Bergamot / Bee Balm
Bergamot / Bee Balm (Mi Feng Chun Gao)
Botanical Name: Monarda didyma, M. fistulosa
Edible and medicinal bergamot, also known as bee balm, is often used to treat skin eruptions, mouth infections, sore throats, and gastric disorders. Bergamot, or bee balm (Monarda didyma), is not the source of what is commonly called Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) Essential oil, and is the scent associated with Earl Grey tea. Bergamot (Monarda didyma) AKA Bee Balm, has been used by Native Americans for centuries to treat a wide variety of health disorders.
Below is an overview of Bergamot / Bee Balm (Mi Feng Chun Gao), combining and interpreting the best of Western Science, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Shamanism, Folklore and more. Gain a balanced and thorough understanding of the healing properties of Bergamot / Bee Balm (Mi Feng Chun Gao).
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Western
Western Name: Bergamot / Bee Balm
Also Known As: Scarlet Monarda, Oswego Tea, Horsemint, Wild Bergamot
Organs/Systems: Digestion, Skin, Nerves
Key Actions: Antiseptic, Carminative, Mild Stimulant, Diaphoretic, Diuretic, Aromatic, Anti-anxiety, Antidepressant, Deodorant, Digestive, Tonic, Antimicrobial, Anti-inflammatory, Antifungal, Antibiotic, Emmenagogue, Vulnerary.
Medicinal Uses: Mouth infections, gingivitis, mouth and throat infections, skin infections, eczema, psoriasis, minor wounds, flatulence, gastric disorders, headaches, catarrh, colds, bronchitis, chest congestion and discomfort, nausea, menstrual pain, insomnia, ulcers, balances the emotions, diarrhea, increases urination.

Eastern
Pin Yin: Mi Feng Chun Gao (translates as Bee Balm)
Also Known As: N/A
Meridians: Stomach, Lungs, Intestine, Liver
Key TCM Actions: Supports and Warms the Stomach, Moves Liver Qi, Warms the Lungs, Soothes Skin, Heals Wounds
Medicinal Uses: Nausea, belching, flatulence, poor appetite, stomach ulcers, restlessness, menstrual cramping, headaches, colds, fevers, catarrh, bronchitis, kin infections, eczema, psoriasis, acne, cuts, mouth sores and infections.
Parts Most Frequently Used: Fresh and Dried Flowers and Leaves
Flavors/Temps: Aromatic, Warming
Caution: Caution if pregnant as the plant can stimulate uterine contractions.
History/Folklore: The species native to North America, Monarda punctata, is a wonderful source of thymol. The related American plant M. didyma, the Scarlet Monarda, is also said to contain thymol but in smaller amounts and of a slightly different composition. Thymol is known for its antiseptic, antibacterial, and antifungal properties.
Native American peoples have used the plant for thousands of years. The first written account is the description in 1596 by Nicholas Monardes, who gave the plant its botanical name, “Mondara.”
The plant has been used by Native Americans for its strong antiseptic action and to treat skin infections and minor wounds. Native Americans recognized four varieties of the plant which each had different scents. The plant was used in ceremonial sweat lodges for its scent and active diaphoretic properties.
Native Americans also used the plant to treat heart disease, colics and colds, and to regulate menses, stimulate the appetite and as a decongestant. They also used it to treat a wide variety of stomach disorders including flatulence.
An herbal tea made from the leaves is used to treat mouth and throat infections caused by dental issues and gingivitis. Bergamot/Bee Blam is a natural source of the antiseptic thymol, the active ingredient in modern commercial mouthwash formulas.
Steam inhalation of the plant is used to treat sore throats, bronchial infections with inflammation of the mucus membranes and increased flow of mucus.
Used externally in poultices it is used to treat skin eruptions, infections and minor wounds. An English medical study, even indicates that the constituent thymol, present in bergamot/bee balm may be more effective than prescription creams for treating acne. It is a good remedy for burns and inflammations. The lemon scented oil is used to scent soaps.
The leaves and flowers are edible and are gathered when in bloom. They have a strong citrus flavor and make a wonderful addition to salads, custards, salsa and meat dishes. The leaves are used in fruit drinks and the flowers are used in salads. The fresh leaves are used to flavor wine, jellies and fruit dishes.
The lovely scent of the flower, leaves and roots make it a wonderful choice for inclusion in potpourri as an addition to a hot bath to revitalize your spirit and perfume your water.
The name “bergamot” derives from the scent of the plant’s flower, leaves and roots that resemble Bergamot Orange, Citrus bergamia, the source of bergamot oil used to flavor Earl Grey tea. The common name “bee balm” derives from the fact that bees love the nectar of the sweet smelling blossoms.
In America, the herb is known as “Oswego Tea” because an infusion of the young leaves was used by Native Americans to increase stamina. It grew in popularity to become a common beverage enjoyed by colonists in many parts of the United States. Oswego tea was even used by the colonists to replace English tea after the Boston Tea Party, when colonists threw English tea into the harbor in protest of high taxes laying the groundwork for the American war of Independence from the British.
A tasty tea blend is 3 tbsp. Chamomile flowers, 1 tbsp bergamot (bee balm leaves), 2 tsp rosemary, 1 tbsp mint leaves. Mix herbs together. Use 2 tsp per cup of tea.
The species is a favorite for gardens because of its aromatic and showy scarlet flowers and pale-green tinged with red aromatic leaves. It is a good companion plant as it attracts bees and other pollinating insects. Many like to grow it near their tomato plants.
Key Constituents:
Thymol (AKA Isopropylmethylphenol or IPMP), Caravcrol, Rosemarnic acid, Linaool, D-limonene, Hydrothymoquinone.

Thymol
Thymol, a key natural constituent in bergamot is a natural antiseptic.

19th Century Tonic
In the 19th century bergamot was given to young brides and mothers as a tonic.

Bergamot Essential Oil
Bergamot essential oil is from the plant Citrus bergamia and not Monarda didyma, commonly called bergamot/bee balm.
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