Do you know Bee Balm?

Bee Balm (Monarda spp.) is a North American native plant in the Mint family loved by bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. It's both a medicinal and culinary herb, comparable in use to Oregano or Thyme.

Herbalist Matthew Wood also calls it the "best American analog of Lemon Balm" (The Book of Herbal Wisdom, 1998).

I'm not sure why this pretty, tasty, helpful plant isn't more available. You can find tincture and essential oil if you search, but the dried plant isn't in trade- unless you have an herb farm near by!

The tincture is nice. The tea is even nicer. Let me try to entice you to grow your own... Bee Balm grows easily from seed and, like other Mints, will happily spread throughout the garden :)

Herbal Actions: antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, diaphoretic, diffussive, emmenagogue, nervine, relaxant, stimulant

It is known for its antiseptic action, and use as a poultice for skin infections and minor wounds. An herbal tea made from the plant was also used to treat mouth and throat infections.

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.

Used as a mouthwash, a strong infusion seems to give relief from sore throats, toothaches, and mouth sores.

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. Tired sore feet love a good foot soak, and these are helpful in this arena, too.

* Cautions: Bee balm is considered safe for most people, but because of its ability to promote suppressed menstruation, it should not be taken in medicinal doses by pregnant women.