07/09/2019
The name of this beautiful native plant says a great deal. Bee Balm is a great bee (and hummingbird) plant, and its great for people too! As a balm, it serves to calm the spirit and sooth nerves. Its one of the tastiest edible flowers of summer, whether you pluck and eat the nectar filled tubular flowers fresh from the garden, or add them to salads, ice cubes or prepared foods. The Latin name (Monarda) recognizes Nicholas Monardis, the herbalist who introduced it to Europe in the 16th century. In America, Monarda didyma it is often used as a substitute for the citrus fruit bergamot in Earl Grey tea. During the American revolution the mauve flowering Oswego tea (Monarda fistulosa) was celebrated as a "liberty tea". In one of our first native plants movements, colonists were encouraging the use of American plants instead of imported black teas that prospered the British. It became an effective embargo proving that balms can serve better than bombs ;-)
The leaves and flowers makes a soothing and uplifting essential oil used in lip balms, healing salves and perfumes.
What is your favorite use of bee balm?
