Linalool (12.32%), Linalyl acetate (26.13%), Limonene (40.20%) 

Antispasmodic

Bergamot oil relieves spasms thanks to linalool and linalyl acetate, limiting the muscle contractions and lowering the spasms. It can be used to reduce colic, contractions, and infections. 

Digestive problems

It is carminative and, thanks to limonene, increases gastric and intestinal motility, relieving nausea, optimizing digestion and nutrient absorption processes throughout the small intestine. Limonene also improves the production of bile and its release in the intestine, helping the digestion of fats. Bergamot essential oil also has a hepatoprotective effect. 

Anxiolytic

Linalool and linalyl acetate promote sleep, help treat depression, stress, irritability and anxiety, but has a milder sedative effect than lavender. It can also be used in cases of insomnia, preferably on a cloth near the head of the bed, as its colour can stain pillowcases and pillows. 

Antiseptic and bactericidal

Some studies demonstrated that bergamot essential oil has important results in the treatment of psoriasis and hair growthv [1]. Linalool also has antifungal and bactericide properties against Campylobacter jejuni, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis [ ]. Limonene is useful against Aspergillus niger and Penicillium digitatum. 

Uplifting

Although the mechanisms of action of Bergamot Essential Oil on the central nervous system have not yet been fully understood, studies suggest that they could be mediated by the release of amino acids that interact with mechanisms that modulate synaptic plasticity [2]. That is, it stimulates neural activity to adapt more easily for better functioning.

According to a 2015 study in rodents, it counteracts anxiety behavior through the stress response pathway, reducing the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis [3]. 

Skin regenerator

The properties of Linalool, Linalyl acetate with Limonene, that has shown effectiveness as a transdermal delivery enhancer, increased human skin permeability, and decreased lag time [4], makes thBergamot essential a perfect combination for skin care. It is important to remember that the skin should not be exposed to sunlight after using oils with furanocoumarins. 

Regulates appetite

It is common for emotional stress to cause eating disorders. In some people under emotional stress the appetite is reduced, in others it is increased.

As a consequence of its anxiolytic components (Linalool, Linalyl acetate), Bergamot essential oil is known to help regulate appetite. Limonene, which affects autonomic nerves, enhances lipolysis through a histaminergic response, and reduces appetite and body weight [5] 

The limonene present in bergamot oil is an effective solvent. It can be used in reductive massages, taking into account its photosensitizing composition. A recent study showed that limonene and its metabolite, perillyl alcohol, have inhibitory activity on P-Selectin protein expression, potentially reducing the risk of venous thrombosis, without altering the clotting factor [1]. The use of bergamot oil helps in cases of chronic pain such as neuropathic pain [2]. 

Bergamot essential oil has no restrictions on the route of use, but it must be used as medically indicated. Don’t use it in cases of kidney stones as it can be nephrotoxic in high doses for a long period. It should not be used by pregnant women and children under 7 years of age. 

Its use must be carried out with a maximum dilution of 20% in a carrier oil.

Do not apply on the skin without dilution. 

[1] - Perna S, Spadaccini D, Botteri L, et al. Efficacy of bergamot: from anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative mechanisms to clinical applications as preventive agent for cardiovascular morbidity, skin diseases, and mood alterations. Food Sci Nutr. 2019;7:369-384.

[2] - NAVARRA M, MANNUCCI C, DELBÒ M, CALAPAI G. Citrus bergamia essential oil: from basic research to clinical application. Front Pharmacol. 2015 Mar 2;6:36. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2015.00036. PMID: 25784877; PMCID: PMC4345801.

[3] - ROMBOLÀ L, SCUTERI D, WATANABE C, SAKURADA S, et al. 5-HT1A Receptor in the Anxiolytic-Relaxant Effects of Bergamot Essential Oil in Rodent. Int J Mol Sci. 2020 Apr 9;21(7):2597. doi: 10.3390/ijms21072597. PMID: 32283606; PMCID: PMC7177770.

[4] - Krishnaiah YS, Al-Saidan SM. Limonene enhances the in vitro and in vivo permeation of trimetazidine across a membrane-controlled transdermal therapeutic system. Curr Drug Deliv. 2008;5:70-76.

[5] - Jiao Shen, Akira Niijima, Mamoru Tanida, Yuko Horii, Keiko Maeda, Katsuya Nagai. Olfactory stimulation with scent of grapefruit oil affects autonomic nerves, lipolysis and appetite in rats, Neuroscience Letters, Volume 380, Issue 3, 2005, Pages 289-294, ISSN 0304-3940,