Bee Balm Tea

You might have seen bee balm plants being grown for ornamental purposes. These plants produce bright tubular flowers that attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. They belong to the genus Monarda in the family Lamiaceae (mint family). Even though, they belong to the mint family, the leaves of these plants have a citrus smell. Bee balm plants are natives to North America, but, now they are found in other parts of the world too. There are around sixteen species of bee balm plants and most of them, like Monarda fistulosa and Monarda didyma have been used by the Native Americans for medicinal purposes.

More about Bee Balm Plants

As mentioned above, there are sixteen species of plants in the genus Monarda and bee balm plant is the collective name used to denote them. They are also known by many other names like horse mint, bergamot, oswego tea, etc. These plants are erect with thick, square stems that grow to a height of around one to three feet. Some of them may grow to a maximum height of five feet. The opposite leaves are slender, long and tapering, with pointed tips. The edges of these leaves are slightly serrated and the surfaces are found to be smooth, but, some are sparsely hairy too. The terminal flowers of bee balm plants appear during late spring. Clusters of tubular flowers with two lips, are arranged on flower heads. If you are interested in growing these plants at home, this Buzzle article on bee balm care may prove useful.

The flower color varies with different species and Monarda didyma with scarlet flowers is one of the most popular bee balm plants. These plants are grown in the flower garden or in herb gardens, as they are valued as a herbal remedy as well as for ornamental purposes. Among the different species, Monarda didyma is the most valued one, as this plant is found to have the highest concentration of aromatic oil. So, it is found to be commercially cultivated in large amounts. These plants are said to be useful in treating various ailments and so, is taken in different forms, which include bee balm tea.

Bee Balm Tea Benefits

It is said that the native Americans used to crush the leaves of these plants and apply them as poultices for healing wounds and treating certain types of skin infections. They used to prepare herbal tea with the leaves of these plants and it is believed to be useful in treating many different ailments. History says that during the colonial times, the American colonists opposed the extravagant tariffs charged on imported goods. They showed their protest by dumping imported English tea in the Boston harbor and adopted bee balm tea as a replacement. But, the use of bee balm tea was not new for the Native Americans, for whom, it was a remedy for certain medical conditions.

This herbal tea was used for treating oral diseases, like, gingivitis, dental caries, other mouth infections, etc. Bee balm tea is also said to be effective in treating cold, headaches, fever and throat infections. This tea is claimed to be beneficial for relief from certain digestive problems like bloating, flatulence, colic, etc. and for improving digestion and appetite. Some people use it for reducing menstrual cramps. It is said to be good for general health and is also used as a stimulant. It is also claimed to have a calming effect on nerves and so, the essential oil from this plant is commonly used in aromatherapy.

How to Make Bee Balm Tea

In order to prepare this herbal tea, you may use fresh or dried leaves and flowers of the bee balm plant. For making a cup of bee balm tea, you need a cup of boiling water, one tablespoon of fresh or dried bee balm herb (leaves and flowers) and a teapot or strainer. All you have to do is place the herb in a tea strainer or tea ball and put it in the cup. Add boiling water to the cup and allow the tea to steep for ten minutes. After that, remove the tea ball or strainer and add any natural sweetener (optional), like, honey, before use. You may also add the herb directly to the cup, before pouring boiling water. After ten minutes, strain the tea and add the sweetener.

In short, bee balm tea is a refreshing herbal tea, which is claimed to have various health benefits. If you want to use this tea for treating any disease, it is always better to approach a qualified herbal practitioner. Follow his instructions about the dosage and duration of treatment. Even though, it is a safe herb, pregnant women and those with thyroid problems must avoid using it.