Medicinal Use of Bee Balm

Bee balm (Monarda sp.) grows as a native Eastern American perennial distinguished by its bright, beautiful flowers. First used by Native Americans, bee balm has since become a popular beverage for both its taste and medicinal use. Bees favor this herb, lending to its common name of bee balm and making it a popular garden flower. It offers relief for a variety of ills from the common cold to insomnia, as well as providing culinary and craft material.

Plant Description

Bee balm grows 2 to 5 feet tall, producing flowers on branching, square stems. On the stems, pale green opposite leaves unfurl, toothed and lance shaped. Fine hairs covering both stem and leaves give bee balm a texture that is rough to the touch. The fragrant flowers bloom in a variety of colors ranging from red (Monarda didyma) to pink (Monarda fistulosa). The unique whorl-like flowers bloom from June to September.

History

The Oswego Indians first made tea from the dried leaves of bee balm, specifically Monarda didyma, giving it the nickname of Oswego tea. The Indians later shared it with the settlers in the New York area, which then became popular in the mid 1700s as a tea substitute. The fragrance of bee balm resembles that of Citrus bergamia, which gave bee balm the name of "bergamot."

Medical Properties

Alternative medicine utilizes the antiseptic, diuretic and stimulant properties of bee balm. It has carminative (relieving flatulence) and diaphoretic (sweat inducing) qualities, according to Alternative Nature. Practitioners also use antiseptic thymol oil, which is derived from bee balm.

Traditional Uses

Usually drank as a tonic or tea, the Native Americans used bee balm and other Monarda relatives to relieve fevers and headaches. Other uses for the tea include consumption as an appetite suppressant as well as a menstrual regulator. Traditionally, brides and mothers in the 19th century drank bee balm tonic.

Modern Uses

Modern day finds bee balm usually used as an infusion or tea to treat upset stomachs, nausea and vomiting. To prove its wide range of medical uses, it also combats flatulence and gas. According to Alternative Nature, inhaling steam from an infusion of the plant helps sore throats and increases mucus flow. External applications applied medically treat skin disorders and infection.

Harvesting for Tea

When harvesting bee balm to make into an infusion or tea, pull leaves from the stem and leave to dry in shade for two to three days. Finish drying by artificial heat if necessary. Letting the leaves dry longer can alter the taste and quality of the tea. Morning, right after the dew dries, presents the best time for harvesting.