From kaligula@wam.umd.edu Mon Aug 15 03:39:39 1994 Date: Sun, 14 Aug 1994 21:39:22 -0400 From: Purple Jen Subject: Bergamot B E R G A M O T --------------- Bergamot (also known as Bee Balm) is a plant native to North America. Its scientific name, _Monarda didyma_ is named in honor of Dr. N. Monardes, a Spanish medial botanist. Appearance-wise, this hardy perennial grows to 2-3'. Its leaves are dark green, with reddish veins. They grow opposite of each other, with a general lanceolate shape and serrulate leaf edge. The top of the leaf is acuminate, and the bottom is obtuse. Bergamot flowers in the late summer, and have tight clusters of either scarlet (most common), lavender, purple-blue, or pink blooms. The square stem is hard and ridged, having red tinges at the leaf joints. Bergamot has varied uses: decorative, culinary, household, cosmetic, aromatic, and medicinal. The tubular flowers are beautiful fresh and dried for flower arrangements. The dried flower retains its color well. Both the flower and the leaf may be used for food. The flower is very attractive scattered in salads. The leaf has a multitude of uses. For beverages, add a fresh leaf to China tea for the famous and traditional Earl Grey flavor. Or, one can infuse the leaves for a tea by themselves. The Oswego Indians drank this brew, as well as New England did after the Boston Tea Party. Another drink idea is for bergamot milk. Pour 1 c of boiling milk over 1 T dried (3 T fresh) shredded leaves. Steep for approximately six minutes, strain and drink. Bergamot may also be added to wine or lemonade. Non-beverage ideas for the leaves include use in jellies and jams. It may also be used sparingly in salads, stuffings, and with pork. Used around the house, bee balm attracts bumblebees. Honey bees are too small to reach the nectar. Wild Bergamot, _M. fistulosa_, was boiled by the Omaha and Ponca Indians to make a hair oil. Bergamot's distinctive aroma, found in both the leaf and flower is wonderful for use in potpourri. Medicinally, the leaves are infused to relieve flatulence, nausea, menstrual pain, and insomnia. Steam inhalation of the leaves can be used for sore throats, and bronchial catarrh (inflamation of the mucus membrane, causing an increased flow of mucus). Bergamot essential oil is fresh, and uplifting. Acting like an antiseptic, it evaporates rapidly. In massage, it is useful in treating anxiety and depression. It stimulates appetite, and aids digestion. It soothes lung conditions, and is good for treating oily skin. Bergamot oil blends well with the following oils: Camomile, Coriander, Cypress, Jasmine, Lavender, Lemon, Neroli, and Ylang-Ylang. A word of warning in its use for massage: Since bergamot stimulates the body's production of melanin, use of the oil by itself, or in concentrations greater than one percent may cause uneven skin pigmentation.