What Is Bergamot?
Bergamot, also called citrus bergamot or bergamot orange, is a citrus fruit that comes from the Citrus bergamia plant, a fruit tree believed to be native to the Mediterranean region. The tree is a blend of a sour orange and lemon (citron) plant. The fruit looks like a round lemon and grows in Southern Italy.
If you’ve ever had Earl Grey tea, you’ve tasted the flavor of bergamot. Although generally too sour to eat on its own, it’s been part of the Mediterranean diet since the early 18th century.
People use extracts from bergamot’s sour juice and oil from its peel for a variety of things, including:
- Scents for personal care products
- Aromatherapy
- Health supplements
What does bergamot smell like?
Bergamot smells like citrus with floral and spicy hints.
Health Benefits of Bergamot
Adding bergamot products to your diet or wellness plan could have some health benefits.
May reduce cholesterol levels
Several studies have shown that bergamot may help reduce overall cholesterol and “bad” LDL cholesterol. It may also help increase “good” HDL cholesterol and has the potential to be an effective supplement to cholesterol drugs.
May help with depression symptoms
Studies show that an aromatherapy blend that includes bergamot may help with depression symptoms in older adults, people with terminal cancer, and women who are at high risk of postpartum depression.
There hasn’t been enough research yet to confirm the results, and there’s no conclusive evidence that it can help with depression in other populations. However, there have been some promising early studies with animals.
May ease joint pain
Scientists have found that bergamot might protect the joints in people taking aromatase inhibitors as part of cancer treatment. More research is needed.
May reduce inflammation
Citrus bergamot has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation symptoms in autoimmune diseases, heart problems, brain diseases, and other conditions.
Researchers are still studying how herbs such as bergamot might help treat inflammation without the side effects of medicines like corticosteroids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or biologic drugs. Don’t replace your medication with bergamot or take them together without talking to your doctor first.
May help control hunger cravings
Bergamot contains polysaccharides and fiber, which can help reduce feelings of hunger or control cravings when used in food products or supplements.
May help with hair growth
Some studies suggest that bergamot oil applied to the scalp may help grow hair. Some research shows that bergamot oil can promote antimicrobial activity, which can play a part in boosting hair growth. However, more studies in humans are needed to determine whether it works, how much is needed, and how often it should be used.
Possible Health Risks of Bergamot
Mild side effects. Some people experience side effects including dizziness, muscle cramps, and heartburn when they take bergamot with food.
Blood sugar issues. Bergamot may cause your blood sugar to drop. If you have diabetes, your blood sugar might reach unsafe levels. It’s important to monitor those levels if you choose to use bergamot supplements.
Even if you don’t have diabetes, bergamot could make it harder for doctors to control your blood sugar during surgery. Experts advise that you stop using bergamot supplements two weeks before you have surgery.
Childhood seizures. Children have experienced more serious side effects from taking bergamot, including seizures and death. Serious side effects are more likely when children consume a lot of bergamot oil.
Sun sensitivity. Bergamot oil may be less safe as a skin treatment since it can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. It may also be unsafe as a skin treatment for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to dilute bergamot oil before applying it to your skin. Be particularly cautious about using it if you take a medication that can make you more sensitive to the sun, such as amitriptyline, ciprofloxacin, or tetracycline.
How to Use Bergamot
Bergamot aromatherapy oil
Because many people use bergamot as an aromatherapy ingredient, it’s relatively easy to find bergamot oil wherever you shop for essential oils. You can add a few drops of bergamot oil to:
- An essential oil diffuser filled with water
- A water-based solution in a spray bottle
- A bowl of steaming water
Always check the instructions on the bottle to find out how much to use.
Bergamot skin solutions
Combine 1 teaspoon of a carrier oil, such as a vegetable or nut oil, with three drops of essential oil. You can also use water, but it may not dissolve as well.
Bergamot supplements
Bergamot may also be an active ingredient in a supplement marketed for supporting health, well-being, and healthy aging. Always talk to your doctor before using any over-the-counter dietary supplement, including bergamot. Mention any other supplements and drugs you may be taking, and ask where you might look for a high-quality product.
Bergamot oil for hair
Some hair experts claim that bergamot oil may help improve your hair health. It may make your hair look better by reducing frizz, detangling it, and making it shine. It may also help with scalp conditions such as dandruff or scalp psoriasis, reduce hair aging, prevent hair loss, and promote hair growth.
There isn’t enough evidence to suggest that bergamot oil does all these things for your hair, but it could be worth trying. You can start using it once or twice weekly and watch for results.
Can you eat bergamot?
The fruit is too sour to eat raw, but you can extract its juice and add it to food, tea, or soft drinks as a flavoring ingredient.
Takeaways
Bergamot is a fruit that looks like a round lemon and, like lemons, is too sour and acidic to be taken raw. But you can add its extract to your food, tea, or drink to enjoy its citrusy taste or potential health benefits. Bergamot is also commonly used in supplements and as an essential oil. However, don’t start using it without talking to your doctor first.
Bergamot FAQs
What are the medical benefits of bergamot?
Doctors are unlikely to prescribe bergamot as medicine because more research is still being done on how well it works and how safe it is for different conditions.
What are the health benefits of bergamot tea?
Bergamot tea may help reduce high cholesterol levels, manage inflammation, and control hunger cravings. But scientists are still studying it for these benefits.
What are the pros of bergamot?
The pro of bergamot is that it is easy to find, whether raw, as an aromatherapy oil, or as a supplement. And it might only cause mild side effects.
How to use bergamot essence oil for hair
To start, you can use bergamot essence oil by applying its diluted form on your scalp once or twice a week. You can add a few drops to your shampoo or conditioner and use them when washing your hair.
