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NAME: Wild Bee Balm

SPECIES / FAMILY:  Monarda Fistulosa / Lamiaceae

OTHER COMMON NAME(S):  wild bergamot, mintleaf bergamot

CONDITIONS: sun
 

PARTS:	EDIBLE	TASTE	RAW/COOK	SEASON
All
Shoots
Leaves		mint	RAW/COOK	Summer
Stalk/Stem
Buds
Flowers			RAW	Summer
Fruits
Pods
Seeds
Nuts
Roots
Bark

 

PORTION: small

 

COMMENT: A mint. The entire plant above ground level can be used as a potherb, though it is rather aromatic. It is also used as a flavouring in salads and cooked foods. The flowers make an attractive edible garnish in salads. The fresh or dried leaves are brewed into a refreshing aromatic tea.(1)

 

CAUTION: Excessive mint exposure may cause an arthritic condition.

 

NUTRITION/MEDICINAL:  https://www.webmd.com / https://draxe.com/  Carminative;  Diaphoretic;  Diuretic;  Pectoral;  Stimulant. Wild bergamot was often employed medicinally by several native North American Indian tribes who used it to treat a variety of complaints, but especially those connected with the digestive system.(1)

 

LOOK-A-LIKES:  Scarlet Bee Balm

 

POISONOUS LOOK-A-LIKES: 

 

OTHER USES: Repellent. The leaves have been used as an insect repellent.(1) Any mint is an insect and rodent repellent, just put some in a blender with water, sieve out fiber, use mint water to damp mop and dust. Also use to rinse woolen clothes to keep moths away.

 

SOURCE LINKS (may include nutritional and medicinal info, plus other uses):

1. https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Monarda+fistulosa
2. http://www.eattheweeds.com/?s=BEEBALM - RELATED  
3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monarda_fistulosa  
4. http://www.foragingtexas.com (good photos)
5. http://www.ediblewildfood.com/wild-bee-balm.aspx (good photos)
6. https://plighttofreedom.com/basil-balm - RELATED