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Bergamot(Monarda sp.)
Family
Lamiaceae
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Common Names
Wild Bergamot, Bee Balm, Lemon Bee Balm
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Harvest
Harvest flowers in full bloom, or harvest the leaves before the plant flowers. Dry them in a well-ventilated and shaded area. Store the dried flowers or leaves in airtight glass containers to prevent mold.
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Growing Conditions
USDA Growing Zone(s): Bergamot grows well in zones 3-8.
Bergamot is a beautiful lavender, pink, or white herb. Native to North America, including California, this flowering plant enjoys full sun to part shade, tolerates shallow rocky soil, clay soil, and is deer-resistant. Although it is somewhat drought tolerant, it prefers to have some moisture in well-drained soil.
It’s a pollinator plant, attracting hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies to its fragrant flowers, which bloom in summer.
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Medicinal Uses
Historically, the oil from Monarda fistulosa was used to treat respiratory issues. As an infusion, Monarda has also historically been used to treat a variety of conditions, including colds, flu, diarrhea, nausea, fevers, and more. The leaves were historically used as a poultice to treat sore eyes, muscle spasms, fungal infections, sore eyes, and to slow bleeding.
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Stories & Traditions
The common name bergamot is due to the plant’s smell, which is reminiscent of bergamot orange (a completely different plant).
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This content is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or a substitute for medical treatment. Please consult your medical care provider before using herbal medicine.
![monarda-citriodora.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/e70473_8378c75ac2d14072afb51f74d975a283~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_429,h_430,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/monarda-citriodora.png)
The two cultivars of Monarda grown by Kindred Herbs are Monarda citriodora, or Lemon Beebalm (above), and Monarda fistulosa, or Sweet or Wild Bergamot (below).
![monarda-fistula.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/e70473_30d23ad70a70448cbff703aa929ea7bc~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_431,h_430,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/monarda-fistula.png)
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