#Uses for bee balm plant how to#

This American-grown “tea” substituted for English tea after the destruction of tea shipments at the Boston Tea Party.

#Uses for bee balm plant how to#

The Oswegos taught New England colonists how to use bee balm for tea, which they dubbed “Oswego Tea”. The Oswego Indians used the “wild bergamot” for medicine, sweat lodge ceremonies, and hair pomade. The Oswego Native Americans from what is now the Oswego County area of upstate New York, would brew a tea out of the leaves of the bee balm plant.

The Monarda plants are often used in the same way today. Įarly pilgrims, such as the east coast Shakers and native American Indians, such as the Oneida Indians used is as an herbal remedies for colds and flu, as well as sore throats and cold sores. Earl Grey tea is flavored with the rind of citrus bergamia, the bergamot orange. Though called “wild bergamot”, bee balm is NOT an ingredient for Earl Grey tea. Bee Balm HistoryĬommon names indicate a long and colorful history. This lovely plant, loved by bees and butterflies alike, is named after the Spanish botanist Nicolás Monarda, who wrote a book in 1574 describing plants of the New World. Last count, there were twenty-one different species of these plants in the Monarda Lamiaceae family. Reference: Native of North AmericaĪ true American, Bee balm is an herbaceous perennial native to North America growing wild in drifts along roadsides, in meadows, and along woodland edges.

Tolerates: Drought, deer, clay soil, rocky soil, dry soil, shallow-rocky soil, black walnut.

Attracts: Hummingbirds, butterflies, bees.

Flower: Showy, mild fragrance, good as edible flowers, cut flowers, good dried flowers.

Suggested Use: Herb, naturalize, rain garden, butterfly garden, pollinator garden, perennial border/garden.Bloom Description: Pink/lavender/scarlet/purple.Wishing you great gardens and happy harvests!.Red Bee Balm Flowers Are Often Favored for Teas and Edibles.How to Use Dried and Fresh Bee Balm Leaves and Flowers.Ruby Throated Hummingbird at Bee Balm – Scarlet Monarda didyma.