Essential Oil Spotlight: Bergamot

Bergamot fruit.

Bergamot was one of the first essential oils recommended to me. Over the years, I have delved deeper into the world of aromatherapy, gained knowledge and experience of many essential oils, but bergamot is still my favourite. Most of us aren’t familiar with the bergamot fruit, a citrus native to southern Italy. However, outside of aromatherapy, you may have heard of it in the world of tea; the inclusion of bergamot makes a brew known as Early Grey.
 
I first came across bergamot while trying to find ways to cope with severe anxiety. When the accumulation of stress and trauma in my life became overwhelming, my body was pushed beyond its limits. At it’s worst, my anxiety caused me to shake, tremble and stutter. The doctor gave me beater blockers, a type of medication used to slow down the heart. Unfortunately, I was getting side-effects and I didn’t want to go down a spiral of taking more and more medication, trying to balance various side effects. Instead, I turned to natural remedies.

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​When I first tried reducing my medication, my increased heartrate was very noticeable. A couple of times, I tested my heartrate when I was in a state of rest, it was around 130bpm – that is dangerously high and meant I was unable to do any exercise. Each time, I ended up back on the beater blockers for my safety and wellbeing.
 
Mindfulness meditation was a huge breakthrough for me. It’s a term we hear thrown around a lot, but in my experience, it is often taught badly and the recommendation of mindfulness has become a bane to many people who simply haven’t yet found a good teacher. I highly recommend checking out the work of Oli Doyle, an author whose books on mindfulness helped me a great deal.
 
Although mindfulness was invaluable, it didn’t do enough. I still struggled with regular anxiety attacks, I began to struggle with getting out of the house and seeing my friends. I still needed help, but I still wanted to get off the medication. That’s when a friend recommended bergamot essential oil.
 
I began with a cheap bottle – it was some years before I discovered dōTERRA and the increased benefits of their particularly potent and pure oils – but the effects were noticeable. I put a few drops in a candle-based diffuser and my home began to feel more relaxing. I didn’t know if it was placebo or actually working, but nothing else I had ever tried worked the same, so perhaps that’s a clue as to how genuinely effective these oils really are.
 
I have always suffered from dreadful migraines, the pain can be extremely debilitating. When I started diffusing bergamot, I found that my migraines often dissipated. They were caused by stress and tension, bergamot helped alleviate the pressure on my mind and body, which in turn gave me relief from the migraines. I began to diffuse bergamot frequently at home, both in preparation before going out and to help me recover afterwards. To this day, it is still the essential oil I reach for first when feeling anxious, depressed or wrestling with a migraine.
 
When I started making lava bead bracelets, it was a game changer. Bergamot was no longer just for preparation and recovery; I could take the fragrance with me to help while I endured stressful events. Over time, having supported myself through aromatherapy and mindfulness as well as seeking therapy, I have experienced a massive reduction in my anxiety and don’t always need bergamot as much; but I always have it to hand. The fragrance is so beautiful and calming, there is never a bad time to use it.
 
If you are interested in trying Bergamot, I highly recommend getting a bottle from dōTERRA. As a wellness advocate, I would be happy to help you access this product at the wholesale price of £24.00* (+P&P). Please drop me a message if you would like to discuss essential oils further or place an order. You can also find lava bead bracelets via the shop to order directly (UK only) or message if you have any questions (including international customers).

*This is the price at time of writing and is subject to change

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Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional. The content of this article is my testimony, from personal experience, of Bergamot Essential Oil. This information should not be used to substitute medical advice and you should consult with a medical professional where necessary