Wild bergamot or bee balm Monarda fistulosa is a wildflower in the mint family widespread and abundant as a native plant in much of North America. This plant, with showy summer-blooming white flowers, is often used as a honey plant, medicinal plant and garden ornamental. The species is quite variable, and several subspecies or varieties have been recognized within it.
Wild bergamot is an herbaceous perennial that grows from slender creeping rhizomes, thus commonly occurring in large clumps. The plants are typically up to 3 ft (0.9 m) tall, with a few erect branches. Its leaves are about 2-3 in (5-8 cm) long, lance-shaped, and toothed. Its compact flower clusters are solitary at the ends of branches. Each cluster is about 1.5 in (4 cm) long, containing about 20–50 flowers. Wild bergamot often grows in rich soils in dry fields, thickets, and clearings, usually on limy soil. The plants generally flower from June to September.
Bergamot is known as "Natures Prozac" as it is extremely helpful for work-related stress, over-emotional feelings, depression, tension and for calming physical and mental agitation. Bergamot can also be used when overwork or pressure affects the stomach and digestion. Bergamot essential oil is a common ingredient in many modern perfumes and adds a wonderful therapeutic quality and fragrance to any massage or bath blend.
Bergamot oil is made from the fruit of a small tree native to Morocco and parts of Asia. The name Bergamot however comes from a small town in Italy called Bergamo where the oil was first sold. Bergamot belongs to the same family as the orange tree and one of its more familiar uses is as the flavoring for Earl Grey tea.
Benefit & Uses: Bergamot's antiseptic properties are beneficial for wounds and skin conditions such as acne, eczema and psoriasis. Bergamot is a useful antidepressant and very good for nervous anxiety and work-related tension. It has an antiseptic effect on cystitis, urinary tract infections and bacterial stomach upsets.
Its sweet and fruity aroma is uplifting and relaxing. When can relax and trust the universe to handle details of any life situation, release the fear of the unknown and become clear about own mission.
Bergamot is helpful when dealing with addictions or compulsive behaviors. Use it to help with smoking, drug and alcohol addiction especially when depression is a key element.
Because this oil opens the heart chakra and is uplifting to the mind, it can relieve anxiety, stress and depression. Place on the heart to release this patterning and embrace relationships (self and others).
Wild bergamot was considered a medicinal plant by many Native Americans including the Menominee, the Ojibwa and the Winnebago. It was used most commonly to treat colds, and was frequently made into a tea. Today, many families still use wild bergamot during the cold and flu season. The tea may be sweetened with honey, as it tends to be quite strong.
American Indians used leaf tea for colic, flatulence, colds, fevers, stomachaches, nosebleeds, menstrual pain, insomnia, and heart trouble in measles to induce sweating; poultice leaves for headaches. Historically, physicians used leaf tea to expel worms and gas. Bergamot leaves were infused in oil for use in hair. They contain antiseptic thyme and are applied to pimples, steam-inhaled for colds, and brewed for nausea, flatulence, and insomnia. Leaves are also taken for digestive problems.
Used it to relieve colic, fevers and colds, the lemon scented oil was used to scent soaps. Both useful and pretty, bee balm soon became an early garden favorite. It has most useful herb to use in both animals and humans.
The colorful blossoms have a strong minty flavor and best used sparingly. Separate the petals from the main head to scatter over fruit salads for an edible garnish.