Bergamot: the citrus essential oil for relaxing evenings

If you have ever drunk a cup of Earl Grey, you already know bergamot, perhaps without realising it: it gives this black tea its floral, zesty note. As an essential oil, it offers the same citrus scent, fresh and gentle at once – ideal for setting a calm mood at the end of the day. Our druggist recommends it first and foremost for diffusion.

What is bergamot?

The bergamot tree, Citrus bergamia, is a citrus of the rue family (Rutaceae), like the lemon and orange trees. Its round, yellow-green fruit is too sour to eat; it is grown above all for its fragrant peel, mainly in Calabria, at the southern tip of Italy. Perfumers have used it for centuries: it is one of the classic ingredients of eau de Cologne.

According to the product sheet, our bergamot essential oil stands out for its "fresh, citrus scent". To better understand how essential oils are grouped into families, and why some call for more caution than others, see our sheet on essential oil families.

How to use it

In a diffuser, for a relaxing evening

• Put 4 to 6 drops in your diffuser, following the device manufacturer's instructions.
• Let it diffuse for 15 to 20 minutes in the living room or bedroom before settling in, then switch the device off.
• For variety, pair it with lavender, cedarwood or sweet orange: bergamot works with floral and woody notes alike.

In the shower

If you love its scent on your skin, the simplest option is to choose a product made for that purpose rather than handling the essential oil. Our bergamot-lavender shower gel, 250 ml, is described on its sheet as bringing "freshness and softness with relaxing notes" – a pleasant way to start or end the day.

A scent for your linen

Put a drop on a small square of fabric or a wooden ball and place it in a drawer or wardrobe – never directly on clothes.

Precautions

Mind the sun. Bergamot essential oil is known to be photosensitising: do not apply it to your skin before exposure to sunlight or UV rays. Never use it neat, never swallow it and keep it away from the eyes. During pregnancy or breastfeeding, for children, or if you are on medication, ask for advice before use. Keep the bottle tightly closed, somewhere cool and out of the reach of children.

Our products

• Bergamot essential oil – fresh citrus scent, for diffusion.
• Bergamot-lavender shower gel, 250 ml – the bergamot and lavender pairing for your daily routine.

In short

Bright without being overpowering, bergamot is a safe bet if you are new to diffusion. Would you like to create your own blend or choose the right diffuser for your room? The team at Droguerie Perusset in Yverdon-les-Bains will be glad to guide you.