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The Herb Bergamot

Herb Bergamot is a perennial famous for its delicious smell. Some of the most expensive perfumes made today have bergamot essential oil as one of their ingredients.



The plant is indigenous to the United States and was a long-time favorite among the Native Americans to use as tea. This herb is also sometimes known as bee balm because bees love it so much.

For the Medicine Cabinet

Make an infusion with the herb bergamot to help relieve cold symptoms and bronchial complaints. Bergamot tea - also known as Oswego Tea - will also ease the discomfort of sore throats and mild cases of indigestion.

In the Kitchen

Both the stems and leaves of the herb bergamot are edible and can be used to flavor cooked foods. They make a pretty, edible garnish in salads.

According to A Modern Herbal (Volume 1, A-H): The Medicinal, Culinary, Cosmetic and Economic Properties, Cultivation and Folk-Lore of Herbs, Grasses, Fungi, Shrubs & Trees with Their Modern Scientific Uses, "The whole plant is strongly impregnated with a delightful fragrance; even after the darkly-colored leaves have died away, the surface rootless give off the pleasant smell by which the plant has earned its common name." A plant that smells this great belongs in potpourri.

The dried leaves of the herb bergamot are also wonderful to use in a foot bath.

Growing Tips

Bergamot loves light, moist soil. A great spot to plant your bergamot is in a place that gets the morning sun only - the flowers will bloom longer. You can add bergamot to your garden bed by either planting cuttings or sowing seeds, although if you sow the seeds, the bergamot will grow more slowly than with cuttings. Bergamot is a creeping plant that tends to spread, so you will need to contain it.

Once your bergamot is well established, mulch your plants when they first come up in the spring. Mulching is especially important during the hottest days of summer when your bergamot will especially need moist soil.

If the plants become top-heavy, you may need to support them by tying them to a lattice, tomato cage or other means of support.

Learn About Other Natural Herbs

Do you have a persistent cough you can't seem to shake? Mullein is an excellent remedy for soothing a cough and helping you sleep. Learn more.

Echinacea builds your immune system and helps to fight infections. Here are some growing tips.

Balm is a soothing herb that makes a delicious lemony tea and is also good for sleeplessness and nervousness. Learn more.

If you're looking for an herb that works as a natural insect repellent and is good for treating fevers, try this herb.

Chamomile not only helps you sleep, but it can also rejuvenate your other ailing plants. Learn how to grow this herb by clicking here.

Feverfew can ease a fever, is a tonic to your immune system and also works as a natural insect repellent. Learn how to grow and use feverfew by clicking here.

Fennel is an excellent herb both to grow and keep on hand to ease symptoms such as kidney stones and digestive problems. Learn more.

Looking for a natural remedy for bladder infections, gout or rheumatism? Look no further than this simple weed.

If you need an herb that helps heal sores, bruises, hemorrhoids and varicose veins, look no further than chickweed.

An herb that's excellent for healing mouth sores and balancing hormones is Borage. Learn how to grow this herb by clicking here.

Not only does bergamot have a delightful smell and make a delicious salad, it is also excellent for relieving cold symptoms. Learn more.

To ease colic in children and ease the symptoms of a stomachache, consider growing dill.

If you're looking for a salt substitute as well as an herb to flavor meatloaf and other dishes, consider lovage.

The next time you have constipation, consider this unappreciated little weed.

Add a delicious smell to your garden and flavor to your salads by growing the herb anise. Learn more.

The herb hyssop can help ease the symptoms of rheumatism, swelling and help rid your body of toxins. Learn more.

If you want to get rid of warts, consider growing calendula.

Angelica is excellent for giving you more energy and easing digestive complaints. Learn more.

If you're looking for a remedy to get rid of intestinal worms, consider using mugwort.

When you are working with the roots of the plant or any other part that has a tough outer shell, you will need to make a decoction. Learn more.

Making a poultice out of medicinal herbs can be useful to ease pain, reduce swelling or remove warts. Learn how.

When planning your garden, don't forget to grow herbs. Not only do they smell nice and add flavoring to food, many also have healing qualities. Learn more.

The next time you have a cold or flu, consider one of these herbs for fighting viral infections. Learn more.

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