supervision, as it’s difficult to be sure if you’re dealing with a substance that’s totally safe to ingest – I’d say it’s best to just avoid this altogether! However, you can just treat yourself to a cup of Earl Grey tea. Bergamot oil is what gives it its beautifully unique flavor!
A note of caution: Bergamot essential oil contains a component that can become toxic if exposed to sunlight, so be sure to store the oil in a dark bottle in a dark place!
Anyone out there love bergamot oil as much as I do? Come forward!