Known for its complex aroma that bridges uplifting citrus with a gentle floral, bergamot citrus (Citrus bergamia) has long been prized in both perfumery and traditional medicine. Historically used in Mediterranean and Southeast Asian wellness practices, it was valued for supporting digestion, calming the mind, and bringing the body back into balance.
At Rasāsvāda, bergamot’s gentle brightness finds a home in Rose Bergamot, where its aromatics harmonize with floral and bitter botanicals traditionally used to support energy and vitality. The result is a restorative drink that balances energy, clears the mind, and uplifts the heart — a ritual of both renewal and serenity.
Botanical Overview
Botanical Name: Citrus bergamia (Latin); also official ingredient names Citrus aurantium bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil and Citrus aurantium bergamia (Bergamot) Peel Oil.
Family: Rutaceae (citrus family)
Common Names: Bergamot, Bergamot Orange, and the It is also known by its Latin name, Citrus bergamia, and by various foreign language names like Aceite de Bergamota (Spanish) and Huile de Bergamote (French).
Location: Italy
What is Bergamot Citrus?
Bergamot citrus is a small evergreen tree bearing pear-shaped fruit with a fragrant rind that glows golden-green when ripe. The fruit is known as a hybrid of orange and lemon, and its essential oil, extracted through steam distillation, captures the fruit’s full aromatic spectrum — sweet, tart, floral, and slightly herbal.
Bergamot’s therapeutic potential comes from its rich composition of terpenes, flavonoids, and aromatic esters, including limonene, linalool, and bergapten.
- Limonene: Supports detoxification and mood uplift.
- Linalool & Linalyl acetate: Calming compounds known for promoting relaxation and balance.
- Bergapten: Adds depth to the aroma but can cause photosensitivity in high concentrations.
History & Traditional Use
Bergamot’s name traces back to Bergamo, Italy, where it was considered a cornerstone of both European perfumery and herbal medicine. Its oil was used to freshen air, calm nerves, and promote digestion, and it might be familiar to you today: it’s still the defining smell and taste of Earl Grey tea.
Before its European use, bergamot was prevalent across Southeast Asia and the Middle East, where citrus peels and oils were recommended for its cooling properties, aiding digestion, and lifting emotional heaviness. In both folk medicine and aromatherapy, bergamot represents a harmony between brightness and calm.
The Health Benefits of Bergamot Citrus Essential Oil
1. Antioxidant & Anti-Inflammatory Support
Bergamot’s flavonoids and antioxidants help protect cells from damage and inflammation – key factors in healthy aging and immune balance. These compounds may also support skin vitality by reducing oxidative stress and promoting healthy circulation, bringing a natural glow from within. Coupled with its naturally occurring Vitamin C, bergamot oil is an antioxidant powerhouse.
2. Stress Relief & Mood Support
The aromatherapy of bergamot has been studied in rats for its ability to calm the nervous system and elevate mood. The compounds linalool and linalyl acetate, also found in lavender, are associated with reduced cortisol levels and feelings of relaxation. With its balance of bright and calming compounds, bergamot oil has been shown to ease tension and prepare the body for rest as well as provide grounding for a new day.
3. Digestive Wellness
Traditionally, bergamot oil has been used as a digestive tonic, working much like bitters do. Practitioners have used it to alleviate indigestion, bloating, and cramps. A recent study in rats has shown that it may decrease colonic spasms, which may be beneficial for those experiencing certain gastrointestinal conditions.
4. Cardiovascular Health
Modern studies suggest that the polyphenols in bergamot extract may help reduce LDL cholesterol and triglycerides while increasing HDL (“good”) cholesterol. Its flavonoids also support circulation and protect blood vessels from oxidative stress — connecting the Mediterranean tradition of citrus tonics to modern heart health.
5. Liver Support & Detoxification
Bergamot oil’s limonene compound helps to stimulate enzymes that work to fuel the body’s natural detoxification processes. Additionally, the compounds from the leaf extract also helps to support liver function by protecting against the buildup of harmful fat storage in the liver. In the long run, this can help reduce oxidative stress, inflammation, and other processes that harm liver health.
Bergamot in Rasāsvāda
In Rasāsvāda’s Rose Bergamot, the radiant citrus of bergamot oil finds perfect harmony with floral and bitter botanicals. Bergamot’s sweetly tart and floral aroma adds depth and brightness, while its subtle bitterness enhances digestion and clarity.
It's refreshing, with a lightly bitter aroma that stimulates the senses and harmonizes with other digestive herbs like dandelion and burdock, among 15 beneficial botanicals.
Flavor Profile: Floral, citrusy, and slightly herbal, with soft bitter-sweet notes and a refreshing finish.
Sourced From: Italy
Key Takeaways
Bergamot citrus essential oil is a botanical bridge between vitality and calm — refreshing the body, soothing the mind, and harmonizing the senses. From ancient Mediterranean apothecaries to modern wellness rituals, it remains a timeless symbol of balance and renewal. In Rasāsvāda’s Rose Bergamot, this bright, floral essence brings both energy and tranquility to every sip.
FAQs
Disclaimer
This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new herbal regimen, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, having existing medical conditions, or taking medication.
100% plants. 0% preservatives.
Sources
Acute effects of bergamot oil on anxiety-related behaviour and corticosterone level in rats - PubMed
Antioxidant and Antisenescence Effects of Bergamot Juice - PMC
Antioxidants in dermatology - PMC
Anti-inflammatory activity of linalool and linalyl acetate constituents of essential oils - PubMed
Antispasmodic Effect of Bergamot Essential Oil on Rat Isolated Gut Tissues - PMC
Citrus bergamia essential oil: from basic research to clinical application
Pharmacological Properties of Bergapten: Mechanistic and Therapeutic Aspects - PMC