didyma has been shown to have antiplatelet activity (Tognolini 2005). James Duke, a world renowned pharmacognosist, recommends Monarda fistulosa for treating halitosis and tooth decay, as the leaves are very high in the powerful cavity-preventing compound geraniol as well as the pungent antiseptic thymol, an ingredient in Listerine (Duke 1997). punctata, or horsemint, indicate that there may be something to its traditional use in treating wounds and protecting against infection (Foster 2006). Scientific research on the clinical effects of Monarda is lacking, but several of the components found in the essential oil from some species, such as M. Bee balm is used in modern herbal medicine to expel gas, to relieve nausea, in menstrual cramps, and as an expectorant to soothe sore throats (Foster 2006). fistulosawere used by the Chippewa and Meskwaki as a cold remedy and by the Ojibwa for soothing fevers and convulsions. The Blackfoot used the plant’s leaves as antiseptic for skin and mouth infections, while the Cherokee and the Teton Dakota used the herb for stomach ailments. Oswego tea was used as an alternative to British black tea after the Boston Tea Party (Foster 2006).īee balm was, however, used by many Native American tribes long before it became popular with European settlers. European settlers who tried drinking a tea made from the leaves of Monarda didyma liked it so much that they named it Oswego tea, as the plants grew along the Oswego River. The genus Monarda gets its name from the Spanish botanist, physician, and explorer Nicholas Monardes (1512-1588), who wrote one of the seminal European works on American plants. Although bee balm is often called scarlet bergamot due to its similarity in scent to the bergamot orange (Citrus bergamia) used to flavor Earl Grey tea, the two plants are not related (Foster 2006). Bee balm has fragrant leaves and presents beautiful red or purple flowers that look like fireworks. Bee balm is native to the eastern US and favored by pollinators like bees and hummingbirds (Newcomb 1977). ![]() Monarda species are located in the Desert and Wildflower gardens.Īlso known as scarlet, lavender, purple, or wild bergamot.
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