Bergamot (Monarda didyma) is a North American native woodland herb, a member of the Lamiaceae plant family; it bears no resemblance or similarity to that of Bergamot (Citrus bergamia),a small fruit tree, predominately found in Italy, from which Bergamot essential oil is extracted. A hardy, herbaceous perennial, Bergamot (Monarda didyma) is now a popular cultivation in many gardens.
The genus Latin name of Bergamot, Monarda, was given in honor of the botanist, Dr Nicholas Monardes, of Seville, Spain; in 1569, Dr Monardes wrote a herbal on the flowers of America and named the plant so, as the aroma was a reminder of the Italian Bergamot fruit (Citrus bergamia). Therefore, it is often recommended to use the scientific plant classification system to avoid such confusion between plants.
Identification of the Herb Bergamot
Bergamot is also known as Bee Balm, as its flowers attract an array of bees and butterflies; however, bees can not reach the nectar unless other insects have already made holes. Bergamot now flowers in a variety of colors including white, purple, pink and scarlet; purple-blue flowers are known as Blue Stocking, pink flowers are known as Croftway Pink. Even when dried, the flowers of Bergamot retain their true color and can be used in potpourri and teas.
Bergamot has leaves which are oval shape, pointed, toothed and dark green, with a distinguishing feature of a red colored vein running through them; the leaves, when young, have a distinct aroma of eau-de-cologne. The stem is also red in color where it joins the leaves and is hard, hairy, ridged and square. Bergamot prefers partial shade to constant hot sun and flowers in summer.
Uses of Bergamot
Although not used in aromatherapy for its therapeutic properties, the herb Bergamot does have other medicinal values; the leaf of Bergamot is used as an infusion in tea to help in the relief of insomnia, menstrual pain, nausea and flatulence. A fresh leaf of Bergamot infused with China tea will produce a flavor of Earl Grey Tea. Steam inhalation of the herb Bergamot is helpful for sore throats and catarrh.
The Native American Indians used the wild purple Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) for both cold and bronchial difficulties, due to the presence of thymol, which acts as an antiseptic. Scarlet Bee Balm (Monarda didyma) was used to make a tea for digestion; as it grew by the Oswego river, it commonly became known as Oswego tea. The flowering top of Bergamot was also boiled by both the Ponca and Omaha Indians to make a hair oil.
The Oswaga Indians used Bergamot as a drink infusion; in 1773, Bergamot became popular in New England as a tea substitute after the Boston Tea Party. Today, it also has many other culinary uses including use in salads, stuffings and pork, as well as jams, jellies and home made lemonades. In the garden, it can be very aromatic if planted in places where it will be touched, releasing fragrance into the air.
References:
Bremness, Lesley 1988 The Complete Book of Herbs London: Dorling Kindersley Ltd
Lawless, Julia 2001 The Aromatherapy Garden London: Kyle Cathie Ltd
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