Winter Essential Oils: Bergamot

Black pepper, cardamon, clove bud, ginger, juniper berry, marjoram, and rosemary are all warming essential oils for the busy winter season.

What about Bergamot?

Here’s why bergamot is ideal for stimulating the senses during the slower winter days.

Bergamot is a fragrant citrus fruit, that’s about the size of an orange with a yellowish-green blush.

Similar to lime, its genetic profile is a hybrid of lemon and bitter orange. This acidic and inedible fruit hails from a spiny tree called a citrus bergamia, which can be found in tropical climates in Southeast Asia, Southern Italy, and the South of France.

Blossoming in the winter, the fruit is cultivated for its fragrant skin (not to be eaten) which is then typically pressed for its precious oil.

The peel has a delicate citrus/floral aroma that is sweet and spicy and features in a variety of perfumes due to its uplifting and energising effect. You may also recognise its characteristic flavour in Earl Grey tea.

In aromatherapy, this oil has been proven for its uplifting and energising effects, supporting the central nervous system, soothing anxiety, and ameliorating overthinking.

For the skin, it is beneficial for acne skin types due to its anti-bacterial properties and is also useful for mature skin for its ability to increase circulation and regenerate the skin. Additionally, it also has several other health benefits.

Bergamot and your client’s skin

When it comes to the skin bergamot oil has several benefits. For example, several compounds in bergamot oil have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

This makes bergamot oil useful; for acne-prone conditions that are not sensitive. The bacterium tested were:

· Staphylococcus aureus

· Listeria monocytogenes

· Bacillus cereus

· E. coli O157

· Campylobacter jejuni

Study findings suggested that bergamot essential oil may be effective when used against these types of bacteria. Additional studies are also ongoing.

Another consideration when it comes to acne is the analgesic properties of bergamot which may also make it effective against painful cysts and pimples.

Put it in your hair

Bergamot oil enthusiasts (and people who love soft, lightly scented hair), swear by this essential oil’s ability to soften and tame curls. Anecdotal evidence indicates that bergamot oil may also be soothing to an irritated scalp.

To use, put a few drops in your usual shampoo. You can also mix one to two drops with a tablespoon of carrier oil and massage it into your scalp as an overnight treatment.

Using Bergamot with Other Essential Oils

In terms of blending with other oils bergamot is very compatible when mixed with:

· Lavender oil: Combined with bergamot, lavender oils can create a beautiful classic fragrance to enhance relaxation and lower stress levels.

· Tea tree oil: Combining bergamot with tea tree oil would be an excellent blend to fight acne and support the skin through the combined anti-bacterial action.

· Chamomile oil: When combining bergamot and chamomile you can both induce calmness and mood elevation – a good one to have handy in the salon or clinic.