Description:  This sweet-smelling flower is a garden favorite.  Its showy, scarlet flowers perch brightly in large heads or whorls at the top of the stem, supported by leafy bracts, the leaflets of which are pale green tinged with red. Its square, grooved and hard stems, characteristic of the Mint family, rise about 2 feet high, and the leaves which it bears in pairs are rather rough on both surfaces.

The whole plant is delightfully fragrant.  Even after the darkly-colored leaves are gone, the surface rootlets give off the pleasant smell by which the plant has earned its common name "Bergamot," it being reminiscent of the aroma of the Bergamot Orange.

It is known in America as "Oswego Tea," because an infusion of its young leaves used to form a common beverage in many parts of the United States.

It is also sometimes called 'Bee Balm,' as bees are fond of its blossoms, which secrete much nectar.

It thrives in a moist, light soil, with morning sun only, where they will continue in flower longer than those which are exposed to the full sun. It is a very ornamental plant and readily propagated by its creeping roots and by slips or cuttings, which, if planted in a shady corner in May, will take root in the same manner as the other Mints.

Main constituents:  Hydrocarbon & Thymol

Properties:  Aromatic, Carminative, Diaphoretic, Diuretic, Emmenagogue, Stimulant

Uses:  Externally-Antiseptic, Anti-Inflammatory, helps too-oily skin.

Internally-Use to treat colds & flu, diarrhea, flatulent colic, vomiting, nausea.  Nasal decongestant.

Safety Considerations:  Large quantities could be toxic.  Use in moderation.

Magical:

Folk Names:  Bee Balm (Do not confuse with Lemon Balm, Melissa officinalis)

Gender:  Masculine

Planet:  Mercury

Powers:  Protection, Prosperity, Creativity, Luck 

Uses:  Use in money & success spells.

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