Overview

Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) is a type of citrus fruit native to Italy. Essential oils from the peel and the extract from the juice are used to make medicine.

Bergamot oil has several active chemicals and is commonly used as aromatherapy. When applied to the skin, the chemicals in bergamot oil can make the skin sensitive to sunlight.

Bergamot is used for high levels of cholesterol or other fats in the blood. It is also used for anxiety, mental alertness, joint pain, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these other uses.

Don't confuse bergamot with other citrus fruits such as bitter orange and sweet orange.



Uses & Effectiveness

Possibly Effective for

Possibly Ineffective for

  • Anxiety. Inhaling bergamot oil as aromatherapy doesn't seem to reduce anxiety in people undergoing radiation therapy.
  • Mental alertness. Inhaling bergamot oil as aromatherapy doesn't seem to improve mental alertness. In fact, it might decrease mental alertness in healthy adults due to its relaxing effects.

There is interest in using bergamot for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Bergamot OIL is commonly consumed in foods. Bergamot EXTRACT is possibly safe when taken as a medicine, short-term. Side effects of bergamot extract are usually mild and might include heartburn.

When applied to the skin: Bergamot oil is possibly unsafe. It might harm the skin.

When inhaled: Bergamot oil is possibly safe when inhaled, short-term.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Bergamot OIL is commonly consumed in foods. Bergamot EXTRACT is possibly safe when taken as a medicine, short-term. Side effects of bergamot extract are usually mild and might include heartburn.

When applied to the skin: Bergamot oil is possibly unsafe. It might harm the skin.

When inhaled: Bergamot oil is possibly safe when inhaled, short-term.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: It is possibly unsafe to use bergamot oil on the skin when pregnant or breast-feeding. There isn't enough reliable information to know if bergamot is safe to take by mouth when pregnant or breastfeeding. Stay on the safe side and stick with amounts commonly found in foods.

Children: Bergamot OIL is commonly consumed in foods. But taking large amounts of bergamot oil is possibly unsafe. There have been serious side effects, including convulsion and death, in children who have taken large amounts of bergamot oil. There isn't enough reliable information to know if bergamot extract is safe to use in children.

Surgery: Bergamot might lower blood sugar and interfere with blood sugar control during surgery. Stop using bergamot at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Interactions

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Medications that increase sensitivity to sunlight (Photosensitizing drugs) interacts with Bergamot

    Some medications might make the skin more sensitive to sunlight. Bergamot might also make the skin more sensitive to sunlight. Using these products together might increase the risk of sunburn, blistering, or rashes when the skin is exposed to sunlight. Be sure to wear sunblock and protective clothing when spending time in the sun.

  • Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with Bergamot

    Bergamot might lower blood sugar levels. Taking bergamot along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.

Dosing

Bergamot essential oil is commonly used in aromatherapy, alone or with other essential oils.

Bergamot extract has most often been used by adults in doses of up to 1000 mg by mouth daily for 4-12 weeks. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.
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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is licensed from Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
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