Wild Bergamot

Question 1

What is Wild Bergamot’s scientific name?

Answer 1

Monarda spp.

Question 2

Are the flowers edible?

Answer 2

Yes

Question 3

What beneficial insects does it attract?

Answer 3

Butterflies, bees, hummingbirds

Question 4

Native Americans used Wild Bergamot to treat:

Answer 4

fevers, colds, coughs, flu, and respiratory congestion of the lungs and sinuses. Treats infections and digestive issues, such as gas and bloating.

Question 5

It has a rich tradition of being used for:

Answer 5

scent the hair, body, or clothing and placed on hot rocks inside a sweat house for its aromatic benefits

Question 6

Cherokee used Wild Bergamot as a:

Answer 6

Sedative remedy for improving sleep, diaphoretic for sweating off the flu.

Question 7

Used as a poultice for:

Answer 7

Cuts and boils, to stimulate menses.

Question 8

Used internally for what kind of women’s issues?

Answer 8

UTI, yeast infections

Question 9

How much sun does Wild Bergamot need?

How tall and wide does it get?

Answer 9

Sun to part shade (morning sun, afternoon shade)

3-4 ft tall, indefinitely wide

Question 10

Wild Bergamot spreads by:

Answer 10

Runners, will take over garden if allowed

Question 11

How long do they take to germinate?

Answer 11

6-21 days at 65-75 degrees

Question 12

How should they be planted?

Answer 12

On top of the soil because they are teeny tiny seeds

Question 13

One of the best flowers for who?

Answer 13

Beneficial insects

Question 14

Tincture ratios and dosage:
fresh:
dried:

Answer 14

fresh above ground parts (1:2 95%). Dried above ground parts (1:5 60%), both 1-2 ml three times a day.

Question 15

Infusion ratios and dosage:

Answer 15

2 teaspoons (10mL) of homegrown dried above ground herb in 1 cup of boiling water three times a day.

Question 16

Actions:

Answer 16

Diaphoretic, antibacterial, antifungal, emmenagogue, anticatarrhal, expectorant, carminative, nervine, antirheumatic, and diuretic.