Red Bergamot, Monarda didyma
Monarda didyma
Red Bergamot (Scarlet Bee balm)
Lamiaceae
History and Origin
Red bergamot, indigenous in North America, is transcontinental in United-States, Texas being the southern limit. In Canada, its distribution westwards doesn’t reach past Saskatchewan. In western Quebec, it is found in well drained soils and opened spaces. Red bergamot became very popular as a substitute for tea after the Boston Tea Party. Native Americans use it to treat fever, cough, as well as gastric and cardiac problems. They also use it as a diuretic, menstrual regulator, and stimulant for appetite. Leaves are applied on cuts and rashes and used to prepare inhalations in cases of respiratory problems.
| pH |
4,2-4,5 |
| Aroma and Taste |
Monarda fistulosa has a slightly citrus, acidy start, a green herbaceous middle, and a floral, deep-geranium finish owing to its geraniol content: an intriguing aroma that could be a lovely perfume on its own. The taste is dramatically different from the odor: sharp and spicy, mildly analgesic when undiluted. It retains an element of the floral, which comes out more when diluted. Monarda didyma is much more analgesic on the tongue than M. fistulosa, causing a distinct tingling sensation with a slight heat. Otherwise, there is the same slight floral edge to the taste but no geranium qualities. |
| Stability and Shelf Life |
Quite stable; easily lasts up to two years and is usually not prone to bloom. |
| Properties and Applications |
The monardas are traditional healing plants of the Native Americans, and chemical analysis reveals that they are almost identical to two of the thyme chemotypes, M. fistulosa resembling thyme CT geraniol and M. didyma resembling thyme CT thymol.
Use exactly as you would the corresponding thyme hydrosols, although I tend to choose M. didyma for analgesic effects as well as antiseptic properties, for instance in mouth and dental care. M. fistulosa is more diuretic and useful for treating fungal infections. |
References
Hydrosols, The Next Aromatherapy (Suzanne Catty), La Flore Laurentienne, Native American Ethnobotany and the personal notes of Lucie Mainguy.
Discharge
Aliksir strongly recommends that you consult with a physician or aromatherapist. It is important to inform yourself concerning contraindications or incompatibilities with other substances. Hydrosols are powerful, and they must be used according to the physiological doses.