What Is Bergamot Good For?
Bergamot is a highly aromatic herb that has many culinary and medicinal uses. The plant is often known by the name 'bee balm'. Bergamot is a member of the mint family. Its taste can range from citrus-like to peppery. This often forgotten herb is easy to find fresh, and can be dried for an aromatic and useful bouquet.
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Tea
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Bergamot was used by the Oswaga native American tribe to make tea. Today, this tea is called Oswego Tea. Oswego tea replaced English tea after the tea was thrown into the harbor during the Boston Tea Party protest against tea taxation. It is made by steeping 1 teaspoon of the dried herb in water. Both the flowers and the leaves can be used for the tea. There are two main species of bergamot including Monarda didyma and Monarda fistulosa. Oswego tea is made from Monarda didyma, which has bright red flowers and a citrus smell. The Monarda fistula has a more spicy taste and odor.
History
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Native Americans used bergamot medicinally. They frequently used the plant during ceremonial sweat lodges because of the plants ability to induce sweating. They also made hair pomade from decoctions of bergamot. It was used before hunting in celebrations by the Native Americans because they believed bergamot had purification and attraction power useful to hunting.
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Medicinally
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The leaves and flowers of bergamot are used for colds, reducing fever, soothing sore throats, headaches, insomnia and menstrual pain. A steam inhalation of the plant is useful for soothing inflamed mucus membranes. Poultices and compresses are used for skin infections or bruises. It is also good for soothing the digestive tract. The plant has antibacterial properties, which helps to treat infections. It also has antiseptic qualities that fight bacteria, parasites and fungi. The herb contains thymol, which is responsible for many of the plants healing qualities.
Uses
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Bergamot can be used in several ways outside of tea. The plant can be used as a cooking herb. It is often used in salads. It can also substitute sage in recipes. The fresh leaves can be added to jellies, punch, lemonade or wine to add extra taste. They are also used for craft purposes because of their strong smell and colorful flowers. Bergamot can help to heal the skin, and for this reason are often added to facial steam or placed directly on the skin. It makes a fragrant addition to creams and lotions, as well. The essential oil of bergamot is used in aromatherapy. It is believed the scent of bergamot relieves tension and anxiety.
Dangers
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Bergamot stimulates contractions in the uterus. This can be harmful to pregnant women. The thymol present in the plant can cause nausea, convulsions, vomit, gastric pain or external rashes. Bergaptene is also found in bergamot, and may cause phototoxicity. In this case, the skin should not be exposed to sunlight after external use of the oil. The thymol in bergamot can cause vomiting, nausea, gastric pain, convulsion, or rashes. Monarda lutea, or horsemint, is especially known for having high levels of thymol.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit photo by Dmott9, http://www.flickr.com/photos/dmott9/3747697606/
