Hardy perennial. Member of the Mint family. Also known as Oswego Tea Plant, Bee Balm and Horsemint. Velvety red flowers and oval leaves with toothed edges. Grows to a height of about 18 - 36 ins (45 - 90 cm). Very attractive herb and very popular with bees. Didyma comes from the Greek meaning paired", referring to the twin stamens in each flower. Monarda derives from the name of Dr Nicholas Monardes, a Spanish physician who published a book on plants of the New World.

In 1744, the American botanist, John Battram, sent Peter Collison some scarlet Bergamot seed (Oswego Tea). It bloomed in 1745 and was on sale in Covent Garden Market by 1760. Battram collected the seed from Oswego on Lake Ontario, where its leaves were used to make tea.

Leaves can be used fresh or dry in tea or young leaves can be added to salads. The flowers can also be added to make salads look more attractive. Both leaves and flowers can be used as pot pourri ingredients. An infusion of leaves relieves flatulence, nausea and menstrual pain. Vapour from leaves can also ease a cold - pour boiling water on a handful of leaves in a bowl and inhale the vapours (which have a high Thymol content). If drying the leaves and flowers, do so in darkness so as to preserve the colour.

Bergamot is anti-inflammatory, and used in the treatment of cystitis, tonsillitis, laryngitis and strengthens the immune system. Keep leaves in your wallet to attract money.

Plant in sun or partial shade in good, damp soil. Divide annually and remove the dead centre.

*This sheet is provided for information only and is in no way a prescription for use. Please seek the advice of a qualified herbalist before using*

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