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Bergamot (monarda didyma) – not just a balm for bees!

Bergamot (monarda didyma) – not just a balm for bees!

Bergamot (Bee Balm) originates from North America and was traditionally used to make ‘Oswego Tea’, drunk for a whole range of health benefits. It’s a very rich source of Thymol used commercially as the antiseptic in mouth wash. Bergamot is a ‘Nervine’, a group of herbs thought to benefit the nervous system, either as a relaxant, tonic or stimulant.

Medicinal History of Bergamot (monarda didyma) Plants

Monarda didyma was named after the Spanish physician and botanist Dr. Nicolas Monardes of Seville, Spain. Despite never visiting North America, Monardes developed extensive knowledge about new world plants through specimens brought back to his gardens in Spain. The plant was used by Native Americans of the Oswego tribe to brew a medicinal hot beverage, giving rise to one of its common names, Oswego tea. Bergamot was also used by many Native Americans for its strong antiseptic properties.

Top Five Medicinal Uses of Monarda didyma

1. Skin Infections, Minor Wounds and Burns

The leaves and flowers of bergamot have strong antiseptic and antimicrobial properties and were traditionally used to make poultices to relieve infections and minor wounds. The leaves were often used under bandages to slow bleeding, with soldiers chewing leaves on the battlefield for this purpose.

2. Dental Health

Monarda contains thymol a powerful, natural antiseptic. A strong infusion used as a mouthwash can give relief to sore tonsils, mouth ulcers and gum disease. Taken as a relaxing, herbal tea it can help fight throat infections.

3. Digestive Health

Bergamot has been traditionally drunk as a calming tea to relieve digestive symptoms including indigestion, bloating and wind.

4. Respiratory Health

It has powerful decongestant and antimicrobial properties that help sooth upper respiratory infections. Used in a herbal steam, Bergamot will act as a decongestant.

5. Nervous System

Monarda has a gentle, calming effect on the nervous system. In herbal medicine Bergamot is part of a group of plants that can be used as a ‘Nervine Tonic’ which means that they help to reduce stress and anxiety. 

To the bee balm

Unmoved I saw you blooming, Your crimson cap uplooming

Above the jewel weed; 'T is true I passed unheeding, Unmindful of your pleading,

Until she gave you heed.

John Burroughs  (1906)

Parts of Monarda Used for Medicine

Both the flowers and leaves of Monarda didyma, collected at the time of flowering, are used for medicinal purposes. The flowers can be dried and used to make a number of remedies including tea, mouthwash and oxymels. These are a mix of herbs, vinegar, and honey used like a natural cough syrup. Monarda oxymel is antimicrobial and is used as a treatment for colds and congestion.

Active Medical Ingredients in Monarda didyma

Monarda didyma contains anthocyanins (monardine), essential oils, phenols, bitter substances, and tannins. It is a natural source of the antiseptic thymol, the primary active ingredient in modern commercial mouthwash formulas.

 

Important.
Herbs have been used in medicines for thousands of years and a few leaves here and there are unlikely to be harmful. However, if you intend to start taking herbs medicinally or to treat a specific health condition, please seek the advice of your GP (or vet) and a qualified herbalist, first.

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