A carminative used as a traditional digestive aid, and a diaphoretic traditionally taken as a hot tea during feverish colds. Also used as an antimicrobial/aromatic for respiratory and topical use. Record the exact Monarda species/cultivar if known.
Medicinal plant
Bee Balm
Monarda didyma
A hot diaphoretic tea for the start of a cold. Also called Scarlet Bee Balm, Oswego Tea.
Uses
Digestion — Herbs traditionally used around digestion, appetite, stomach comfort, or after-meal preparations. Respiratory — Herbs traditionally used in preparations for the throat, chest, sinuses, or seasonal respiratory comfort.
Properties
Aromatic — Rich in aromatic oils that often support digestion or breathing
Carminative — Helps relieve gas, bloating, and digestive discomfort
Diaphoretic — Encourages sweating
Energetics
Warming — Encourages warmth, movement, or circulation. Drying — Reduces excess moisture or secretions. Stimulating — Encourages activity, movement, or circulation.
Similar herbs: Anise Hyssop, Sage, Basil
Growing and using it
Life cycle
Herbaceous perennial.
Hardiness
USDA Zones 4–9.
How to start
Seed, plug, potted plant, or division. Choose Monarda didyma.
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Starting from seed
Surface sow; light helps germination. Cold stratification can improve germination.
Harvesting
Harvest leaves repeatedly and gather flowers as they open.
Grow in zone
Start indoors — Sow under cover in trays or pots, before it is warm enough to sow outsideStart indoors: MarchStart indoors: AprilDirect sow — Sow straight into the ground where the plant will growDirect sow: AprilDirect sow: MayDirect sow: NovemberPlant out — Move a started plant into its final spot outdoorsPlant out: MayPlant out: JuneHarvest leaves — Gather leaves in these monthsHarvest leaves: JuneHarvest leaves: JulyHarvest leaves: AugustHarvest leaves: SeptemberHarvest flowers — Gather flowers in these monthsHarvest flowers: JulyHarvest flowers: August
Divide established clumps in spring or fall if they become crowded.
Gardening tools
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Steep bee balm in hot water to draw out its flavour and water-soluble properties.
Parts used
Leafy flowering tops Fresh or driedGather
- a small handfulfresh or dried leaves and flowers
Cut the upper leafy stems as flowering begins. Use fresh, or dry in a single layer out of direct sun until crisp.
Prepare
- Pour boiling water over the herb
- Cover and steep 10–15 minutes
- Strain
Apothecary supplies
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Infuse bee balm into honey for a sweet preparation, taken by the spoonful or stirred into drinks.
Parts used
FlowerPrepare
- Use dried or thoroughly wilted flowers/leaves
- Cover completely with honey
- Infuse 1–2 weeks
- Strain if desired