Is Bergamot the same as bee balm?

One of the loveliest of the flowering herbs, Bee Balm (also known as Bergamot), is a great attractor for hummingbirds and bees. Known also as beebread plant, Oswego tea, horsemint, and simply monarda, its leaves have a strong fragrance reminiscent of the bergamot orange.

What's the difference between bee balm and bergamot?

Botanical Profile of Bergamot (Herb)

Bee balm belongs to the Lamiaceae plant family and shares more characteristics in common with its fellow plant family members – such as peppermint, lavender, and sage – than that of its fruity namesake bergamot. Bee balm is a herb native to the woodlands of North America.

Does bee balm smell like bergamot?

The purple flowering variety is known as wild bergamot because it smells similar to the orange bergamot citrus tree.

Is bergamot A bee balm?

A perennial-favorite native to North America, bee balm (Monarda spp.), also called wild bergamot, is beloved in flower beds for its display of beautiful blooms of red, pink, purple or white in mid- to late summer. The plants bear fragrant foliage, too. Here's how to plant and grow bee balm in your garden!

Does bee balm taste like bergamot?

fistulosa is wild bee balm. Its flowers are lavender-pink and it's sometimes called wild bergamot. Both plants are members of the mint family and have a strong herbal flavor that closely resembles that of oregano.

How to Grow Wild Bergamot (a.k.a Bee balm) - Complete Growing Guide

What is another name for bee balm?

Monarda, called by the common names of bee balm, horsemint and bergamot, is part of the mint family.

Is bee balm used in Earl Grey tea?

Bee Balm, also known as Bergamot, Latin name Monarda, includes over a dozen varieties. Monarda fistulosa is the wild local variety. I've been assured - erroneously it turns out - that this is the plant used in Earl Grey tea that gives it a special flavor.

What is bergamot used for?

Bergamot is used for high levels of cholesterol or other fats in the blood. It is also used for anxiety, mental alertness, joint pain, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these other uses. Don't confuse bergamot with other citrus fruits such as bitter orange and sweet orange.

Can you eat bergamot leaves?

The Whole Plant – As mentioned, the whole of the aerial (above ground) parts of wild bergamot are edible. This means you can cut the stalk and use the whole plant as a potherb. Don't overdo it, because the plant is very aromatic. Leaves – The leaves are edible either raw or cooked.

What does bergamot plant look like?

Wild bergamot, known by many other common names, is a popular and showy perennial. Clusters of lavender, pink or white flowers, looking like ragged pompoms, bloom atop 2-5 ft., open-branched stems. This showy perennial, frequently cultivated, has aromatic leaves used to make mint tea.

Why do they call it bee balm?

Native Americans infused the Monarda plant in tea to treat lung ailments like colds and flu and used it topically as an antiseptic for wounds and to reduce the swelling of bee stings — hence, its common name: bee balm.

What does bergamot herb smell like?

The scent of bergamot is fruity and citrusy, with floral hints and spice notes. If you've ever taken a whiff of Earl Grey tea, bergamot is what gives it its distinctive, tart scent. If you're looking for a smell to fill up your home or office, bergamot's powerful aroma is an excellent choice.

Is lemon balm the same thing as bee balm?

Bee Balm and Lemon Balm are not the same plant but both are members of the mint family, Lamiaceae. The visual difference is Bee Balm is larger and produces deep red flowers while Lemon Balm is smaller and has small white flowers.

What is the real bergamot?

Bergamot is a fragrant citrus fruit from the tropical, Citrus bergamia plant. Common throughout the Mediterranean, the fruit is the size of an orange, yet similar in color to a lime, or even yellowish, depending on the ripeness.

Are there different kinds of bergamot?

There are only four cultivars, Fantastico, Castagnaro, Calabrese and Femminello. Bergamot orange is harvested for its oil contained in the peel that gives off a soft and spicy aroma. Half of this oil is used in the food sector and the other half in perfumery or cosmetics.

What plant does bergamot come from?

bergamot, one of several fragrant herbs of the genus Monarda (family Lamiaceae) or the fruit of the bergamot orange (Citrus ×aurantium). The bergamot herbs and the bergamot orange have a similar characteristic floral fragrance and are commonly used in perfumes and as a flavouring.

What part of bee balm is used in tea?

What Part Of Bee Balm Is Used For Tea? You can make bee balm tea using both the leaves and the flowers. The leaves have the strongest flavor, so that is what I prefer to use. If you add in some of the flowers, it will turn your tea a lovely light pink or magenta color.

Is bee balm toxic to humans?

It's leaves are used to make tea. Bee balm is not poisonous for humans. In fact, eating the leaves will not harm a cat, dog or other animals in any way. Despite not being poisonous to animals, eating parts of any plant can cause digestive upset to an animal.

Can you make tea out of bee balm?

Bee balm tea can be made from both fresh and dried leaves. I find the flavor of tea made from Monarda didyma to be rather strong. To make tea, start with about 1-teaspoon of crushed, dried bee balm leaves per 8-ounce cup of boiling water. Steep for at least 5 minutes and drink like regular tea.

Who should not take bergamot?

It's important to monitor those levels if you choose to use bergamot supplements. Even if you don't have diabetes, bergamot could make it harder for doctors to control your blood sugar during surgery. Experts recommend that you stop using bergamot supplements two weeks before you have surgery.

Is bergamot toxic?

The bergapten in bergamot oil is harmful if swallowed. Even inhaling or using the essential oil topically can interfere with medication.

How do you use bergamot for hair growth?

When applied to hair, bergamot oil reportedly soaks into the scalp and strands. This stimulates the blood flow to the follicles around the roots and infuses into strands to give hair strength and shine. There are several ways to use bergamot for hair, including applying the oil directly to your hair.

Is bergamot the same as citrus bergamot?

Bergamot is the common name of the Citrus bergamia Risso et Poiteau plant (Navarra, Mannucci, Delbò, & Calapai, ²⁰¹⁵). The fruit has a yellow peel and is the size of an orange. Although native to South‐East Asia, 80% of bergamot is produced in Calabria, southern Italy, where it grows extensively.

Can you eat bee balm?

All above ground parts of the plant are edible. The leaves and flowers can be eaten raw or cooked. Bee balm has a minty taste and a flavor similar to oregano. It also has a citrusy aroma.

What are the benefits of bee balm tea?

Hot bee balm infused tea has been used to relieve upper respiratory ailments like colds and flu. It's often used to sooth indigestion, nausea, and menstrual cramps. It has purported anti-septic and anti-microbial properties because it contains a high proportion of thymol, and is used to treat stings, bites, and wounds.