Lamiaceae
Bee Balm
Monarda didyma
✓ Generally Safe
Caution in Pregnancy
Native to: North America
Also known as: Scarlet Bee Balm, Oswego Tea, Red Bergamot, Indian Plumes
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
LeafFlower
Therapeutic Uses
Respiratory infections, digestive complaints, flatulence, colds and flu. Original Oswego tea of Native Americans — used as substitute during Boston Tea Party. Strong thymol content antimicrobial.
Herbal Actions
Antimicrobial, antispasmodic, carminative, diaphoretic, expectorant
Active Constituents
Volatile oil (thymol, carvacrol, linalool, geraniol), flavonoids, tannins, rosmarinic acid
Preparation Methods
☕ Herbal Tea🏺 Tincture
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 2 tsp fresh or 1 tsp dried per 250ml, steep 10 min covered, 3x daily |
| Tincture | 2–4 ml (1:5, 45% ethanol), 3x daily |
| Notes | Flowers and leaves both medicinal. All aromatic — volatile oils lost if not covered during steeping. Excellent combined with elderflower for fever management. Unique bergamot-like aroma. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Caution in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
None known
Contraindications: Therapeutic doses in pregnancy — avoid. Essential oil: do not ingest. No significant drug interactions.
Side Effects: Contact dermatitis possible. GI irritation at high doses. Generally very safe.