This is Bergamot, also known as Bee balm.
 |
 |
Bergamot is the main flavoring in the infamous Earl Gray Tea. The black tea has an astringent quality to it that is punctuated by the Bergamot.
It is called Bee Balm because it was used to entice swarms into hives in the middle ages. The crushed leaves and flowers were rubbed on the inside of the baskets that were woven(hence the 'beehive' hairdo) and were placed in small patches of Bee Balm to further encourage the bees to migrate to the hive.
 |
 |
Bergamot when fresh is good for flavoring pork dishes. The fresh or dried leaf can be used in teas to give a slightly smoky flavor, and to help with flushing out gastrointestinal bad guys. It is said to be good for the blood- a remedy of bergamot and honey is said to be able to calm infants. I believe it is just the honey, my self.
 |
 |
The bees I saw on the day I took the bergamot pictures were ignoring it. The purple coneflower(echinasea) and daisies were getting all of the attention.
If you ever get bitten by a bee, don't panic. Unless you swell up and turn
purple within a few minutes, it will just be painful, not deadly. Take an
antihistamine. Drink lots of water. Do not go jogging. If you are taking heart
medication, call a doctor to see if you may need to go in for a checkup.
The bee was more scared of you, right before it sacrificed it's self for the good of the hive, than you were of it.