Monarda, Monarda didyma, Scarlet Monarda, Oswego tea, bee balm, Red bee balm. This prolific perennial herb bears scarlet flowers beloved by bees for their nectar. It's hard, square, grooved stems grow up to 3 feet tall, and the rough, dark, paired leaves which branch off from them, when crushed, exude an exotic fragrance strongly reminiscent of bergamot oranges.
Bergamot is very easy to grow, perferring a light moist soil in either sun or shade.
However, as with all the other mints, you will have to keep an eye on its roots to make sure they do not begin to strangle your other herbs. Such is the exuberance of the bergamot, you will probably be able to divide it every 3 years, keeping one clump and giving away the others to your friends. Bergamot is a rich source of thymol, an aromatic antiseptic substance used extensively in modern medicine and dentistry. The chief value of the herb for the herbalist, however, is as an infusion to benefit an upset stomache, nausea, and vomiting. Strain and add honey to flavour.