Bergamot

BERGAMOT (Monarda didyma)
(Oswego Tea, Bee Balm)Cultivation – Rich moist soil in sun or partial
shade

Propagation – Seed sown in Spring or Autumn.
Division in Spring. Softwood cuttings in early Summer

Flowers – are produced early to mid Summer

Harvest – Plants are cut when flowering. Leaves are
cut before flowering

Dimensions – 40cm-1.2m high. 45cm wide

USES

Medicinal

Internal – Minor digestive complaint

Culinary – Leaves and flower heads are used as a
herbal tea and as an ‘Earl Grey’ flavouring to black
tea. Flowers can be used as a garnish is salads

Magical – None found but it was used by Native
American Indians so I am assuming there is a magical
use for them

FOLKLORE AND HISTORY

Bergamot was given its name due to its scent which
resembles the orange of the same name. The latin name
of this plant is derived from a spanish botanist (Dr
Nicholas Monardes), who described the plant in his
herbal in 1569. The Americans took to drinking
Bergamot as a tea substitute as a protest on the tax
on tea from India after the Boston Tea Party. This
plant can be prone to spread throughout the garden
with runners similar to Mint runners. If possible,
contain this plant to a pot, or be prepared to pull
up a whole lot of the runners in Summer.

Sources:

The Complete New Herbal by Richard Mabey (ISBN
0140126821) Published by Penguin

The Royal Horticultural Society New Encyclopedia
of Herbs and Their Uses by Deni Bown (ISBN 0751333867) Published by DK

The Essential Herb Garden (Growing and Using Herbs
in Australia) by Gilian Painter (ISBN 1864290455)
Published by Millennium Books

Disclaimer: This is for reference guide only.
Herbs can be used
effectively for mild ailments but medical advice
should be consulted
first to rule out major illnesses.