The Beauty Of Bee Balm
Bee Balm, Wild Bergamot , Scarlet Monarda, Oswego Tea, Bergamot, Horsebalm Botanical Name-Monarda didyma
In the language of flowers, Monarda symbolizes compassion and sympathy.
The M. didyma and Monarda fistulosa can be used interchangeably.
Monarda is in the Lamiaceae (mint) family and is a perennial from Zones 4 – 9. It has the mint family’s trademark – square stems and opposite leaves. It is pollinated by bees, so it is a good one to grow in your gardens to help our ailing bee population. Bee Balm herb is edible and medicinal. All above ground parts of the plant are edible and used as a pot herb, and also used as a flavoring in cooked foods. The flowers make an attractive edible garnish in salads.
Bee Balm herb is noted for its fragrance, and is a source of oil of thyme. The fresh or dried leaves are brewed into a refreshing aromatic and medicinal tea. An infusion of young Bee Balm leaves used to form a common beverage in many parts of the United States.
Bee Balm leaves and flowers and stems are used in alternative medicine as an antiseptic, carminative, diaphoretic, diuretic and stimulant. An medicinal infusion is used internally in the treatment of colds, catarrh, headaches, and gastric disorders, to reduce low fevers and soothe sore throat, to relieve flatulence, nausea, for menstrual pain, and insomnia. Steam inhalation of the plant can be used for sore throats, and bronchial catarrh (inflammation of the mucus membrane, causing an increased flow of mucus). Externally, Bee Balm is a medicinal application for skin eruptions and infections. Bergamot’s distinctive aroma, found in both the leaf and flower is wonderful for use in potpourri. While a fragrant herb in its own right, Wild Bergamot is not the source of the commonly used Bergamot Essential oil.
Due to the presence of a high thymol content which is a strong antiseptic (also in thyme), Monarda has been used in infusion form for a variety of ailments in its long past: colds, flu, upper respiratory problems, gas, diarrhea, nausea, fevers and whooping cough, and topically for skin problems and wounds.
The boiled leaves were historically wrapped in cloth for sore eyes, headaches, muscle spasms, fungal infections, and under bandages to slow bleeding. The leaves can be chewed and used for this purpose.
Used as a mouthwash, a strong infusion seems to give relief from sore throats, toothaches, and mouth sores. You can make monarda honey, elixirs, and oxymels, all of which are helpful and tasty. Monarda honey isn’t only great in teas, but also on burns and other wounds. The leaves are helpful in steams to clear the sinus and to make the whole house smell nice! They can also be added to a sock or muslin bag and thrown in your bath for the same effect, and additionally if have sore, tired or achy muscles. It's also good as a foot soak for tired sore feet.
Lemon Bee Balm
Monarda citriodora, Purple horsemint, Lemon mint, Plains horsemint, Lemon horsemint, Horsemint, Purple lemon mint
Horsemint has a distinctive citrus or lemony scent when the leaves are rubbed or crushed. It is very easy to grow and often forms large colonies. Bees and butterflies are attacted to this plant. Leaves used raw or cooked for flavoring in salads, cooked foods, and for tea.
