Bee Balm Information
- The scientific name for bee balm is Monarda, named after the Spanish explorer Nicholas Monardes, who wrote one of the first descriptions of the plant in 1574. Bee balm was first discovered by European settlers in America along the banks of the Oswego River. The settlers attempted to make tea out of the plant after the Boston Tea Party and liked it so much that they named it Oswego tea, and it became a staple beverage of the time.
- The bee balm plant is found in most states with the exception of the west coast and Florida. It grows most commonly in Midwestern prairies and pastures. Bee balm grows up to elevations of 5,000 feet and is commonly found alongside weeds and wildflowers, especially in forest clearings.
- Bee balm is an erect herb that grows one to three feet tall, depending on the species. The green leaves are between three and six inches long. The flower colors depend on the species, but the most common are red, pink and light shades of purple. The flowers grow in small clusters with petals branching off, surrounding a seed cluster in the center. The leaves produce a powerful fragrance when crushed. Only species with the strongest scent are used to produce tea.
- Tea made from the bee balm plant was commonly used by Native Americans to treat gingivitis. The Cherokee and Blackfoot used the herb medicinally as an antiseptic and to cure stomach ailments. The Meskwaki and Chippewa tribes used the leaves and flowers to treat high fevers and convulsions. Bee balm was also used by various tribes as a seasoning for wild game. The flavor is similar to a mixture of peppermint, spearmint and oregano.
The oil produced by crushing the leaves is a natural source of Thymol, one of the most common active ingredients in modern mouthwash formulas. The leaves of the bee balm can be dried and used as an air freshener, and is sometimes used in homemade potpourri blends. - Bee balm enjoys full sunlight during daytime hours and well-drained soil. The plant can grow in partial or full shade. Bee balm should be thoroughly watered once every seven to 10 days. A light layer of mulch directly around the plant will help conserve moisture and reduce the amount of watering to once every two weeks. Bee balm plants benefit most from a well-balanced fertilizer with a 1-1-1 NPK ratio. Only one or two applications of fertilizer per year are required, once in early spring and again in late summer.
