Botanical Name: Citrus bergamia is the scientific name of a citrus fruit commonly known as bergamot orange, Family of Rutaceae. 
 
Aromatic Description: Bergamot oil is extracted from the rinds of citrus fruit (Citrus bergamia) that grow on bergamot orange trees. The bergamot tree likely originated in Southeast Asia. It first came to prominence and received its name from the town of Bergamo in southern Italy, and it’s currently grown in many parts of the world. 
 
Bergamot essential oil is celebrated for its fresh, sweet, and slightly floral citrus aroma. Its scent carries a gentle yet bright complexity—cheerful, tangy, and softly herbaceous—often described as the most elegant of citrus oils. In aromatherapy, it is known for its unique ability to simultaneously uplift the spirit and soothe the nerves, making it a valuable oil for emotional balance and mental clarity.
 
Symbolically, bergamot is associated with release, lightness, and emotional renewal. It represents the dissolving of fear, self-judgment, and emotional stagnation, encouraging openness and joy. Energetically, it resonates with the heart and solar plexus chakras, promoting confidence, self-acceptance, and inner harmony.
 
Chemically, bergamot essential oil contains a rich mix of compounds, most notably linalyl acetate, linalool, limonene, γ-terpinene, and bergapten. Linalyl acetate and linalool contribute calming and anti-inflammatory properties, while limonene offers a bright, mood-elevating effect. Bergapten, a furanocoumarin, causes phototoxicity, meaning the oil should not be applied to the skin before sun exposure unless it’s a bergapten-free (FCF – furanocoumarin-free) version.
Therapeutically, bergamot oil is a natural mood enhancer and stress reliever. It is often used to help reduce anxiety, mild depression, nervous tension, and insomnia. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities also make it useful in treating acne, oily skin, eczema, and minor wounds. Its digestive benefits are notable, as it can help alleviate bloating, indigestion, and appetite loss.
 
In practical use, bergamot is a favourite in diffusers, emotional support blends, skin and hair care, and massage oils. It’s a luxurious addition to baths and can be added to natural perfumes or colognes for a fresh, citrusy top note. In culinary traditions, it’s famously used to flavour Earl Grey tea.
 
Bergamot blends exceptionally well with a wide variety of essential oils. Pair it with lavender, frankincense, chamomile, or clary sage for calming or emotional balancing. Blend it with orange, lemon, neroli, or ylang-ylang to enhance its uplifting qualities. For deeper grounding, try it with cedarwood or sandalwood.
 
This oil is typically extracted from the fruit rind, which preserves its aromatic integrity. steam-distilled or processed to be FCF (furanocoumarin-free), reducing the risk of skin photosensitivity while retaining most of the oil’s therapeutic effects.
 
Extraction Method: Steam Distillation, Plant Part: Fruit