Information about the herb Bergamot

Monarda citriodora, also known as Bee Balm is part of the Rustaceae plant family. Bergamot originates from North America.

Botanical Name: Monarda citriodora, Monarda didyma, Monarda fistulosa, Monarda punctata

Common Name: Bee Balm, Horsemint, Orange Mint, Oswego Tea, Scarlet Monarda, Wild Bergamot 

Plant Family: Rustaceae

History:

• It was used as a tea by early settlers called 'Oswego Tea'.
• The Winnebago Indians used the leaves for pimples
• The Omaha Indians used the leaves for the hair

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Plant Constituents of Bergamot

Contains:

• hydrocarbon
• Thymol

Action:

• carminative [an agent for easing griping pains, colic and expelling gas from the intestines]
• diaphoretic [an agent that promotes perspiration]
• diuretic [an agent that increases the volume and flow of urine which cleanses the urinary system]
• emmenagogue [an agent that promotes menstrual flow]
• rubefacient [a gentle local irritant that produces blisters, inflammation and reddening of the skin]
• stimulant [an agent that excites or quickens the functional activity of the tissues giving more energy]

Usage of Bergamot

Bergamot is used:

• in money and success spells and rituals

Medicinal Parts Used: Herb

Bergamot is commomly used to treat:

• colds
• diarrhea
• flatulent colic
• influenza 
• nausea
• rheumatism
• urinary disorders
• vomiting

The essential oil is used to treat:

• acne
• coughs
• depression
• fevers
• stress
• tension

Externally it is useful:

• as a hair wash for dandruff
• for rheumatism

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Precautions

Drug Interactions:

Do not use Bergamot without first talking to your practitioner or healthcare provider if your taking any of the following medications:

• None known

Products

Global Herbal Supplies has Bergamot available in the following forms:

• Bergamot Essential Oil

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Research

Articles

Information given by our website  is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by a physician or other medical professionals. You should not use the information given for diagnosing a health problem or disease. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider. The above information is just a guide to general circumstances and in no way should it contradict the advice that you have been given by your naturopath, medical doctor or specialist.