Bee balm is a natural antiseptic and applied topically, can help with bee stings, rashes, and minor wounds. As a member of the mint family, when bee balm is used in teas, it can help with digestive issues, bloating, sore throats, and nausea. Today, bee balm is still used as an herbal remedy for a variety of ailments. In the past, bee balm was often used by Native Americans and European settlers in America as a beverage and for medicinal purposes. The citrus minty flavor in the flowers will enhance salads, desserts, and teas. Fresh leaves can be used to add spice to beverages and salads. Dried bee balm leaves are often used as a spice in many food dishes, tasting similar to oregano or thyme. The leaves will have a slightly stronger taste than the flowers. Often referred to as Oswego tea (from the Oswego Native Americans), historically, the Oswego people brewed tea from the leaves of the bee balm plant.
Freshly picked flowers can be immediately used in many dishes.īee balm can be eaten freshly picked or dried out. Dried bee balm can be used for potpourri, tea, or substituted for oregano. Keep the bags in a dry, well ventilated area until they have completely dried out. Once picked, place small bundles of leaves and flowers in paper bags. Both the leaves and blooms can be eaten fresh or dried. It is best to pick the flowers when they are newly opened. Beginning the second season of growth, harvest the flowers often to encourage more bloom production. For better flower production, it is best not to harvest the plant during the first year of planting. Harvesting Bee Balmīee balm flowers bloom from mid summer to late summer. If you sip on Earl Grey tea, then bee balm tea will seem very familiar. Bee balm has a minty taste and a flavor similar to oregano. The leaves and flowers can be eaten raw or cooked. All above ground parts of the plant are edible. It is also a tasty edible addition for people. Native to North America, bee balm is hardy in zones 3-9 and blooms from July to late summer.īee balm’s attractive colors and minty orange scent is favorite for hummingbirds, bees and butterflies. Also known as horsemint, bergamot, and Oswego tea, its colorful leaves add beauty to any garden. Bee balm (Monarda) is a flowering perennial plant in the mint family.
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