to jmjamison and Disa
Hi! Thanks for posting!
Quote jmjamison: "I have a small herb garden - so far Lavender, Rosemary, Valerian, Vervaine, Thyme, Calendula and Sage. I'd like to add some Sweet and Lemon Basil. Also some dye plants and vegetables though that doesn't really qualify as herb."
I do qualify dye plants as herbs because they serve a useful purpose. Plants don't have to be edible or used for magical purposes to be technically called "herbs." There is also the medicinal edge that many vegetables have, such onions and broccoli, which again could be technically classifying them as herbs. I know I do.
In Dr. James Duke's book, Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook, he has Pinapple, Corn (silk), Buckwheat, Garlic, Ginger, Horseradish, Tomato, Pumpkin, Rhubarb, and Yucca listed as herbs. I know there is a fine line, but it's very helpful to ask, "Is this plant useful to heal as well as its normal intended use?" You have some great herbs there, jm, so enjoy!
Quote Disa: "I bought regular sage and bee balm yesterday. Is bee balm the same thing as bergamont? Does anyone know?"
Yes, I do know and your answer is yes IF the plant you bought has this scientific name attached to it, "Monarda didyma." If it's another "Monarda..." then you may have bought a garden variety.
Bee Balm has many names and one of them is bergamont. It is the herb used in flavouring Earl Grey tea, or at least that's what I read. It's also known as "Oswego Tea" as the First Nations named it.
Happy herbing!
Ramona