When Luca was growing up in southern Italy, he’d watch his grandmother squeeze fresh juice from bergamot fruit each morning. She claimed it kept her heart happy and her mood bright, even during candlelit dinners on foggy Ivorian-like evenings when citrus scents danced in the air. Back then, he thought it was just grandma’s imagination—until he discovered bergamot oil in an Earl Grey tea blend and realized there was real magic in that citrus bergamia zest.
Today, bergamot is more than just a flavor in your black tea or a note in fancy scent perfumes. With benefits ranging from cardiovascular support to mental well-being, this humble essential oil—traditionally extracted via cold oil extraction techniques—is gaining scientific attention. Let’s dive into bergamot orange history, uses, and why it’s becoming a wellness staple.
What Is Bergamot?
Bergamot orange (Citrus bergamia) is a small citrus fruit cultivated primarily in southern Italy, with notable groves along the Ionian coast near Calabria. Though its citrus scent may remind you of Early Grey tea, its profile is unique—floral, slightly tart, yet bright.
Fun fact: it was once a key ingredient in eau de cologne, and the rind and flowers are still used in high-end scent perfumes today.
Traditional Uses & Oil Extraction
Historically, bergamot fruit was prized for:
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Aromatic use in perfumes and colognes
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Digestive support in traditional herbal remedies
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Creating a unique flavor profile for grey teas like Earl Grey and Lady Grey
Modern oil extraction processes use cold pressing of the rind to preserve delicate compounds. This creates pure bergamot oil, rich in limonene, linalyl acetate, and other active compounds.
Heart Health Support
One of the most exciting areas of study involves the cardiovascular benefits of bergamot oil and supplements. A key component, flavonoids in citrus bergamia, have been shown to:
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Help balance cholesterol levels
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Support healthy blood vessels
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Exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
Clinical studies suggest that bergamot extract may aid in reducing LDL (“bad”) cholesterol while raising HDL (“good”) cholesterol—a helpful tool for anyone focusing on heart health.
Mood, Stress, and Calm
Bergamot’s uplifting scent does more than smell good—it can affect how you feel.
Bottom line: inhaling bergamot essential oil (like from a diffuser or scented candle) triggers the limbic system—your brain’s emotional center.
Studies have shown that bergamot aroma can:
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Reduce stress hormones
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Promote a sense of wellbeing
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Enhance relaxation and mood balance
It’s one reason adding a few drops to a warm bath or your workspace can feel instantly calming.
Bergamot in Tea
Missing grandma’s bergamot-scented kitchen? You can still enjoy its aroma in your cup. Popular black teas like Early Grey tea and Lady Grey get their signature flavor from bergamot oil.
Every sip delivers gentle aromatherapy and a boost to your taste buds—without the hustle of supplements or oils.
Supplements: When Food Isn’t Enough
For those looking to support their heart and mood more directly, bergamot supplements are a powerful solution. One trusted product is NOW Foods Bergamot Oil – 1 fl oz, which combines:
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Pure essential oil from bergamot fruit
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Carefully sourced from Italian growers
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Packaged in dark bottles to preserve potency
💊 A few drops can be taken, diluted in water or carrier oil, to support cardiovascular wellness and emotional resilience.
Other Wellness Uses
Beyond heart and mood, bergamot oil offers more benefits:
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Antimicrobial activity—some compounds act as natural preservatives
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Digestive comfort—used in herbal blends to soothe indigestion
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Skin clarity—diluted oil helps balance oily or blemish-prone skin
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Aromatherapy—its citrus-fresh scent energizes and refreshes
Safety, Side Effects & Considerations
Though bergamot is generally safe, keep these tips in mind:
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Always dilute essential oil properly; it can be phototoxic in high concentrations when exposed to UV light
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If you have skin sensitivity or use strong medications, patch test or talk to a professional
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Use only high-quality essential oils—not synthetic replacements that may mimic scent but lack benefits
This safeguards your experience and preserves the benefits of real bergamot oil.
How to Choose and Use Bergamot Oil
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Identify the source—look for Calabria or southern Italy grown bergamot orange
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Opt for 100% pure essential oil, not perfume or fragrance
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Use a drop in your diffuser, bath, or massage oil—never direct skin contact
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To support heart health, take oral drops diluted in water or juice (follow label guidance)
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For tea lovers, use bergamot-infused teas for a gentle everyday approach
Bright Citrus, Bold Benefits
From grandma’s Italian kitchen to modern wellness routines, bergamot oil and supplements offer a fragrant bridge between heart health and good mood.
Whether you enjoy it in your tea, your scent perfumes, your skin care products, or your supplement routine—bergamot is a true multitasker.
Enthusiasts love it for its antioxidant, soothing, and mood-elevating effects—all sourced from a zesty citrus fruit that’s been cherished for centuries.
Ready to bring bergamot into your daily ritual? Try NOW Foods Bergamot Oil – 1 fl oz and discover why this citrus treasure continues to charm hearts and lift spirits.
