Wild Bergamot, Monarda fistulosa
Wild Bergamot, Bee Balm ~ Monarda fistulosa
$6.50 (available from Oct 2020)
Monarda fistulosa has beautiful mauve coloured flowers and requires a drier situation than Monarda didyma.
Wild bergamot is more grown as an ornamental plant these days but was considered a medicinal plant by the First Nations people including the Menominee, the Ojibwe, the Winnebago )ho-Chunk) and the Blackfoot. It has been used to treat colds and and mouth and throat infections caused by dental issues. It has antiseptic action and the Blackfoot used this knowingly as a poultice on wounds and skin infections.
It’s medicinal actions are pretty mild hence it’s use is primarily as a tea beverage. But if that tea beverage happens to help you along when you’ve got a cold then I say bring it on!