Wild bergamot, with its distinctive shaggy purple or pink flowers, typically begins to bloom in June and continues through August. You can often find it in open woods, prairies, and along sunny roadsides in Wisconsin.
Beyond its beauty, wild bergamot has a long history of use in traditional medicine. It possesses natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Indigenous peoples traditionally used the leaves to make a soothing tea for colds, coughs, and sore throats.
Simple Home Remedy: Wild Bergamot Soothing Tea
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon fresh or 1 teaspoon dried wild bergamot leaves and flowers
- 1 cup boiling water
- Honey (optional)
Instructions:
- Place the fresh or dried herb in a heat-proof cup.
- Pour boiling water over the herb, cover, and let steep for 10-15 minutes.
- Strain the tea and add honey to sweeten if desired.
- Sip slowly to ease a sore throat or enjoy its calming effects.
Embrace the natural comfort of wild bergamot, a local treasure that offers both beauty and soothing relief.
