Bee balm
Common names Bergamot, bee balm
Latin name Monarda didyma
Life cycle Perennial
Height 3-4'
Spacing 24"
Bloom July-August
Light Full sun to partial shade
Soil Moist, humusy
Zone Zone 4
Features Attracts bees and hummingbirds
Culinary
This herb is also known as Oswego tea after the Native American tribe who used the plant extensively. The colonists learned of it and bee balm became popular as a substitute for China tea after the Boston Tea Party. Tea is the main culinary use of bee balm. You can blend dried bee balm with other herbs to make a hot tea or with a slice of lemon for an iced tea. The leaves are delicious in lemonades, wine and fruit drinks, jellies, and tea blends. Bee balm leaves can substitute for sage in stuffings and meat recipes, especially pork and veal. Add young sprigs and flowers to tossed or fruit salads, floated in punches, or use as a garnish.

Medicinal
 Bee balm tea has traditionally been used for coughs, sore throats, nausea, flatulence, and menstrual cramps. There may not be scientific evidence to confirm any remedy, but the tea tastes pleasant.

Ornamental
 The tall plants in shades of reds and purples attract hummingbirds, butterflies, bumblebees and are stunning in the garden.

Culture
 Bee balm may spread rapidly forming a mat of shallow roots. It needs to be divided every 3 or 4 years in early spring to stay vigorous. The roots don't penetrate deeply into the soil, and should never be allowed to dry out in summer. The plants die out in winter in heavy soil. Allow good air circulation and avoid excessive watering.

Harvest
Harvest leaves anytime for fresh use. For dry use, it is best to harvest leaves and flowers in mid summer. Pick the leaves and flowers off the stem and spread them on a wire rack in a warm, shady place to dry for two or three days. If the leaves are not dried by then, finish drying them in an oven under low heat. Flavor may be lost by drying leaves longer than 3 days. Store dried leaves in an airtight container. Flowers and leaves can be frozen for later use.

Other Common Names
American melissa, bee-balm, crimson bee balm, fragrant balm, horsemint Indian('s) plume, mountain balm, mountain mint, North American swamp plant, Oswego tea, red balm, red bergamot, scarlet monarda, sweet bergamot

Caution
 Bee balm may cause photosensitivity in some people.


References

Bremness, L.  1994.  The Eyewitness Handbook of Herbs.  DK Publishing, Inc., 
	New York, NY.  page 192.

Clevely, A. and K. Richmond. 1995  The Complete Book of Herbs.  Smithmark Publishers,
	New York, NY.  page 101.

Kowalchik, C. and W. H. Hylton.  1998  Rodales's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs. 
	Rodale Press, Inc.,  Emmaus, PA.  pages 39-41.

Small, E.  1997.  Culinary Herbs.  NRC Research Press, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. 
	pages 376-382.

Sunset Books and Sunset Magazine editors.  1995.  Herbs  Sunset Publishing Corporation,
	Menlo Park, CA.  page 40.


©2001 Beth's Backyard

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