The Health Benefits of Bergamot

Have you ever had Earl Grey tea? Then you’ve tasted bergamot, perhaps without knowing it. What’s so special about this citrus-based substance? If you have concerns about joint pain, high cholesterol, or depression, you might want to know more. Read on to learn what bergamot is and what it can do for your health.

What Is Bergamot?

Bergamot (citrus bergamia) is a citrus fruit originating in the Mediterranean region that looks like a round lemon. It tastes like a combination of sour orange and lemon. The essential oils, juice extract, and other active chemicals have medicinal properties. Here are some of bergamot’s health benefits:

Cholesterol Reduction

There is ample research showing that taking bergamot orally can reduce overall cholesterol by up to 31 percent and LDL (bad) cholesterol by almost 41 percent. It will also raise your HDL. You can include a bergamot supplement with your cholesterol medication or take it by itself. Expect it to take several months before you see any effects. The Bergamot offered at the Blatman Health and Wellness Center is from the same source as that used in the major study showing these effects.

Depression Relief

When used as aromatherapy, bergamot may reduce the risk of postpartum depression. It can also help older adults and people with terminal cancer cope better with their depression symptoms. While more research is needed on its effects on other population segments, one study shows its potential to reduce psychological stress and promote better sleep.

Joint and Knee Pain Reduction

If you suffer from osteoarthritis or joint pain and inflammation, bergamot might benefit you, too. Using essential oils in aromatherapy can lessen your response to pain. Massaging the oil at the site of joint pain can bring relief.

Schizophrenia Symptoms

Even people with schizophrenia may experience benefits from bergamot. A study conducted in Europe found that the essential oil reduced delusions and hallucinations. It also can improve mental awareness and general cognitive health among patients with schizophrenia.

How to Use Bergamot

There are several ways to incorporate bergamot into your health routine:

• Aromatherapy: Inhale a couple of drops of the essential oil after adding them to steaming water, an essential oil diffuser filled with water, or a water-based mixture in a spray bottle.
• Skin: Add three drops of bergamot oil to one teaspoon of vegetable or nut oil and apply. If you add water to the oil combination, it might not dissolve into the skin as well.
• Supplement: Talk to your integrative medical provider to determine if bergamot supplements are safe for you, especially if you’re taking other drugs or have certain chronic conditions.

As with any supplement, read the instructions carefully to determine how much to take or use. You should also know about the potential side effects of bergamot, especially when consumed orally right before a meal or applied to the skin. Minor effects include muscle cramping, dizziness, and heartburn. Other potential complications include:

• Drop in blood sugar: If you have diabetes, bergamot supplements might reduce your blood sugar to dangerously low levels. If you’re going to have surgery, your doctor might suggest stopping the bergamot supplements about two weeks before your procedure.
• Sensitivity to the sun: Being out in the sun may make bergamot skin application less safe. If you choose to apply it topically, consider diluting the oil. Also, applying bergamot to your skin is not recommended if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Childhood seizures: Children using bergamot oil are at a higher risk for seizures and possibly death.

Ask Your Hometown Holistic Specialist about Bergamot

When used safely and according to your local integrative doctor’s recommendations, bergamot, in its many forms, can support emotional and physical health. For more information on the benefits of bergamot and other herbal remedies, contact Blatman Health and Wellness Center or schedule a visit in our Cincinnati or New York office.