Name:
Bergamot, Bee Balm
Monarda didyma

How many plants for average family:
1 plant per family

Type of plant:
Herbaceous Perennial.

Best Varieties:
Bergamot flowers come in shades of white, mauve and pink, but the popular variety is a vibrant scarlet.

Sowing:
Bergamot is best propogated through root divisions. Simply dig up sections of root that are spreading away from the main bergamot plant. Roots will be already established and the small plant can be transplanted elsewhere with ease.

Growing Habit:
Bergamot is a dense low shrub to about 1 m or 3 ft high.

Growing Conditions:
Being a member of the mint family, bergamot loves moist conditions and will tolerate shade.

Soil needs to be very fertile for bergamot to do best. Add plenty of compost, manure to soil and mulch with a thick layer of straw.

Cut the whole plant back to ground level in Autumn for rejuvenating in springtime.

Companions:
Vegetable or fruit garden

Problems:
Needs moist soils to do well.
Mildews can occur on leaves.
Rust can occur on leaves.

Uses:
The bright pink flowers of bergamot are great for salad decorations and are edible.

Leaves are harvested either before or after flowering for drying.

Some references state the bergamot herb is the source of bergamot oil which is used to flavor Earl Grey tea. However, the real source is an unrelated plant, a Mediaterranean citrus fruit called the bergamot orange.

Bergamot flowers are great for attracting bees and butterflies so the plant goes well near vegetable and fruit garden to ensure good pollination.

Featured Article:

Aromaptherapy (key to mental health)   by www.craftedsoap.com

Aromatherapy: aro·ma·ther·a·py - noun - The use of volatile plant oils, including essential oils, for psychological and physical well-being.

Aromatherapy can be defined as the art and science of utilizing naturally extracted aromatic essences from plants to balance, harmonize and promote the health of body, mind and spirit. It is an art and science which seeks to explore the physiological, psychological and spiritual realm of the individual's response to aromatic extracts as well as to observe and enhance the individual's innate healing process.

Anger Bergamot, Jasmine, Neroli, Sweet Orange, Patchouli, Chamomile, Rose, Vetiver, Ylang Ylang

Anxiety Bergamot, Cedarwood, Clary Sage, Frankincense, Geranium, Lavender, Mandarin, Neroli, Patchouli, Roman Chamomile, Rose, Sandalwood, Vetiver

Confidence Bergamot, Cypress, Grapefruit, Jasmine, Sweet Orange, Rosemary

Depression Bergamot, Clary Sage, Frankincense, Geranium, Grapefruit, Helichrysum, Jasmine, Lavender, Lemon, Mandarin, Neroli, Orange, Roman Chamomile, Rose, Sandalwood, Ylang Ylang

Fatigue, Exhaustion and Burnout Basil, Bergamot, Black Pepper, Clary Sage, Cypress, Frankincense, Ginger, Grapefruit, Helichrysum, Jasmine, Lemon, Patchouli, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sandalwood, Vetiver

Fear Bergamot, Cedarwood, Clary Sage, Frankincense, Grapefruit, Jasmine, Lemon, Neroli, Orange, Roman Chamomile Sandalwood, Vetiver

Grief Cypress, Frankincense, Helichrysum, Neroli, Rose, Sandalwood, Vetiver

Happiness and Peace Bergamot, Frankincense, Geranium, Grapefruit, Lemon, Neroli, Sweet Orange, Rose, Sandalwood, Ylang Ylang

Insecurity Bergamot, Cedarwood, Frankincense, Jasmine, Sandalwood, Vetiver

Irritability Lavender, Mandarin, Neroli, Roman Chamomile, Sandalwood

Loneliness Bergamot, Clary Sage, Frankincense, Helichrysum, Roman Chamomile, Rose

Memory and Concentration Basil, Black Pepper, Cypress, Hyssop, Lemon, Peppermint, Rosemary

Panic and Panic Attacks Frankincense, Helichrysum, Lavender, Neroli, Rose

Stress Benzoin, Bergamot, Clary Sage, Frankincense, Geranium, Grapefruit, Jasmine, Lavender, Mandarin, Neroli, Patchouli, Roman Chamomile, Rose, Sandalwood, Vetiver, Ylang Ylang These are just the major aromatherapy blends and there are many more out there. If you suffer from any of the above conditions always consult a professional. These are other natural based ways to soothe the world. We here at www.craftedsoap.com are always concerned with more natural ways of healing and better health!