Strain using cheesecloth or a coffee filter.Įnjoy for 3-5 days, if it’s stored in the refrigerator.Īfter straining simple syrup and/or lemon can be added for extra flavor. It can be used to treat cold and flu symptoms, menstrual pain, headaches, and insomnia. Add lemon and or honey to taste.įill a container with 4 cups of filtered water, add 1 to 2 teaspoons of Bee Balm leaves.Ĭlose the lid and place in the refrigerator for 8-12 hours. Medicinally, this herb is quite potent, and a little goes a long way. Steep chopped leaves (flower petals can be used along with leaves) in a cup of hot water until the water cools. Some say it helps relieve insomnia making it a great tea to drink before bed. Monarda is a genus of flowering plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, boosts digestion, is a great remedy for indigestion, and calms anxiety. Why should you make tea with Bee Balm? It’s loaded with antioxidants that protect cells from free-radical damage. Bloom time: Bee balm blooms early to late summer a second bloom will appear if the first blooms are deadheaded. Earl Grey tea is made from black tea and the bergamot orange which is a citrus fruit grown in the Mediterranean. While Bee Balm or Wild Bergamot is excellent for making a medicinal tea, it should not be confused with Bergamot tea or Earl Grey Tea. You may hear it referred to as “wild bergamot”. It is great with lamb because it has the flavor of mint with the earthiness of oregano. This native plant is found on the edges of woods, in fields, and likes bright sun light. Plant type: Perennial Other names: Wild Bergamot, Horsemint, Sweet Leaf. I smell the oregano predominantly, but that is a simplification of this rich, enticing, strong and lovely odor. Bee balm is strongly anti-fungal, lending itself to combating topical infections. It is a host plant for the Hermit Sphinx Moth. Monarda (Bloom Time: June-August) Beautiful tubular flowers of beebalm are adored by butterflies, clearwing moths and hummingbirds as well as bees, beneficial wasps, beetles, and bee flies. The beautiful, spiked flowers are also edible and make a great addition to salads, pizzas, or as garnishes. Simply crush or rub the leaves and a wonderful scent of oregano with hints of mint and thyme is released. Narrow leaf mountain mint, Pycnanthemum tenuifolium grows well in average, dry to medium.

Culinary and Medicinal uses for Bee Balmīee Balm leaves are aromatic and are useful for both culinary and medicinal purposes. A native North American plant and member of the mint family (Lamiaceae). From June through August, spiky clusters of long, tubular flowers float like miniature fireworks atop four-sided stems lined with large leaves.

Bee balm leaves