Today’s Spotlight’s: Bergamot, Peppermint & Rosemary Essential Oils

Rosemary Essential Oils, Bergamot & Peppermint:

Peppermint, bergamot, and rosemary essential oils can be used in a numerous amount of applications. The applications used in conjunction with said essential oils may aide, and have positive effects on well-being.

There is an assortment of great essential oils to choose from, of course. However, throughout this post, we’ll talk specifically about the uses and potentially benefits of these three specific essential oils.

Again, much of the historical benefits of essential oils (including the beforementioned) is anecdotal. However, more research based trails are also being completed to test theories. We’ll do out best to discuss both anecdotal and research based suggestions for use.

The make-up of these essential oils vary in their compounds and properties. Some of the components of each oil, have made them popular for use in certain applications, from aromatherapy to medicinal.

What Are the Uses of These Essential Oils?

Essential oils can be used in a number of ways. For example, via diffusers, like an ultrasonic diffuser, aromatherapy massages, lotions, soaps, shampoo’s, even body butters. In some cases, these essential oils can also be blended with other essential oils to give a more diverse aroma.

Let’s get into some specific uses of each essential oil, and some potential benefits.

Uses of Bergamot Essential Oil:

Bergamot essential oil comes from a citrus tree called the bergamot orange tree (Citrus bergamia). This orange peel based essential oil has a powerful, yet beautiful aroma with hints of orange, citrus, and other floral notes.

The oils of the peel are extracted via steam distillation, CO2 extraction, and cold pressing. It has roots that date back to Southeast Asia, but can be produced in other areas of the globe.

Bergamot oils are added to both male and female personal care products, making it a very versatile oil. It has it’s uses in perfumery due to this versatility of aromatics. This oil blends nicely with many other essential oils and fragrances. 

Bergamot is even used in candles. It’s thought to create a therapeutic scent.

Many have used this essential oil to help improve or enhance mood, help induce relaxation, and for it’s potential in pain relief. Furthermore, in ancient Chinese medicine, it was used to provide digestive support.

Main Chemicals Compounds within Bergamot:

Limonene, Linalyl Acetate, Linalool, Pinene, Bergapten, Terpineol, Nerol, Neryl Acetate, ß-Bisbolene, Geraniol, Geraniol Acetate, and Myrcene

a. Potential Anti-Septic/Anti-Bacterial Properties:

Bergamot oil has potential antiseptic, analgesic and antibacterial properties. Consequently, it may aide with certain skin infections, due to it’s properties. 

One such research study looked at different bergamot essential oils (BEO’s) on 7 different strains of Listeria monocytogenes (an anaerobic bacterium). Five of the Bergamot oils showed weak-strong activity against pathogenic strains. 

Another study suggested that Bergamot peel is a “potential source of natural antimicrobial active against Gram-negative bacteria.”

Bergamot may help with skin-related issues. Bergamot, in a diluted form, may help reduce the appearance of acne and inflammation due to some of it’s anti-inflammatory and antibacterial compounds within.

It’s important to note that seeking medical or holistic guidance is important for proper treatment regimens.

b. Potential For Pain Relief:

Bergamot essential oils may also have a role in complementary medicine when treating chronic pain. Research in 2016 indicated that the oil from Bergamot is “endowed with antinociceptive (process of blocking detection of pain by sensory neurons) and antiallodynic effects”. 

However, limited other research backs this evidence, that we found available. Again, it’s important to always consult with a licensed medical expert and never stop a current pain treatment program already ongoing.

c. Potential to Reduce Symptoms of Anxiety:

Multiple studies have been conducted when it comes to essential oil vapors and aroma’s stimulating parts of the brain to help control emotions. 

Bergamot essential oil in one such study, concluded that bergamot oils inhaled with water vapor has physiological effects. Specifically, short term effects, but positive effects nonetheless. For example, negative emotions and fatigue of participants, were improved.

Another published article in 2013, spoke about specific essential oils ability to communicate to the olfactory system. This can stimulate serotonin and dopamine release. Thus, having potential to effect mood. Bergamot was one of the these oils, along with lemon and lavender.

Uses of Peppermint Essential Oil:

A member of the mint family, peppermint is an herb. It’s a crossed between Spearmint and Water Mint. Peppermint has been used for many years to treat different ailments. Research continues to further investigate many personal and broad claims of this oil and healing properties.

Peppermint essential oil is a popular, and thought to be powerful, natural remedy. Along with spearmint, has a minty aroma that is both sharp and refreshing at the same time. Anecdotal evidence and research based studies suggest it’s potential to treat a number of symptoms and ailments. 

Peppermint, depending on suppliers is one of the strongest scents in the essential oil family. Furthermore, a little truly does go a long way!

Whether it is used in a skin application dilution with carrier oils, or inhaled via diffusers and other types of mists, peppermint (like other aromas) is thought to stimulate the limbic system. This is a part of the brain that controls emotions. 

Main Components of Peppermint Oil:

The main components of peppermint essential oil are Menthol & Menthone, just to name a few.

a. Potential For Digestive Support/Anti-Inflammatory Properties:

Digestive issues like IBS, according to one systematic review and meta analysis, concluded that “peppermint oil is a safe effective short term treatment for IBS.” Some patients even showed improvement in abdominal pain. The anti-inflammatory properties of this oil may help to smooth out your digestive tract and get rid of painful gas.

Another meta analysis looking at 12 different studies and IBS, concluded that “enteric coated peppermint oil is an effective therapy of abdominal pain and adults with IBS.”

There is conflicting research about whether it can help with bouts of nausea. One such study examined postoperative patients and whether inhaled peppermint oil helped with nausea. These patients rated there nausea lower on a scale, then that of a placebo group.

However, another study of postoperative patients and nausea was inconclusive. The study found little to no effect between the peppermint oil and placebo.

b. Potential For Pain Relief:

Peppermint may help with certain symptoms of pain. A study conducted in 2007 of patients with hemiplegic shoulder pain, found patients who underwent 20-minutes of acupressure along with aromatherapy vs. patients receiving just acupressure treatments had a reduction of 30% in reported pain.

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health discusses peppermint oil and peppermint leaves further. They state that both the leaves and oils have been used for health purposes. Records from ancient Greece, Rome, and Egypt mention that it was used for digestive disorders. They state that today, it is promoted for things like the common cold, sinus infections, and headaches and promoted for topical use for muscle aches, joint pain and itching.

They however do also go on to discuss the small amount of research on some of these various health issues or conditions, and the use of peppermint oil for treatments.

Due to said smooth muscle relaxing properties of peppermint oil (PO), according to one study, PO appeared to help symptomatic relief in some patients with chest pain and dysphagia. In this particular study, PO was given via dissolvable tablet form.

c. Potential For Skin/Hair Health:

Peppermint oil has been widely used in cosmetics. A study in 2015, showed effectiveness of peppermint oil on chronic pruritus. Furthermore, concluding it to be not only easy to use and effective, but also a safe alternative to other interventions. 

Another study in 2012 looked at peppermint oil for purities in pregnant women. Concluding, indeed peppermint oil had a noticeable effective treatment for the severity of itchy skin. 

It’s important to always check with your PCP prior to using these oils standalone for any ailment. In addition, being mindful of the strength of such suggestive research.

Uses of Rosemary Essential Oil:

Next, we discuss rosemary essential oil. Oftentimes, rosemary is blended with other essential oils to give notes of its woody aroma. This oil is a part of the evergreen family and is also used as a seasoning in food.

In essential oil form, though, rosemary has been used for several medicinal purposes.

a. Potential To Aide In Cognitive Functioning:

One study looked at rosemary and lavender essential oil and cognitive functioning. It concluded that rosemary aroma in particular led to improvements in long-term memory compared with controls in the same experiment. 

When diffused and inhaled, this essential oil may have the potential to help with concentration.

This same study also stated that inhaled rosemary may possess the potential to impact cognitive performance in a positive manner. Specifically, by preventing the breakdown of acetylcholine, which is a chemical important for thinking and memory.

b. Potential For Pain Relief/Inflammation:

Other medical uses may include pain relief and increased blood circulation. As one such study looking at rosemary and interactions with other analgesics drugs, supported the management of pain and therapeutic potential of this essential oil in combination with pain relieving medication.  

The results of inhaling rosemary oil in one study also indicated “positive stimulatory effects, showing evidence that brain wave activities, autonomic nervous system responses and mood states, can all be modified with inhaling this oil.”

An animal study was performed using rosemary essential oil (REO) on mice paw edema. The conclusion of the study revealed that REO administration, significantly reduced the edema within 1-4 hours after injection. 

There is also some indication rosemary essential oils with aromatherapy massages may help with arthritic inflammatory symptoms when messaged with a carrier oil. 

Again, with any use of essential oils it’s important to not discontinue any current treatment regimens. Always consult with a licensed medical professional.

c. Potential To Aide in Hair Growth:

Other studies on rosemary essential oil have tied it to hair growth and scalp health. One study concluded that rosemary oil is a promising crude for hair growth. Thus, it may prevent a certain byproduct of testosterone from attacking hair follicles. 

Another study on rosemary looked at it’s effect on hair growth when compared to minoxidil (Rogaine). These men were observed at specific time frames within the study. At the designated interval, there was no difference in the thickness of hair with the minoxidil group then the groups using rosemary. There was also reports of less scalp itching in the rosemary group, as opposed to the group on Rogaine. 

Side Effects of Essential Oils:

It’s important to always consult with a licensed medical professional or holistic expert when using aromatherapy for therapeutic benefits. When using any essential oil we discuss here at RN to Zen we never suggest ingestion of any oil, but only external use. Please always dilute essential oils in a carrier oil when placing directly onto the skin. It is advised to always use a small amount on a small area of skin to make sure no negative reactions occurs. If a negative reaction does occur, discontinue use immediately, and consult a licensed medical professional.

We do not conduct our own research. We investigate certain oils, and provide found research and some anecdotal evidence on specific oils.

Don’t use essential oils when pregnant unless consulting with a licensed medical professional.

Keep essential oils away from children. 

Final Thoughts!

If nothing else, these oils may just help to put you in a more relaxed mood and atmosphere, specifically when used in aromatherapy applications.

We hope you learned something new about each one of these oils. Please share your experiences and applications with any of the oils above in our comments section. 

Resources:

• https://www.verywellhealth.com/the-benefits-of-bergamot-essential-oil-88774
• https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/peppermint-oil-uses-benefits-effects#1
• https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/rosemary-oil-benefits#TOC_TITLE_HDR_3
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18045389/
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5178834/
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26996621/
• https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD007598.pub3/full#CD007598-sec1-0005
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6337770/
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24100754/
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27333231/
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5192342/
• https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/peppermint-oil
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3736918/
• pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25824404/
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25635991/
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25824404/
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23531112/
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5066694/
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30771044/
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22517595/
• https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/rosemary-oil-benefits#TOC_TITLE_HDR_3
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19053868/