Bergamot vs Citrus Bergamot: What’s the Real Difference?
- Herbs around us
- Oct 4
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 23
If you’ve searched for “bergamot” online, you may have noticed it shows up in very different contexts: as a flavoring in Earl Grey tea, as an essential oil in perfumes, and as a supplement for cholesterol support. This overlap often creates confusion.
The truth is that “bergamot” can refer to more than one plant or product. In this article, we’ll clarify the differences between bergamot and citrus bergamot, so you know exactly what you’re getting when you see it in teas, oils, or supplements.
Quick Answer
Bergamot is a general term that may refer to different plants or oils, while citrus bergamot (Citrus bergamia) is a specific fruit from southern Italy. Citrus bergamot is the type used in dietary supplements for cholesterol and heart health, while “bergamot oil” in tea or perfumes comes from the peel and serves mainly as flavoring or fragrance.
What Is Bergamot?
The word “bergamot” is used in a few ways:
Bergamot essential oil: Extracted from the peel of Citrus bergamia, widely used in perfumes and aromatherapy.
Bergamot in tea: The same oil is used to flavor Earl Grey tea, giving it its distinctive aroma.
Herbal “bergamot” (bee balm): Sometimes the term “bergamot” also refers to Monarda didyma, an unrelated plant in the mint family, traditionally used in herbal teas.
This broad use of the word “bergamot” explains why many people confuse it with citrus bergamot supplements.
What Is Citrus Bergamot?
Citrus bergamot (Citrus bergamia) is a small, fragrant citrus fruit grown almost exclusively in Calabria, Italy.
Supplement form: The extract of the fruit, called bergamot polyphenolic fraction (BPF), is standardized and studied for cholesterol and metabolic health.
Not the same as oil: Unlike bergamot essential oil, supplements use the fruit’s polyphenols, not its aromatic compounds.
Unique compounds: Contains brutieridin and melitidin, rare flavonoids with cholesterol-lowering potential.
Key Differences: Bergamot vs Citrus Bergamot
Aspect | Bergamot (General) | Citrus Bergamot (Specific) |
Plant type | May refer to essential oil or Monarda didyma (bee balm) | Citrus bergamia fruit from Calabria, Italy |
Form | Essential oils, tea flavoring, perfumes, and herbal teas | Standardized extract in supplements |
Primary use | Fragrance, flavor, aromatherapy | Cholesterol and metabolic health support |
Active compounds | Aromatic oils, terpenes | Polyphenols (brutieridin, melitidin) |
Health evidence | Limited for oil/tea | Backed by clinical studies on cholesterol and heart health |
Why the Confusion Matters
Consumers buying supplements: Some mistakenly buy Earl Grey tea or essential oil, thinking it will provide cholesterol benefits.
Safety issues: Essential oil is not the same as the supplement extract and should not be ingested in large amounts.
Clarity for health use: Only standardized citrus bergamot extract has been studied in clinical trials for cardiovascular benefits.
Bergamot is a broad term, but citrus bergamot refers specifically to the fruit used in cholesterol and metabolic health supplements. While bergamot oil makes your tea taste aromatic and perfumes smell fresh, it won’t deliver the same benefits as citrus bergamot extract.
When it comes to wellness, make sure you’re choosing the right form—supplements made with standardized citrus bergamot polyphenolic fraction.
FAQ
Is bergamot the same as citrus bergamot?
No. “Bergamot” can refer to different plants and oils, but citrus bergamot (Citrus bergamia) is a specific fruit used in supplements.
Can I drink Earl Grey tea for cholesterol benefits?
Not really. Earl Grey uses bergamot oil for flavor, which is different from the extract used in supplements.
Is bergamot essential oil the same as bergamot supplement?
No. Essential oil is used for aromatherapy and skin care, not cholesterol support.
Why is Italian citrus bergamot important?
Because Calabria’s unique climate produces the highest concentration of active polyphenols studied in clinical trials.
References
Mollace V, et al. Citrus Bergamot: From Calabrian Traditional Medicine to Clinical Use. Front Pharmacol. 2019.
Navarra M, et al. Phytochemistry and health benefits of Citrus bergamia. Phytother Res. 2015.
Mayo Clinic. Herbal supplements: What to know before you buy.
