dōTERRA Bergamot Study

Introduction

If you don't have a diffuser on your desk at work and on your bedside table at home, you don't know what you're missing. One of the safest and most cost-effective ways to relax and increase positive feelings is by inhaling essential oils. A recent study by doTERRA scientists put the mood-enhancing properties of CPTG® Bergamot essential oil to the test in a highly stressful environment.

The study

The belief in Bergamot essential oil ‘s ability to influence mood is not new. Previous research has provided strong evidence that it can be uplifting and stress-reducing when inhaled in a variety of environments. These effects are thought to be mainly due to Bergamot's rich concentration of the monoterpenes limonene, linalyl acetate and linalool.

The scientists at doTERRA wanted to study how the diffusion of Bergamot essential oil would affect the mood in the waiting room of a mental health center. During the eight-week study, four waterless diffusers were placed out of sight in the waiting room 15 minutes before patients arrived. Weeks 1, 3, 5 and 7 were essential oil diffusion periods, while in weeks 2, 4, 6 and 8 the diffuser was filled with distilled water only. The 57 participants were asked to sit in the waiting room for a total of 15 minutes and were asked to complete a validated questionnaire before proceeding to their appointment.

A total of 45 participants completed the questionnaire during the essential oil diffusion trial period, while 12 participants completed the questionnaire during the distilled water diffusion period (control). It was found that participants in the test group had higher positive affect scores (17 percent higher) and slightly lower increases in negative affect scores (they reported smaller increases in negative thoughts) compared to the control group. There were also no side effects from diffusion. These findings were consistent with existing research on the influence of Bergamot essential oil aromatherapy in other settings.

Conclusion

Long day at the office? Children causing you stress? We all experience stress and discomfort from time to time. As research shows, a few drops of Bergamot essential oil in your diffuser can be a great option to promote positive thinking and a sense of calm.