Medicinal Herb – Bee Balm

Bee balm

Medicinal Herb Post #30 written July 18, 2018

Bee Balm – Monarda fistulosa (purple), M. didyma (red)

Other names for this mint family perennial are wild oregano, horsemint and bergamot, not to be confused with the essential oil bergamot extracted from a citrus fruit in Australia. It’s simple to grow and can spread by seed or rhizomes. It is susceptible to powdery mildew so I’m careful to harvest the upper half of the plant just as the flowers bloom. It does well in heavy clay soils, but prefers some shade.

This herb is used medicinally and for culinary purposes. It has a “hot” flavor similar to oregano so it is simulating. It’s flowers and leaves are used as an antiseptic, carminative (breaks down harmful enzymes that cause gas in the digestive tract), and diaphoretic (helps sweat out fevers and toxins). Bee balm is great for warding off cold/flu.  It is a great antifungal used to kill candida in the body and other fungal problems topically.

A tea it is used for headaches, digestive issues, sore throats and fevers and candida. It is also great for breaking up mucus in the respiratory tract. An application can be used for cleaning wounds or skin eruptions. 1 tsp per cup is the dosage.

Do you use Bee Balm?

Emily Saddler

Emily is married to her best friend Ryan, homeschool mom of 7 awesome kids, Holistic Health Practitioner in the state of Utah and Traditional Naturopath outside of the state of Utah, master gardener, yoga/pilates instructor, certified clinical and master herbalist, licensed massage therapist, and doula. She is a very passionate advocate of all things Mother Nature! Emily maintains a blog called “Sage and Sourdough Wellness and Herbs” where she shares gardening advice, delicious recipes made with fresh, organic ingredients, herbal and natural home care product recipes and loves teaching classes on gardening, plant identification and herbal remedy workshops. Check out the events and classes page for more info.

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