Bergamot

Botanical Name: Citrus bergamia
Part of Plant: Peel
Cultivation: Ecologically ethical
Origin: Italy
Size: 1/3 oz. (10 ml)
Extraction Method: Cold pressed
Precautions: Can be a mild skin irritant – use sparingly and no greater than 1% dilution. Photosensitizing: do not use before exposure to ultraviolet light (sunlight).

Cathy’s Comments: This is the oil with 2 pronunciations: bergamot, with a long o at the end, or as if it were spelled bergamont.  The initial scent is rich, sweet, and fruity; however, the middle notes are oily-herbaceous and somewhat balsamic. The sweetness subsides a bit and a tobacco-like, rich aroma can be detected.  The freshness of the top note is mainly due to terpenes and small amounts of citral and aliphatic aldehydes.  The main chemical constituent of bergamot is linalylacetate, which has been shown to be anti-inflammatory and analgesic.  This is a complex scent with a great reputation for balancing mental and emotional states. Just be sure to thoroughly dilute, as it is a photosensitizer.

For more information, see Bergamot oil profile.