The name "Oswego tea" comes from the "Father of American botany", John Bartram (1699-1777), who discovered Indians and white settlers near Oswego, New York, making tea from the leaves. The leaves are said to have a fragrance like that of the bergamot orange (Citrus bergamia) which is grown almost exclusively in southern Italy and used to flavor Earl Grey Tea.  
Monarda is often used in beds and borders to encourage and increase the appearance of hummingbirds, pollinating insects.
The American Shakers reserved bergamot for colds and sore throats, and some herbalists claim that the herb acts as a sedative for depression.
During the American Revolution, bergamot tea was the most popular substitute for the unpatriotic English brew. However, the native American plant was exported to England in the mid 1700, where it's still served under the name of "Gold Melissa". The expensive brew consisted of bergamot leaves mixed with black tea.