Before someone says it, yes I know that actual Monarda Didyma has bright RED flowers and the picture here is a different kind. I admit
This plant is also known as Oswego Tea. These Native Indians of the North East shared how to make this tea with the colonists who used it (along with other local plants) as a substitute in the scarcity of traditional tea after the Boston Tea Party boycott.
Monarda Didyma has a citrus scent while others such as the Monarda Fistulosa are more spicy. Oswego tea was traditionally given as a tonic to young mothers and brides in 19th-century America. Herbalists employ Oswego tea to treat nausea, vomiting, and upset stomach. Oswego tea contains the aromatic antiseptic thymol, which is widely used by dentists and modern medical practitioners. Brewed and ingested, Oswego tea treats flatulence and insomnia.
Culinary uses - Enliven the taste and look of salads by adding a sprinkling of bergamot flowers. Use fresh or dried leaves to substitute for sage in stuffing for poultry and meats, especially pork and veal.
Bergamot leaves, fresh or dried, make a delightfully refreshing tea, reminiscent of Earl Grey.
Steep 5 ml (1 teaspoon) of leaves or flowers in 250 ml (1 cup) of boiling water. Sweeten with honey to taste. For a perfect summer cooler, serve iced bergamot tea with a slice of lemon.
Side Affects: As species of Monarda can stimulate menstruation and cause uterine contraction when consumed in large medicinal doses, you should avoid consuming large quantities of bergamot if you are pregnant or suffering from menstrual disorders.
Info gotten primarily from Herbs2000.com
