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?