Overview

Bergamot is used for many different reasons, but its benefits are not well defined. It is available as a dietary supplement that can be swallowed and as an essential oil that may be applied to the skin or inhaled as aromatherapy. When bergamot essential oil is applied to the skin, it can make the skin sensitive to sunlight, increasing your risk for severe burns and blisters. Before using bergamot, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.

Uses

What is bergamot used for?

Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) is used for many different reasons. However, the benefits of bergamot are not well defined. Some common reasons that people use bergamot include the following.

• To lower high cholesterol
• To help manage stress
• To reduce pain

Note: The FDA has not reviewed bergamot for safety and effectiveness, and it is not approved by the FDA. Learn more about dietary supplements here. Learn more about essential oils and aromatherapy here.

How does bergamot work (mechanism of action)?

Bergamot is a plant called Citrus bergamia. This plant grows a citrus fruit that is known as bergamot orange. Dietary supplements that contain bergamot are usually made from the fruit’s flesh and peel. Bergamot essential oils are made from the fruit peel.

Some of the chemicals in the flesh and peel of the bergamot fruit, called flavonoids, have effects in the body. These chemicals act as antioxidants. They may also decrease the amount of cholesterol made by the liver and increase the breakdown of bad (LDL) cholesterol. But it is not clear whether taking bergamot can lower cholesterol levels in people with high cholesterol.

Bergamot essential oils are made by heating up the fruit peel until certain chemicals, called volatile aromatic compounds, are released. These volatile aromatic compounds, which give the distinctive smell of bergamot, are made into bergamot essential oil. Most people recognize the smell of bergamot from Earl Grey tea, which is made by mixing black tea with bergamot oil. The chemicals in bergamot essential oil are different from the chemicals found in bergamot fruit or the dried peel.

Bergamot essential oil is sometimes inhaled as aromatherapy. This can be done in many ways, including through a diffuser, by placing a soaked cotton swab near your collar or pillow, or even as part of a massage. The smell of bergamot can be soothing for some people, which may help reduce feelings of stress or anxiety for a short time. Although some people apply bergamot essential oil to the skin to help reduce pain, it is not clear if or how it may work for this use.

Herbal products, like bergamot, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amounts of each chemical in a specific bergamot product may vary. Some, none, or all of these chemicals may have effects on the body. These effects may change depending on how much of each chemical is found in the product you are using.

How should I store bergamot?

You should store bergamot according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of bergamot?

Bergamot seems to be well tolerated. But there is not enough research to know what the common side effects may be. The side effects may also depend on how you use bergamot and what type of product you are using. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.

There may be side effects of bergamot that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of bergamot?

While less common, the most serious side effects of bergamot are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Bergamot may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using bergamot and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

• Breathing problems or wheezing
• Racing heart
• Fever or general ill feeling
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
• Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
• Itching or skin rash
• Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
• Stomach cramps
• Joint pain

Sensitivity to Sunlight. Your skin may be very sensitive to light from the sun and devices that give off similar light, such as sunlamps and tanning beds, when bergamot essential oil is applied to the skin. This is called photosensitivity. You should not apply pure bergamot essential oil to your skin. Even diluted bergamot oil may cause sensitivity to sunlight. If you do apply it to your skin and need to be in the sunlight, use sunscreen and cover that area of skin with a hat and clothes. Exposure to this kind of light, even for a short time, can cause your skin to be severely sunburned, blistered, or swollen. Tell your health care provider right away if any of these happen.

Precautions

Who should not use bergamot?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use bergamot.

• Bergamot
• Citrus bergamia
• Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific bergamot products they stock.

What should I know about bergamot before using it?

Bergamot is available as a dietary supplement. Bergamot essential oil is available as aromatherapy and in products that are applied to the skin. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are using, or use it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep bergamot out of the reach of children.

Herbal products, such as bergamot, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amount of each chemical in a specific bergamot product can change for many reasons, including the area where the plant was grown, the weather during growth, the time of year when it was harvested, and the way that the plant was processed after it was harvested. If you switch to a new bottle or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.

Bergamot dietary supplements, which are swallowed, contain the flesh and peel of the fruit. Bergamot essential oils, which are applied to the skin or inhaled as aromatherapy, contain specific chemicals taken from the fruit peel. These different forms contain different amounts of the chemicals that are naturally found in the plant, causing different effects on the body.

Some bergamot essential oil products contain 100% pure bergamot oil. Do not drink bergamot essential oil. You should also not apply pure bergamot oil directly to the skin. This can irritate the skin and make it very sensitive to sunlight. If your skin is exposed to the sun after applying bergamot oil, it can be severely burned, blistered, or swollen. See the Side Effects section for more details. Most products recommend mixing one drop of bergamot oil into one teaspoon (5 milliliters) of oil, cream, lotion, or shampoo before use. If you mix bergamot oil into any of these products and then apply them to the skin, you should protect your skin from sunlight. Follow the instructions on the product label.

The FDA has not tested bergamot products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here. There are no third-party organizations that test essential oils to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals.

What should I tell my health care provider before using bergamot?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if bergamot is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements.Bergamot may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking bergamot, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how bergamot could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if bergamot passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does bergamot interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between bergamot and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect bergamot.

Does bergamot interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking bergamot.

• A medicine that makes you more sensitive to sunlight
• A statin, such as atorvastatin (Lipitor and others) or rosuvastatin (Crestor), which is a medicine to lower cholesterol

The interactions between bergamot and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with bergamot is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking bergamot with any medicines.

Dosing

What should I do if I accidentally use too much bergamot?

If you or someone else has used too much bergamot, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Bergamot is available in many different doses and forms. Read the product label closely and speak with a health care provider about how to use bergamot safely. Do not use double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.