Bee Balm is a Medicinal Must-Have!

[@llamawerkz]

There are a LOT of species of Monarda, all of them with confusing names that contain the words mint, beebalm and/or bergamot. The ones you have with the stacked blooms looks like Monarda Citriodora, some common names are Lemon Mint or Lemon Beebalm. It's an annual if in colder climates, so if someone wants to grow this every year, make sure to harvest seeds or let it reseed itself. The red variety you planted is probably Monarda Didyma, common names Scarlet Beebalm or Oswego Tea, and is a perennial. Hummingbirds LOVE monarda didyma and they are its primary pollinator. Monarda Fistulosa aka Wild Bergamot, is another popular species and looks similar to Lemon Beebalm, but with a single bloom instead of a stack of blooms.

[@kittenleo28]

You seem very knowledgeable, ty for your input. Can each of these many species be used medicinally interchangeably? Thx for your help!

[@stealth_striker2618]

@@kittenleo28 yes. The spotted bee balm (Monarda Punctata) has the highest amount of thymol in it. They look almost identical to the ones in the video but with slightly different leaf characteristics. This is my hands down favorite tea mixed with perilla leaves at night to unwind. Works extremely well for that. You can literally feel the stress leave your body. Pretty amazing what the good Lord created for us if we just open our eyes.

[@dokeyokie8082]

If dat be Bee Balm where be the bee? Anyway that Bee Balm be da bomb! Good Job!🐝💣😆

[@NancyBrightbill-ds8dy]

thank you i didn't know, hummingbird loved them obnever harvest. now to late darn. but next year.

[@nancyn.226]

Thank you for reminding your viewers when wildcrafting to take only 10%. The bees and hummingbirds love this herb❤ Great information. Just found your channel ❤

[@Nature_Chic]

My bee balm species is quite different. This appears to be wild Bee Balm. I have the Scarlet, often called Bergamot. The flower clusters are much more crimson , single bloom and the leaves are not Pencil Thin. There are many different species I have learned over the years the years

[@imabeardsley9280]

My favorite scent! I have a beautiful scarlet group! Love them!!!

[@FromtheRootsUp]

I have some scarlet planted! Can’t wait til it blooms!

[@ljtminihomestead5839]

Love bee balm! I seal my jars with the food saver. The plastic caps are great if you're using it regularly.

[@FromtheRootsUp]

I absolutely use the foodsaver if it’s for storage, it’s wonderful!

[@unicornjennie]

Didn't see what you did with the flowers? Can you make a tea with them or a salve, decoction something?

[@wandaparker6183]

I learn something new every day 😊 🙇‍♀️

[@karenv2112]

Girl, you've got to get yourself a freeze dryer! Game changer. Worth the cost

[@FromtheRootsUp]

I would LOVE a freeze dryer. Unfortunately they are pretty far out of our budget at the moment. Maybe some day!

[@karenv2112]

@FromtheRootsUp keep your eye out for second hand ones. We got lucky

[@lorreprentiss3604]

I would love some of these seeds. This is a new variety for me. Lovely plant. Thank you.

[@FromtheRootsUp]

Baker Creek had them! They are called “Lemon Bee Balm”

[@gardenstatesowandsew]

Thank you. I love everything herbs. My bee balm is just a tiny little plant lol

[@theseeker4700]

Thank you for this video!!! I have some bee balm returning strong from last year, but realized I have no clue what to do with it lol. I will harvest it once it flowers.

[@imabeardsley9280]

How wonderful! Thank you!

[@FromtheRootsUp]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@CathyGisvold]

My bee balm is beautiful even in our cold climate. Is fall too late to harvest? We have had frosty nights already. TY

[@FromtheRootsUp]

As long as it’s still blooming, it’s a great time!

[@heidimartin1835]

Watch out with inhaling steam directly with super hot water.

[@lindastephen-seaver6345]

Why not leave leaves and flowers on the stem. I freeze dry mine and they strip off really easy after drying

[@FromtheRootsUp]

That’s a great idea, I’ll have to try that next time!

[@amanley]

Do you not have problems with powdery mildew? I can never get to mine before the mildew.

[@FromtheRootsUp]

I have not had that problem yet

[@birage9885]

Is the fistula variety the one to grow for medicinal use, or are all the varieties about the same? Asking because that variety was talked about on another video as the one to grow/get for medicinal use.

[@FromtheRootsUp]

Didyma and fistula can be used pretty much interchangeably and are the most potent if you are planting them. This variety is citriodora and has many similar benefits, just not quite as potent, but since it was the variety that was growing I am excited to make use of it!

[@birage9885]

@@FromtheRootsUp Thanks for the reply. My local nursery has fistulosa, so I guess I will put some of that in, and go from there.

[@jennetteoverzet2959]

Dried best?

[@FromtheRootsUp]

You can use it fresh or dried, you’ll use a bigger quantity of fresh for tea because dried is more concentrated. The biggest reason to dry it is for storage, it will keep for about a year in your pantry dried.

[@cherylwhite654]

does your bee balm not come back even tho you cut it down as it has rhizomes

[@FromtheRootsUp]

It can come back, but this we pulled up by the roots since it had invaded our garden space.

[@price123456789]

When you rinse and/or dry, you lose a lot of the essential oils that are very volatile. The medicinal oils are on the tips of the trichomes and so washing the plant or drying causes the lost of most of the medicinal compounds.

[@cherylwhite654]

do how do you preserve bee balm if not dehydrated

[@dustyrelic25]

Can you brew the flowers as well?