Bergamot - Citrus bergamia - Italy

Family :                       Rutacea (citrus family)

Country of Origin:      Italy

Extraction:                  Expeller pressed from peel of fruit

Volatility:                   Top / Middle note

Colour:                       Greenish yellow

Aroma:                       Musty deep lemon

Noted Constituents

Furocoumarins (photosensitizing) – bergamotine, bergaptene (0.2 – 0.5), bergaptole

Esters – Linalyl acetate (25 – 46%)

Aldehydes – Citral

Alcohols – linalool (4-25%), nerol, geraniol, a-terpineol

Monoterpenes- limonene (19-38), a-pinene, b-pinene

Cautions / Safety Data

Do not use on the skin before exposure to the sun, or sun bed, as photosensitization can occur. May irritate sensitive skin.  May become more sensitizing as oil ages and oxidizes.

Useful Information

Has more “staying power” in blends than other citrus peel oils.  Useful to blend when stronger lemon aroma is required.  More expensive than lemon so better utilized for topical and emotional apps.

Disclaimer: Essential oils are not meant to be a replacement for traditional medical treatment of diseases and conditions.  When in doubt, please consult a physician.