Could the essential oil bergamot be as effective as diazepam (a benzodiazepine) in reducing anxiety?
An animal study shows very promising results: Acute effects of bergamot oil on anxiety-related behaviour and corticosterone level in rats
both BEO [bergamot essential oil] and diazepam exhibited anxiolytic-like behaviours and attenuated HPA axis activity by reducing the corticosterone response to stress
What this is means is that the bergamot was found to be as effective as diazepam in reducing the anxiety. Bergamot also reduced cortisol levels.
I’m really excited to see a study comparing an essential oil with benzodiazepines because I’m really worried that so many people are being prescribed benzodiazepines and that they are being used long-term. They are meant to be used short-term, if at all. They have very addictive properties, there are dependence issues and can be really really hard to quit, often with a very challenging withdrawal period. And too many people, including many in the medical profession, are not aware of all the issues once you start down this road.
If you’ve been following me for some time you’ll know I’m really vocal about the dangers of this class of medication. You can read about the first World Benzodiazepine Awareness Day here.
How wonderful if we use these other wonderful approaches instead of benzodiazepines: use an essential oil like bergamot (or more than one – like lavender, roman chamomile and neroli too) and make food changes (like quitting gluten, caffeine and sugar), and add some amino acids like GABA and tryptophan and reduce the stress in our lives!
I talk about this research and other essential oils for anxiety and stress in the upcoming Essential Oils Revolution 2 summit which runs August 22 to 29. I’m so thrilled to be part of this event!
I can’t wait to learn more and hope you’ll tune in and learn tons too. Here is the registration link https://qt247.isrefer.com/go/EOR16reg/trudyscottcn/
Let’s get the conversation started now. Feel free to share which essential oils you use for anxiety and stress? And how do you use them?
Thank you for the article. This isn’t an oil but it has worked for me; Ashwagandha https://draxe.com/ashwagandha-proven-to-heal-thyroid-and-adrenals/
Please don’t take Diazepam! It’ll snuff the life out of you. Benzodiazepines in general are addictive. Here is only a partial list of their side affects found on Pubmed.
Abdominal or stomach pain
agitation
anxiety
black, tarry stools
blistering, flaking, or peeling of skin
blurred vision
changes in patterns and rhythms of speech
chills
confusion
cough
dark urine
decrease in frequency of urination
decrease in urine volume
difficulty in passing urine (dribbling)
discouragement
dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position suddenly
false beliefs that cannot be changed by facts
fast heartbeat
fast or irregular breathing
feeling sad or empty
feeling that others are watching you or controlling your behavior
feeling that others can hear your thoughts
feeling, seeing, or hearing things that are not there
fever
headache
hyperexcitability
increased muscle spasms or tone
irritability
Hi BJ
Thanks for sharing – I do like adaptogenic herbs like this for adrenal support.
And yes lets do what we can to avoid benzodiazepines.
Just sharing the link to the above for others who read this. This is from the Mayo Clinic site for diazepam http://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/diazepam-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20072333
I use a few different oils. Just started using a blend of bergamot & orange essential oils in a diffuser and really like it. Also use rescue remedy pastilles when needed for excess stress during the day. And at bedtime I use a drop of lavender oil mixed with coconut oil and massage into my skin for better sleep. Natural remedies & essentials are the best! Looking forward to the summit.
What is amp?
Kathi
Did auto-correct change your question? please try again
Susan, what is amp? You mention it multiple time Since? It has & in front of amp
Ok my message is messed up. Didn’t have my glasses on. Sorry. I may have been referring to another post. It said & I believe. Now I don’t see it?? I did not know what that meant.
Kathi, & is used as an error code when the program is having trouble reading an apostrophe.
Susan
Wonderful! Thanks for sharing! Personally my favorites are any of the citrus oils (orange, lemon, neroli, bergamot) and lavender
Enjoy the summit! I’m looking forward to it too
Bergamot has always been a favorite for me. Even way before I discovered the world of essential oils. Vetiver with a bit of geranium has been good too. Is there actual science that shows it lowered cortisol levels. Or do you think it could just be that pleasant smells relax the limbic system.
Thank you Trudy for your pasts post warnings of phenibut (?sp). I realized it was in the kavinace by neuroscience and was taking 3-4 every night for years. Going off I did notice more agitation. I stil use Xanax as a last resort. Usually when meditation and EOs aren’t working. Never rely on it as a daily thing. Although my doctor wanted me to take it once a day whether I needed it or not. I never thought that was right. So only in emergency situations. I’ve also find that I just don’t have the addictive type of personality. Smoked with friends when I was younger. But then oh this is stupid and stopped. No problems. Oh well I used to be a very calm, glass is half full type personality too. Until… What ever this is that triggered all these symptoms.
Thank you for all your info. Very appreciated.
I didn’t know anything about Vetiver oil. Dr. Axe has a great article on that too. Thanks for info!
Vetiver oil is amazing .. I rub on big toe before bed.. You will sleep like a baby
How do you apply the Bergamot oil and where?
Mostly with coconut carrier oil. On arms or legs.
Thanks!
I rub over my heart every morning ..
My favorite bath mix is 1 cup each of Epsom salts, baking soda and sea salt plus two drops each of bergamot, lime and grapefruit and one drop sandalwood. Mix in a glass jar and use as needed. So relaxing and uplifting. I’m considering making it into an oil blend diluted with coconut in a roller bottle
Jaci
Thanks for sharing! There is research showing how many essential oils actually change physiology like cortisol levels, GABA, serotonin etc
I’m glad you learned about phenibut and stopped. I would caution you about Xanax use even if not used daily. If the essential oils are not enough I’d look into GABA, tryptophan, diet changes etc
Just wanted to share my thoughts on “addictive personality”. I don’t use this term as we know know there is a biochemical aspect to addiction i.e. brain chemical and nutritional imbalances.
Yes. Agree.
I’ve been using ApexEnergetics gabatone, seratone, and dopatone (capsules and liquid spray) since April. Other brands since symptoms started in 2008. Clean diet since 2008 too.
I’m connecting the dots recently to my symptoms and fluoroquinolone toxicity. I had a massive reaction in April and have since backtracked through past prescription records. Considering doing 23andMe.
Would you recommend that people who already have low cortisol levels NOT use Bergamot?
Debbie
I checked with Dr Eric Zielinski /Dr Z, host of the Essential Oils summit and he said this “Nothing that I’ve seen in the literature specifically about low cortisol becoming dangerously low. The research suggests that they are mostly adaptogenic.”
How do I use Bergamont? Where do I rub it? If taken a internally can you please recommend an organic clean EO brand. Many thanks, Amie
Amie
I recommend using the oils in a diffuser or mixed with a carrier oil (such as coconut, almond, avocado, olive etc) and used for massage or rubbed on the hands or on the soles of the feet. With bergamot and other citrus oils photosensitivity can be an issue so it’s best to not use and spend time in the sun or simple use on the soles of the feet at night.
I use different brands depending on what I’m looking for. Here are a few I have looked into and like: Simplers Botanicals, Veriditas and Vibrant Blue Oils.
Please notify me on my last post about how to use Bergamont and what brand. Thank you!
I’ve only used doTerra brand. I’m sure there are others out there. Certified Therapeutic grade, although I don’t think that guarantees anything. Look up on Dr Pappas website, essential oil university. He gets straight-forward on oil use. And Dr Robert Tisserand. Using a carrier oil with any EO on skin is more effective than just straight EO. Slower evaporation and carrier oil helps absorb faster. Inhaling always safe and reaches the limbic system of brain very quickly.
Ingesting… Lots of conflicting info.
Thanks, Jaci!
Amie
I recommend using the oils in a diffuser or mixed with a carrier oil (such as coconut, almond, avocado, olive etc) and used for massage or rubbed on the hands or on the soles of the feet. With bergamot and other citrus oils photosensitivity can be an issue so it’s best to not use and spend time in the sun or simple use on the soles of the feet at night.
I use different brands depending on what I’m looking for. Here are a few I have looked into and like: Simplers Botanicals, Veriditas and Vibrant Blue Oils.
I like Veritidas too but not familiar with other two. I use DoTerra and some Young Living but prefer not to do MLM.
Just started bergamot last nite. Used alone today and with lavender last nite. Always looking for help sleeping and relaxing. Stress affecting my stomach with reflux and gastritis.
what if you lost the sense of smell. How does the oils really get the full benefit to you?
Terry
Great question and I cover it in my interview with Dr Z. Mine airs on Tuesday so be sure to tune in (registration link is above in the blog). Briefly, low zinc can affect your sense of smell so I recommend addressing that. Research also shows that essential oils mixed into carrier oils (such as coconut, almond, avocado, olive etc) and used for massage provided similar benefits for Alzheimer’s patients who had lost their sense of small.
Your discussion of low zinc and sense of taste and smell was a big piece of a puzzle for me Trudy. I did the zinc test and nothing… So I’ve started on zinc. Years ago saw a very well known neurologist that specialized in taste and smell. He said my sense of smell was way off. And as you can imagine, the treatment was Prozac (which I threw out by day 3 because I couldn’t walk) and Xanax
Using the EOs I have had moments when I notice smells more often. Good and bad. Lol. Am I retraining my brain, or something else
Could you tell us what the zinc test is? Thanks
Valerie
Here you go https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/zinc-deficiency-and-using-the-zinc-taste-test/
regarding the zinc – what brand, how many mg’s?
I followed Trudys recommendations here:
https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/zinc-deficiency-and-using-the-zinc-taste-test/
Terry
I like Optizinc (copper-free) and 30mg – you can find some products here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/amino-acids-pyroluria-supplements/
I couldn’t find Dr. Z’s talk about the loss of the sense of smell. Is there another way to hear this info or read about it? I have however, am trying this liquid zinc and did the zinc test, obviously, I am low in zinc because the two tsp test of this liquid in my mouth – didn’t have that nasty taste so I guess I will see how long it takes for me to get some sense of smell back after this bottle is finished. How many bottles does it take to get enough zinc replenished in your system.
Terry
Dr Z and I discuss it during my anxiety interview on the Essential Oils Revolution. It aired on Tuesday and will air again on Monday as part of the encores. You can still register here https://qt247.isrefer.com/go/EOR16reg/trudyscottcn/
I don’t use the zinc sulfate to replenish zinc levels as you end up going through it too quickly. I use 30mg optinzinc instead. I also have a whole chapter on pyroluria with a big section on zinc in my book “The Antianxiety Food Solution”
I am unclear if oils will still affect the limbic system without sense of smell. I believe my loss of smell and taste is due to nasal polyps. Would I be better off using the oils on the skin? Thanks!
Michele
I would suspect so – the Alzheimer’s research on topical application for folks with no sense of smell is very promising
You could try both ways and see how you feel! Come back and let us know?
I did purchase the liquid zinc to try and see if I could taste it. Sure enough I couldn’t taste any metallic type anything. However, when I took this three days in a row – I feel really weird – is this normal? Or am I allergic to zinc 🙂 or something else going on?
Terry
As I mentioned above I don’t use the zinc sulfate to replenish zinc levels as you end up going through it too quickly. I use 30mg optinzinc instead.
I also have a whole chapter on pyroluria with a big section on zinc in my book “The Antianxiety Food Solution” and recommend that everyone reads it before supplmenting and making food changes. Have you read this chapter?
Be aware that too much zinc in any form could potentially cause copper dumping and uncomfortable symptoms (often irritability and anger)
I will try to get your book next pay period and the optizinc. I was tested for H pyuoluria – but it was negative. If I think that is what you are talking about :). I will try to find that article on Alzheimer and topical application. Thanks for your quick response and for trying to help. Blessings to you
Terry
H/pylori is not the same as pyroluria (https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/pyroluria-questionnaire-from-the-antianxiety-food-solution/)
A caution when putting EOs on the bottom of your feet: Don’t wear rubber shoes afterwards. I learned this the hard way. It melted the black rubber sole and took a lot of scrubbing to get the black off the bottom of my feet. Unsettling when your concerned with toxic exposure to start with.
Good to know!
When you write:
Just wanted to share my thoughts on “addictive personality”. I don’t use this term as we know know there is a biochemical aspect to addiction i.e. brain chemical and nutritional imbalances.
What do you mean? I thought an additive personality was what made it difficult to stop smoking. After stopping a few weeks is when I get depressed
Al
Personality implies you can’t change it, whereas with brain chemical and nutritional imbalances, when you address these imbalances the addiction can be broken so you don’t feel depressed when you stop
Thank you so what kind of aminoacid works for that?
Al
It could be GABA, tryptophan, glutamine, DPA and/or tyrosine – one or all of these. It depends on why a person self-medicates and how they feel when they do. Here is some info to get started https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/anxiety-amino-acids-overview/ I have my clients do the amino acid questionnaire and precautions and then do a trial of relevant amino acid/s
I have used essential oils for over a year now, consistently, and for about 5 years before that, intermittently. They use a tremendous positive impact on my health, and I cannot imagine not using them now. I am glad to see they are starting to be recognized for having the properties they do! !
Wonderful! and yes I love all the research too
Hello Trudy,
I listened to your interview on the EO Summit and found your information about amino acids very interesting. I’m sure as a 34 yo, “recovering vegan”, woman, who hasn’t had a period in over 18 months, I have some deficiencies. And I already know I have an undergrowth of candida, low HCl, and basically Leaky Gut. So I’m wondering what the best place to start is. And also, if there is anyone, that’s affordable, you could recommend for help for me and my husband. My husband has severe depression, anxiety, and an overall negative outlook on his past, current, and future life. We both eat a very healthy diet and do not take pharmaceuticals, only health supplements. Any direction you can offer will be very much appreciated.
Thank you,
Ann
Ann
Glad you enjoyed the amino acid information.
For your husband (and for you if you also have anxiety or any mood issues) I’d recommend doing the amino acid questionnaire, reviewing the precautions and doing a trial of applicable amino acids – details here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/anxiety-amino-acids-overview/
My book “The Antianxiety Food Solution” is an affordable resource as is my homestudy amino acid program and Anxiety summits. Details here https://www.everywomanover29.com/services.html I plan to reopen my virtual clinic in the next month.
I assume a healthy diet means quality grass-fed red meat, wild fish, healthy fats, no gluten, no sugar, no caffeine, fermented foods and eating to control blood sugar.
For you gut healthy is key – healing the leaky gut, addressing the candida and low HCl. Since you’re a recovering vegan making sure any nutritional deficiencies are addressed too – low iron, D, zinc, B12, fatty acids etc.
Looking at adrenal health and sex hormone imbalances and eating for hormone health should result in you having a period again. Magdalena’s Cooking for Hormone Balance is a fabulous group program More on her program https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/food-hormones-brazil-nut-butter-recipe/ and my direct link https://xa202.isrefer.com/go/cfb1/trudys/
Thanks Trudy for all of. good info. My epileptologist. Put me on 2000 mg. Of Keppra for a bad seizure I had. Is it Ok to take Bergamot oil with it?
Mary
I honestly don’t know. I suggest posting this on one of the blogs of the Essential Oil Revolution and also checking with your doctor. I can share that a ketogenic diet has been shown to be very effective for seizures.
Hi Trudy there was a question earlier which I am also interested in. Should we use Bergamot if we have low cortisol as you have mentioned it lowers cortisol? I am actually trying to raise my cortisol levels to the right level but love the sound of using Bergamot for anxiety? Is it safe for me? Thanks.
Melanie
I checked with Dr Eric Zielinski /Dr Z, host of the Essential Oils summit and he said this “Nothing that I’ve seen in the literature specifically about low cortisol becoming dangerously low. The research suggests that they are mostly adaptogenic.”
Hi Trudy
Could you elaborate on the rat study that you link to (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21105176)?
It says:
“investigate the effect of BEO (1.0%, 2.5% and 5.0% w/w) administered to rats”
Does this mean the BEO was ingested orally?
If so is it important that the BEO is absorbed to have an effect – i.e. put on your skin rather than just being sniffed? And how well is essential oil absorbed by your skin? Thanks
Natalie
The study mentions inhalation (it was not ingested). The inhalation method has the most research and is very effective. There is some research on topical and it’s also very effective. I have not looked into the mechanisms but I suspect it’s tackling the issue via two very different approaches.
Our skin absorbs everything – beneficial oils and toxins like pesticides
Hi Trudy,
I just got my Bergamot EO and would like to know how many drops I should add to my carrier oil? If I use 1 teaspoon of carrier oil, should that be enough?
Thank you.
Anne
I like to start with one or two drops
Thank you Trudy for all your timely replies! I got your book last week The Antianxiety Food Solution, and it is so helpful! Very thorough research, and your recommendations are easy to understand and very informative. I encourage anyone who has anxiety and depression to get this book.
Anne
Thanks for coming back and sharing! So pleased you’re finding it informative.
It makes me really happy when someone makes the time to read it rather than only pick up snippets here and there from my presentations and blog posts. When you read it you have the big picture and the details. And the research so it’s great to share with your doctor!
I would really appreciate an Amazon review to inspire others!
Hi, I am all new to aromatherapy.
I mix lavender and bergamot and I think it has a good effect on me. Would it be enough with bergamot alone or is my mix a good idea?
I use a diffuser. I see many apply it to the skin. Is that supposed to be more effective?
Hi Thomas
I have been using oils for about two years so I know Lavender pretty well but I am new to Bergamot. Diffusing oils is an awesome way to get the benefits you need. The diffuser turns the oils into microparticles and disperses them into the air where you inhale them through breathing. Topical application is a more concentrated and direct approach. You should take care to research the company and quality of oils you purchase as some are not processed in a way to ensure good quality and are for aromatic use only.As for your question of using Lavender, Bergamot or both, I would try them in different ways and see what works for you because in most cases what works for one won’t always work the same for another. Good luck. I hope things work out for you
I was talking with a person with social anxiety. I was thinking if the oil was slow acting on the skin you could apply it before a social situation. My diffuser is only really useful in my apartment.
Thomas
Julie said it perfectly!
Trudy,
Do you happen to have a list of particular essential oils that should be avoided while taking an SSRI? I’m actually on Remeron which is not an SSRI, but similar.
Thanks…
Jill
The best resource for information on this is Robert Tisserand’s book Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals (on amazon http://amzn.to/2mdNj4M).
He states this in this article on this site (http://roberttisserand.com/2012/03/interaction-with-ssri-medication/) “Some oils do affect serotonin directly, but not massively. ….The only ones known to interact badly with SSRI drugs are eugenol-rich oils (such as clove) and myristicin-rich oils (such as nutmeg)….These two constituents are monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, which can cause this interaction with SSRI drugs.”
In the comments he shares this about peppermint: “There is still much that is not known about essential oil / drug interactions, and peppermint might possibly be a slight risk.”
And this about peppermint being used with Cipro and Celexa: “Peppermint oil inhibits CYP3A4, an enzyme that also metabolizes both the medications you mention. This could feasibly lead to the medications being less effective. The more peppermint oil you have been using, the greater the chances of an interaction.”
I am not an expert in this area and this is incomplete information but should provide some guidance until you find an expert to advise you specifically about Remeron.
I am also going to reach out to Robert for a guest blog post or interview as I need to learn more about this too
Thank you, Trudy. I downloaded that book but so far haven’t seen any particular helps in it besides what I have found. I’m looking at trying frankincense and orange. I would be interested if you find anything else.
I see Cipro is mentioned in a post. This can have severe and permanent side effects. It’s over prescribed and rarely needed. Please research. There are several support groups on Facebook that will change your mind. Most of us had doctors who didn’t recognize Cipro toxicity and deny or even make fun of patients.
Bj
Agreed and more here http://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/antibiotic-anxiety-fluoroquinolone/
I am thinking about bergamot supplements for cholesterol….. just one a day 1000 mg …. Any truth to this .. I went off statins and lost weight and changed diet … hopefully the bergamot will help maintain it and relieve anxiety also?
Valerie
Research support this – Clinical application of bergamot (Citrus bergamia) for reducing high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease markers https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6497409/ but it’s not something I’m familiar with