Bee Balm -- Monarda Punctata

Summer is nearly here in the northern hemisphere, and it's time to support the bees, butterflies, birds, and ourselves.
Bee Balm is the perfect way to do just that.  It's a member of the mint family with a spiciness that is a cross between oregano and thyme - and it can be used in cooking as a replacement for either.  Energetically, Bee Balm is stimulating and diffusive.  It will take heat from your core and expel it through your extremities. 

Bee Balm is antimicrobial and can be used as a mouthwash, to freshen the breath, for digestive tract infections, to help reduce fever and congestion during a cold or flu, to help fight fungal infections like Candida, to cool burns, and to help keep infection away from both burns and wounds.

As an anti-spasmodic and carminative herb, it stimulates digestion and relieves colic, bloating, gas, indigestion, sore muscles, and menstrual cramps.  Its emmenagogue properties make it a good herb to stimulate menses when it's late - as such, it should not be used if you're pregnant.

As a relaxing nervine, Bee Balm can cool hot emotions like anxiety, and calm the nerves while lifting the spirits.  

This herb is beautiful to see in the garden, and a wonderful herb to keep stocked in the kitchen as well!

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