Bee Balm (Monarda fistulosa) is a North American perennial wildflower that produces pink-lavender flowers in clusters during the summer on approximately 3-foot erect branches, and spreads by an underground rhizome.
There are several cultivars as they have been popular garden ornamentals, as well as plants used for producing honey and for medicinal uses—so they can be variable in form.
The whole plant has a fragrance and is a source of the oil of thyme. Due to its natural aroma and flavor, it is also sometimes called “Wild Bergamot”.
In the garden, it is not only beautiful, but can attract bees, hummingbirds and butterflies.
The essential oil can be utilized in aromatherapy and natural cleaning products, and the plant also produces a mild natural dye.
The Bee Balm flowers and leaves are edible and can be used as garnish (with a little kick of flavor) to salads, but probably best to use younger leaves as the can be quite aromatic. The leaves also to flavor meat dishes.
When using the flower as an edible flower, it is best to separate the little flowers from their clusters and sprinkle in a salad (or other dish).
The leaves may also be steamed like spinach and enjoyed (though with an aromatic flavor). The leaves either fresh or dried can also be used to make a refreshing herbal tea, especially tasty when honey is added.
Bee Balm has a long history of use by Native Americans of several Nations, and is often made into a tea and sipped during the cold & flu season, as well as for aiding digestive complaints (either as a tea or by consuming the cooked leaves).
The herbal tea is also a sweat inducer. The tea was also used as a mouthwash for gingivitis and throat infections, which makes sense as it is also a source of thymol—a main active ingredient in over the counter mouthwashes today.
The Blackfoot nation used Bee Balm for its antiseptic activity and would use it as first aid on wounds and skin infections as a poultice.
Leaves may also be used for insect-repelling uses and for hair treatments.
In a study on its potential for a dandruff, it showed inhibition of microorganisms and was superior for its anti-inflammatory activity compared to hydrocortisone in combination with vitamin B6.
Other preliminary studies have confirmed wound-healing properties, as well as investigated its essential oil as a food preservative.
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**This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician.