Plant Power! Wild Bergamot

In our study of wildflowers this summer, we came across this pretty lavender flower near our back pasture. We positively identified it as the wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)  that blooms in June and July. Its garden counterpart is the Bee Balm (Monarda didyma) and looks just like the Bergamot only with red flowers. The Bee Balm is often grown to attract hummingbirds. Both the Bee Balm and the Wild Bergamot are part of the mint family, so their leaves have a wonderful aroma when crushed.

In our research to identify the plant, we found out that it has many different uses, so I decided that we should grab it while it was still in bloom. We went as a family one Sunday morning to gather some that grow along the edge of our property.

Abigail holding our first harvest

First, we read that the flowers themselves make a beautiful edible garnish for salads, so we tried it. The children were a bit skeptical about eating flowers in their salad, but they really enjoyed the bursts of minty taste in their mouths as they ate their vegetables. So did I.

Wild Bergamot leaves have had many uses over the course of history, from a culinary herb to accompany meats, to a medicinal herb for colds, eruptions on the face (acne), headache and abdominal pains. Bergamot contains thymol, which was used to relieve a “gassy” stomach/colic and nausea. Fresh, crushed leaves were used to relieve insect bites. 

I decided to dry the leaves and flowers to use for medicinal tea, which is supposed to be good for bronchial problems and colds.  To make wild bergamot tea, add 1 cup boiling water to 1 tsp. dried herb and steep 10 minutes. Sweeten to taste and take at bedtime.

Drying the leaves on top of our cold frame

If you want to read more about how to identify bergamot and about its various uses, click on the links below…

Wild Bergamot - historical uses, plant description

Bee Balm and Wild Bergamot - medicinal uses, how to grow, how to harvest

More about Bergamot

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I’ve started a 3-ring binder to place all of the information I’ve gathered for each plant/flower as I learn about them. That way, I can read through them again during the slower winter months and really learn them well. I then plan to make a list of what plants to try for what ailments or preventions so I can look over it quickly to see if I have a fresh or dried plant to match the need. I realize that books have already been written about this subject, but it seems overwhelming to me to learn it all without actually doing it myself. So, my binder will grow as I learn!

For past Plant Power! posts, click HERE.

Plant Power! Stinging nettle

In the past few years I’ve developed an interest in the different uses of wild plants for food and medicine. Our family’s wildflower study during the past few months has given me the little push I needed to really dig into the topic. I’ve just been amazed at how many uses there are for wildflowers and plants in general. In our modern society, there is a pill for everything. In the past, there was a plant for everything!

This inconspicuous plant has been a nuisance to us ever since we have lived here because it resides right under our blueberry bushes. Each year, the masses of stinging nettle grow several feet all around and block our path to those yummy berries. Stinging nettle is covered with stinging hairs that, upon being touched, release a chemical compound that leaves a very unpleasant burning sensation. Although the sting goes away after a few minutes, it hurts pretty bad and always freaks the children out if they happen into it accidentally (as they have no concept of how short several minutes really is).

One of the repercussions of our lawn mower being out of commission for a while is that the nettle around the blueberries grew very tall this year. We had read somewhere that there are some good uses for stinging nettle, so Dan harvested quite a bit of it before he mowed it down. His plan was to make stinging nettle tea. (Dan is kind of a tea enthusiast. He will try making tea out of almost anything!) It was actually really good!

Here are the nettles after their time in the sun drying:

Here are the leaves removed and stored for tea later: 

In my research about the plant, I discovered that when you cook nettles, the sting disappears. apparently, they are very, very healthy to eat and can be used in the same way as spinach. Unfortunately, they were all mowed down because our blueberries are now ripe. The few straggling plants may find their way into my steamer yet this summer, but I’ll plan for next year to have a big nettle harvest!

That’s one of the great things about using native plants and flowers for food and medicine. There’s none of that pesky weeding, watering and fertilizing business to worry about!

Want to know more about stinging nettle? Check out the interesting links below!

More about nettles (lots of pictures)

How to pick nettles 

Awesome nettle tea website!

Nettles for health

Two more nettle tea recipes

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Plant Power! is a new series where I’ll share with you what I’m learning about the flowers and plants that grow in my area. I’ll discuss what ways I’ve learned to use them, but please feel free to share what you know, too! I am just a beginner on this fascinating topic.