Fortunately, when bergamot oil is administered by inhalation, as in aromatherapy, it is has rarely been associated with phototoxicity,[1] although there has been one case report of blistering when aerosolized aromatherapy in a moist sauna environment was followed by a tanning bed session.[2] Phototoxicity can be completely avoided by using bergapten-free bergamot oil (BEO-BF) or furanocoumarin-free bergamot oil (BEO-FCF or Bergamot FCF), which can be produced by vacuum distillation or by removal of the bergapten and/or furanocoumarins from the cold-pressed oil.[3] Vacuum-distilled bergamot oil is bergapten-free.[4]
References
- ^Peng SM, Koo M, Yu ZREffects of music and essential oil inhalation on cardiac autonomic balance in healthy individuals.J Altern Complement Med.(2009 Jan)
- ^Kaddu S, Kerl H, Wolf PAccidental bullous phototoxic reactions to bergamot aromatherapy oil.J Am Acad Dermatol.(2001 Sep)
- ^Calapai, G. et alAssessment report on Citrus bergamia Risso et Poiteau, aetheroleum. European Union: European Medicines Agency Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC).(2012)
- ^Belsito EL, Carbone C, Di Gioia ML, Leggio A, Liguori A, Perri F, Siciliano C, Viscomi MCComparison of the volatile constituents in cold-pressed bergamot oil and a volatile oil isolated by vacuum distillation.J Agric Food Chem.(2007 Sep 19)