Medicinal plant
Bee Balm
Monarda didyma
A hot diaphoretic tea for the start of a cold. Also called Scarlet Bee Balm, Oswego Tea.
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.
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 Drying Stimulating
Growing and using it
Life cycle
Herbaceous perennial.
What to buy
Straight-species scarlet bee balm (Monarda didyma) seed or plant.
Best way to start
Seed, plug, potted plant, or division.
Seed starting
Surface sow indoors about 6–8 weeks before the last frost, or direct sow. Cold stratification can improve germination.