Oswego Tea

Oswego Tea, a name given to several species of Monarda, particularly M. purpurea, M. didyma, and M. kalmiana, natives of North America, because of the occasional use of an infusion of the dried leaves as a beverage. They belong to the natural order Labiatae, somewhat resemble mints in appearance, and have an agreeable odour. The infusion is said to be useful in intermittents and as a stomachic. Some other species of Monarda are used in the same way, and the three species named are not uncommonly cultivated in gardens for ornament.