Late summer on the prairie brings the heady scent of Wild Bergamot.

This lavender pink flower has been popular among Native Americans and pioneers for its gentle, invigorating, loving energy. It can be used as an edible addition to a salad and its leaves can make a relaxing tea for bedtime.

Wild Bergamot is a form of bee balm. It got its name from pioneers, who found the scent similar to the Bergamot fruit used to make Earl Grey Tea. They are two different species.

Alchemy-works.com describes how this fragrant plant was used extensively by Native Americans. It had medicinal uses including as a relaxing tea and as a perfume. The dried petals were used as pillow stuffing and the plant was thrown on hot coals in sweat lodges for its scent.