BERGAMOT OIL Overview Information
Bergamot is a plant that produces a type of citrus fruit. Oil taken from the peel of the fruit is used to make medicine.
Some people treat a skin condition called psoriasis by applying bergamot oil directly to the skin and then shining long-wave ultraviolet (UV) light on the affected area. Bergamot oil is also applied to the skin (used topically) for a tumor caused by a fungal infection (mycosis fungoides) and for pigment loss (vitiligo). It is also used as an insecticide to protect the body against lice and other parasites.
Bergamot oil is sometimes inhaled (used as aromatherapy) to reduce anxiety during radiation treatment.
In foods, bergamot oil is widely used as a citrus flavoring agent, especially in gelatins and puddings.
In manufacturing, bergamot oil is used in perfumes, creams, lotions, soaps, and suntan oils.
How does it work?
Bergamot oil has several active chemicals. These chemicals can make the skin sensitive to sunlight.
BERGAMOT OIL Uses & Effectiveness 
Insufficient Evidence for:
- Anxiety during radiation treatment. Developing evidence suggests that inhaling bergamot oil as aromatherapy does not help reduce anxiety in people receiving radiation treatment.
- Treating a tumor under the skin due to a fungal infection (mycosis fungoides), when used along with ultra-violet (UV) light.
- Protecting the body against lice and other parasites.
- Psoriasis, when used along with UV light.
- Loss of the color pigment on the skin (vitiligo).
- Other conditions.
BERGAMOT OIL Side Effects & Safety
Bergamot oil is safe for most people in the small amounts found in food. It might not be safe when used on the skin (topically), because it can make the skin sensitive to the sun and more vulnerable to skin cancer. People who work with bergamot can develop skin problems including blisters, scabs, pigment spots, rashes, sensitivity to the sun, and cancerous changes.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Children: Do not use bergamot oil in children. There have been serious side effects, including convulsion and death, in children who have taken large amounts of bergamot oil.Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Do not use bergamot oil on your skin if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. It might not be safe.
BERGAMOT OIL Interactions
Moderate Interaction Be cautious with this combination
- Medications that increase sensitivity to sunlight (Photosensitizing drugs) interacts with BERGAMOT OIL
Some medications can increase sensitivity to sunlight. Topical use of bergamot oil might also increase your sensitivity to sunlight. Using bergamot oil topically along with medication that increase sensitivity to sunlight could increase the chances of sunburn, blistering or rashes on areas of skin exposed to sunlight. Be sure to wear sunblock and protective clothing when spending time in the sun.
Some drugs that cause photosensitivity include amitriptyline (Elavil), Ciprofloxacin (Cipro), norfloxacin (Noroxin), lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), ofloxacin (Floxin), levofloxacin (Levaquin), sparfloxacin (Zagam), gatifloxacin (Tequin), moxifloxacin (Avelox), trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (Septra), tetracycline, methoxsalen (8-methoxypsoralen, 8-MOP, Oxsoralen), and Trioxsalen (Trisoralen).
BERGAMOT OIL Dosing
The appropriate dose of bergamot oil depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for bergamot oil. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
