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bergamot tea
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Posted by freckle Perth W. Aust (My Page) on Tue, Jan 11, 05 at 21:28
| I recently planted a bergamot in a pot which it seems to really like, it's going off. And I wondered what sort of quantities you need to make the tea, and what sort of properties the tea has. Would appreciate any ideas on this,
tia
freckle |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: bergamot tea
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| There is some confusion about Bergamot. Bergamot is a small sour orange from Asia. The Chinese used the oil from this orange to flavour tea, which the English now call earl grey. When the english went to America they discovered a herb growing there, Monarda which they thought had an aroma similar to the bergamot orange and it became popular as a herbal tea, in the absence of proper tea. Appart from that, as to any health benefits of drinking tea made from monarda, I have no idea! |
RE: bergamot tea
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| Bergamot (Monarda didyma)): Perennial to 1 metre tall and 40cm wide. Also known as Oswego Tea and Bee Balm. Oval leaves, smelling like mint and basil, with pointed tips on stems to 1 metre tall. Grows in large clumps and spreads on runners. Red flowers, which smell of oranges, emerge in shaggy clumps in summer. Pick leaves and flowers through the growing season, but if drying for medicinal purposes, the leaves should be harvested just before flowering or while the plant is in full bloom. Reject any leaves affected by mildew. Use an infusion of leaves for indigestion, headache, coughs, sore throat, nausea, and menstrual cramps. A steam inhalation of the leaves gives relief for bronchitis. Medicinal Actions: Expectorant, disinfectant, carminative, antiseptic, antifungal Usual Dosage: Pour 1 cup boiling water over 1 teaspoon dried leaves. Steep for 15 minutes. Strain, and take 1-2 cups per day. Lemon Bergamot (Monarda citriodora):Tastes like a combination of lemon, pepper and thyme. Goes well in stuffings and sauces for various meats. Makes a lovely tea with rose geranium. Medicinal Uses: Infuse leaves in oil as a hair conditioner. Apply to pimples, inhale for colds, or drink a little for nausea, flatulence and insomnia. Warning: Contains Thymol. Large amounts may cause vomiting, diarrhoea and other symptoms. |
RE: bergamot tea
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thanks guys, I'll get harvesting soon!
freckle |
RE: bergamot tea
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Bergamot (monarda) makes an acceptable Earl Grey Tea. Just add some to your teapot. However be sure to use the fragrant red flowering bergamot as the pink flowering one sold in most nurseries is useless..
Earl Grey tea is made by adding minute amounts of Bergamot Orange Essential Oil to tea. The oil is expressed from the rind.
I bought a Bergamot Orange Tree from a nursey in Mildura but never had a lot of success growing it.
Bergamot Oil is one of my favourite smells; used a lot in aftershave and in perfumes to give a fresh "top" note. Although now the Italians are charging so much for the oil that synthetics have been developed and are now being used in perfumery.
Michael Bailes |
Here is a link that might be useful: The Fragrant Garden
RE: bergamot tea
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| Mmmm....A bit too close to advertising methinks! |
RE: bergamot tea
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| Yup!! God forbid, advertising on this site.... What's the world coming to??? I'd like to apologise to all the corporate "sponsors" for the terrible crime committed by the above individual.. Damn I've a hankerin' for some Chex Party Mix right now lol |
RE: bergamot tea
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| Who are you all kidding this stuff is about as tasty as septic water. Anything that tastes this bad must be good for you. I think there must be a great marketing opportunity for a capsule - in tea form this will never take off. |
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