{"product_id":"salt-srping-seeds-ss-wild-bergamot-monarda-373491","title":"Wild Bergamot Monarda - Salt Spring Seeds","description":"\u003ch2 data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003ci data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eMonarda fistulosa\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWild Bergamot is a beautiful perennial with bright rose to purplish flowers, appearing June to August, on unbranched stems that are two to four feet high. It is in the mint family and its mint fragrance is wonderful. Also called, Bee Balm, it attracts many bees, butterflies and hummingbirds and definitely deserves a place in medicinal and wildflower gardens.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eGrows in open, moist to moderately dry prairies, foothills and montane sites and is widespread and abundant as a native plant across North America. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eMonarda didyma\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e, sometimes called Oswego Tea, is found in similar habitats, has a very crimson flower and is native to mostly eastern North America.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eBergamot gets its name from the similarity it has in aroma to the bergamot orange that is used to flavour Earl Grey tea.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eBoth Monarda species have a host of medicinal and edible properties. Bee balm’s soothing effect on the digestive tract helps to relieve indigestion, bloating and nausea. Its antispasmodic properties help to alleviate menstrual cramps as well as coughs. It has long been used to treat colds and flu. It has a gentle calming effect on the nervous system, which is helpful in ameliorating anxiety and stress, even for sensitive children.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eIn herbal books, you can find Bee Balm recipes for teas, tinctures, salves, steams, poultices, mouthwashes, jellies, vinegar and salad toppers!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eSome First Nation people perfumed their favourite horses with the chewed leaves of wild bergamot and some used it as an insect repellent and burned it in smudges to drive insects away.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eBergamot is relatively easy to grow from seeds, cuttings or root divisions. It spreads via underground rhizomes and can become invasive in the right situations. It grows well in partial shade to full sun and prefers rich, well-draining soil in a spot with plenty of air circulation. Sow seeds in flats, barely covering them, late February to mid-March or direct sow early spring or in October. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eBee balm makes an excellent cut flower.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Salt Spring Seeds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39594677272639,"sku":"373491","price":5.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2701\/4734\/products\/wild-bergamot-monarda-salt-spring-seeds-29127777714239.png?v=1664922066","url":"https:\/\/wildwood.express\/products\/salt-srping-seeds-ss-wild-bergamot-monarda-373491","provider":"Wildwood Outdoor Living","version":"1.0","type":"link"}