Body-FeedbackThe physical benefits of bergamot essential oil
Bergamot essential oil has two surprising facts: it is the flavoring for Earl Grey tea, and it is a citrus fruit. Bergamot oil focuses the mind by calming the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate. If you are sensitive to monosodium glutamate (MSG) or notice that you don’t feel rested after eating foods seasoned with it, you may find benefits from using bergamot before bed on a regular basis. Glutamate stimulates the mind and excess amounts are released naturally when your blood sugar drops too low. Too much glutamate can make you feel mentally restless and irritable, and have difficulty sleeping. Therefore, the best time to both test and use bergamot oil is in the evening to relax your spirit and quiet your mind, and you can use this oil if you wake up during the night overthinking.*
Excess levels of glutamate may be aggravated by strokes, traumatic brain injury, and hypoglycemia. High concentrations of glutamate in the brain are also linked to seizures, alcoholism, and neurodegenerative diseases of the central nervous system such as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson’s disease.*
Bergamot is a citrus fruit grown in southern Italy and southern France. The mild and appealing aroma of bergamot essential oil is perfect for children and adults who are sensitive to smells. Bergamot supports a balanced immune system response and the absorption of healthy fats that fuel the brain and the nervous system. Bergamot directs energy upward to the head and harmonizes the hypothalamus-pituitary connection that is required for a healthy and well-functioning endocrine system.*
Always remember, applying bergamot essential oil to the skin will increase sensitivity to the sun where applied.*
The emotional benefits of bergamot essential oil
Bergamot Essential Oil
Bergamot oil has been used for centuries in perfumes for its appealing and calming scent. Today this oil is being studied for its calming effects on glutamate concerning obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), schizophrenia, and anxiety. Other studies have shown a positive impact on restoring cellular function in rats with induced opioid resistance.*
In Chinese medicine, the spirit is stored in the heart while sleeping and bergamot essential oil can calm the spirit and nourish the soul. The heart meridian also controls the pituitary to directly influence the cortisol to melatonin balance for energy during the day and sleep during the night. Bergamot is the perfect choice when there is difficulty falling asleep due to excessive worrying.*
*Statements in this paragraph have not been evaluated by the FDA.
Always discuss with your medical doctor before using any alternative medicines, natural supplements, or vitamins. All information and content provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to substitute advice given by a pharmacist, physician, or other licensed health-care professional. This information is not intended to treat or diagnose a health problem or disease.
Bergamot Essential Oil Research Articles:
A study suggests that bergamot essential oil can play a major role in a combined action of cancer cell death.
Russo R, Ciociaro A, Berliocchi L, Cassiano MG, Rombolà L, Ragusa S, Bagetta G, Blandini F, Corasaniti MT. Implication of limonene and linalyl acetate in cytotoxicity induced by bergamot essential oil in human neuroblastoma cells. Fitoterapia. 2013 Sep;89:48-57. doi: 10.1016/j.fitote.2013.05.014. Epub 2013 May 23. PubMed PMID: 23707744.
A study demonstrates that bergamot oil prevents glutamate accumulation against brain injury in rats induced by focal cerebral ischemia.
Amantea D, Fratto V, Maida S, Rotiroti D, Ragusa S, Nappi G, Bagetta G, Corasaniti MT. Prevention of Glutamate Accumulation and Upregulation of Phospho-Akt may Account for Neuroprotection Afforded by Bergamot Essential Oil against Brain Injury Induced by Focal Cerebral Ischemia in Rat. Int Rev Neurobiol. 2009;85:389-405. doi: 10.1016/S0074-7742(09)85027-7. PubMed PMID: 19607983.
Bergamot essential oil is studied for effects on wound healing
Cosentino M, Luini A, Bombelli R, Corasaniti MT, Bagetta G, Marino F. The essential oil of bergamot stimulates reactive oxygen species production in human polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Phytother Res. 2014 Aug;28(8):1232-9. doi: 10.1002/ptr.5121. Epub 2014 Jan 23. PubMed PMID: 24458921.
A study shows bergamot oil reduces stress among elementary school teachers.
Chang, K.-M., & Shen, C.-W. (2011). Aromatherapy Benefits Autonomic Nervous System Regulation for Elementary School Faculty in Taiwan. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine : eCAM, 2011, 946537. http://doi.org/10.1155/2011/946537
Studies confirm that the main role of free radicals during the cascade of events induced by prolonged morphine treatment and the co-administration of bergamot oil as an important therapeutic approach to restoring opioids analgesic efficacy.
Lauro F, Giancotti LA, Ilari S, Dagostino C, Gliozzi M, Morabito C, Malafoglia V, Raffaeli W, Muraca M, Goffredo BM, Mollace V, Muscoli C. Inhibition of Spinal Oxidative Stress by Bergamot Polyphenolic Fraction Attenuates the Development of Morphine-Induced Tolerance and Hyperalgesia in Mice. PLoS One. 2016 May 26;11(5):e0156039. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0156039. eCollection 2016. PubMed PMID: 27227548; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC4881894.
