So make sure you to do your research before you decide if this is something you'd like to try. My brand new book Vertical Vegetables is now available for purchase!! It’s often used to sooth indigestion, nausea, and menstrual cramps. The best part about this oswego tea recipe is that you only need two ingredients, water and the leaves. According to the Farmer’s Almanac, the flowers attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees; and the seed heads attract birds in the fall and winter, so it’s an eco-friendly choice for any garden. Step 7: Enjoy! It is advantageous for the Stomach. Follow all directions on the product package. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees through links to Amazon.com. Keep in mind that, like all its mint cousins, bee balm tends to spread (i.e. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The petals have a subtle, layered flavor and make an excellent salad garnish. To me it has an herby flavor like a combination of mint, basil, and oregano, but not as strong. I really love the taste of bee balm tea. Steep for at least 5 minutes and drink like regular tea. Pour boiling water over bee balm. It’s often used to sooth indigestion, nausea, and menstrual cramps. The plants were found in the wild, dug up and replanted, with each homestead sharing with other tea-starved colonists. I don’t see why not. No more plastic jugs of store bought tea! Step 5: Remove the tea from the water – Pull out the infuser, or strain the loose leaves and petals out with a fork or mini kitchen strainer. Earl Grey tea). Bee balm tea is delicious, and has many health benefits. Plus, you end up with tea that’s already chilled from the get-go: a bonus in these steamy summer months. Use the salve to help heal the body and boost health. Bee balm tea can be made from both fresh and dried leaves. Diffusive herbs usually feel or taste quite warm at initial application or ingestion. I’m a passionate gardener who loves growing everything from vegetables, herbs, and flowers to succulents, tropicals, and houseplants - you name, I've grown it! 🙂. The leaves are delicious in tea, with a similar flavor to black tea but without the caffeine. The tea, after being cooled, can be applied as a skin wash to treat damaged and inflamed skin. You can use any type of monarda to make tea. Like most herbal teas, it takes a bit longer to steep than a standard black tea, around 15 minutes. I don’t see why not. So make sure you to do your research before you decide if this is something you’d like to try. Hot bee balm infused tea has been used to relieve upper respiratory ailments like colds and flu. If you don’t have an infuser, you can drop fresh leaves and flowers into the cup whole (you’ll just need to strain them out later). I live and garden in Minneapolis, MN (zone 4b). If you love to eat, you’ve come to the right place because I dish it up fast and fresh here at TVFGI. Simply clip or pinch healthy leaves and flowers from the plant. The easiest way to start your bee balm patch is by division in the spring, so check out your friends’ and neighbors’ yards. Sorry, I when I said “fresh”, I meant as long as the flowers aren’t spent or faded. Strain the tea through cheesecloth, or you can also use a coffee filter. Bee Balm Name. I have not tried using the middle part of my bee balm flowers to make tea, so it may have a different flavor. There’s also a hint of menthol which makes it refreshing. Granted it takes a little longer than standard tea kettle tea, but it’s a lovely back to basics experience not to be missed. It shares the same family with famous herbs such as sage, rosemary, basil, … Your photos are beautiful. Red flowering bee balm is also known as Oswego Tea, since some Native American tribes in New York’s Oswego region used it. When you’re ready to make tea, crush the petals and leaves before adding to hot water to release their flavor oils. Ceanothus americanus New Jersey Tea. Instead of using sugar or honey, why not try making your own homemade liquid stevia drops. You might also know it as horsemint, oswego tea, or bergamot. It’s beautiful, comes back year after year, and can be divided and shared over and over again. Bee balm, oswego te a, or horsemint are common names given to the various flowering plant species in the genus Monarda under the familyLamiaceae (the deadnettle, mint, or sage family). it can be invasive) so keep an eye on it and divide the plant regularly in the spring to control it. Remove the flower petals from the bee balm stems. Putting up summer’s bounty isn’t all about tomatoes and peaches, don’t forget about the edible flowers and herbs that you can dry for the rest of the year, too. Starting with Native Americans, folks have been using it medicinally for centuries. Bee balm is a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae). It is simple to make using either dried or fresh monarda right out of your garden. You’re welcome! Amazon Associates is designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Step 1: Boil the water – Bring water to a boil in your teapot or other container. Step 6: Sweeten it (optional) – Add sweetener, if desired. Strain the tea through cheesecloth or a coffee filter and then keep chilled until ready to use. All Rights Reserved. Use fewer leaves for a lighter flavored tea. since moving to northern Arizona three years ago.Here in the highlands of northern Arizona you’ll find this flashy member of the mint family in … Let steep for 10 minutes. Step 2: Fill your infuser – Put the leaves and flower petals into your tea infuser. Then carefully remove the leaves and flowers from the stems and store them in an airtight container. This beautiful perennial garden plant and wildflower (M. fistulosa) is native to North America, and in the mint family, which probably explains why it makes such amazing tea. Name and Origin of Bee Balms. After you make oswego tea a few times, you’ll know exactly how much you like to use for each cup. How To Make Basil Pesto Using Basil Leaves, Easy Baked Okra Fries Recipe (Oven Or Air-Fryer), How To Dry Cayenne Peppers To Prepare For Storage, Terms Of Use, Disclaimer and Privacy Policy, 3-4 fresh picked or dried bee balm leaves (or use as many as you like for desired flavor). Below I will tell you all about bee balm tea, and show you exactly how to make it using monarda from your garden. I give the jar a shake every now and again to help the infusion along. 4 For topical fungal infections, try a wash made from bee balm tea, in addition to taking it internally as a tincture or tea. Instead, bee balm has a rich lemony aroma which can be quite pleasing, especially when the heat of the day brings it out. It blooms in summer, on tall stems topped with brilliant red or scarlet blossoms. Add the bee balm to the water, giving it a good stir. By consuming the herb in the form of herbal tea, many illnesses are cured. What about the middle part of the flower. © 2020 The View From Great Island. This Bee Balm Honey recipe uses raw local honey to make a delicious remedy for a wide range of issues. This stimulating warmth gets fluids moving, speeds blood flow to stagnant tissues, and brings visceral, inner body heat out to peripheral areas encouraging perspiration. Step 4: Steep your tea – Allow it to steep for 5-10 minutes, or until it reaches the desired flavor. That makes sense since monarda is in the mint family, but the flavor is milder than other varieties. The hotter summer gets, the more I crave iced drinks, and since I have a gorgeous patch of raspberry hued bee balm growing in my yard this year I’m making an easy cold brew tea with the vivid petals. Enjoy your DIY homegrown bee balm tea! I recommend covering the cup to keep the water warm while it steeps. Serve over ice, sweetened with honey, and a wedge of lemon, if you like. I know I won’t be the only one, but in response to Cheryl, for your information, the title on the Recipe says Bee Balm Sun Tea. Bee Balm Manuka + Tea Tree Honey 500+MGO 100ml Nourish your skin naturally. Se ven fabulosos en parches grandes, como se ve en la foto de mi jardín en la parte superior de este artículo. Wha] about using the flowers as well for tea? Your email address will not be published. Indígena en el este de América del Norte, Monarda o Bee Balm, es otra de mis plantas perennes favoritas. If you like the bold flavor of Earl Grey tea, you will find the flavor quite similar. I tried the tea and found it delicious. Here’s how to dry herbs. Over time, the natural range of the plant increased considerably. Well, I’ve been saving this seed for over 5 years, and I will now share my process, tips, tricks and some other interesting finds about how to save Beebalm seed. Other Names: Eastern Bee balm, Bergamot, Wild Oswego Tea, Horse mint, Monarda Bee Balm is a deciduous perennial in the mint family and is native to the North Carolina mountains and may be seen along the Blue Ridge Parkway flowering in summer. Put the water into a large glass jar or pitcher. Bee balm tea relieves not just itchy skin caused by bug bites, but also alleviates skin issues such as eczema, rashes, and poison ivy. You’re welcome! In this post, I’ll give you my easy recipe, and show you step by step how to make bee balm tea using either fresh or dried monarda from your garden. The flowers are also edible. The blossoms do come late…hope you enjoy it . I don’t have a recipe for you, but you can use bee balm in cooking just as you would any other herb if you want to. Used as Facial Mask The genus Monarda is named after Nicolás Bautista Monardes, a famed Spanish physician and … Despite being called “wild bergamot,” bee balm is not used in “bergamot” tea (a.k.a. Bergarnot is native to North America and was used to make an infusion by the Oswego Indians, hence the name ‘Oswego tea’. If your tea is too strong, you can add more water, and use fewer leaves next time. Prep Time 5 minutes Cook Time … If you live in zones 3-9, and have a sunny to part sunny patch in your yard, this is a wonderful plant to grow. The tea, made from petals and leaves, is refreshing and aromatic. Monarda didyma, the crimson beebalm, scarlet beebalm, scarlet monarda, Oswego tea, or bergamot, is an aromatic herb in the family Lamiaceae, native to eastern North America from Maine west to Ontario and Minnesota, and south to northern Georgia. I also noticed seeds coming out of them which I plan on using to increase my plants for next summer. Bee Balm is perennial in zones 4 to 9 and can take partial shade. It comes in various shades from brilliant red and pink to lavender and white. It is also said to be helpful for the treatment of  depression. Make sure you only use the healthy green ones though. Like I said, monarda tea is super easy to make, and you’ll only need a few supplies. Bee Balm herb is noted for its fragrance, and is a source of oil of thyme. Required fields are marked *. Bee Balm or Bergamot has been around for centurie s and used in cooking and medicines. How to Make Bee Balm Tea from fresh or dried bee balm ~ this easy infusion is not only pretty and delicious, it’s been used for hundreds of years to aid digestion, calm nerves, and treat colds and flu. I am going to start some plants for my tea drinking daughter. Both flowers and leaves are edible, and they make fabulous herbal tea. All content found on this website is copyrighted materials and any form of reproduction is strictly prohibited. Can I use the leaves from that? It has purported anti-septic and anti-microbial properties because it contains a high proportion of thymol, and is used to treat stings, bites, and wounds. The leaf of bee balm is used as an infusion in tea to help in the relief of insomnia, menstrual pain, nausea, and flatulence. <3. Share your tips for making bee balm tea in the comments below. The flowers of the Bee Balm are an attractive addition to salads. Sun tea is gently warmed by the sun to a temperature that is ideal for the potential growth of bacteria, and while the risk is small, it’s best to avoid this method. Monarda flowers and leaves ready to make tea. Bee balm, also called Bergamot and Oswego Tea, is a quintessentially an American plant. Bee balm can be used medically both in external and internal manner. Be careful not to confuse Oswego tea with lemon balm, because both are called “bee balm.” How does it work? A fresh leaf of bee balm infused with China tea will produce a flavor of Earl Grey Tea. Some say bee balm is … Plus it is easy to make with only a few ingredients, and supplies you probably already have on hand. I guess you could try floating them in water, or leaving them out to dry to enjoy their fragrance a little longer. If you have monarda in your garden, you can make your own bee balm tea (also called wild bergamot, or oswego tea). I love this! Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. There are many methods for drying flowers and herbs, but with long stemmed bee balm I think the easiest is to string them up, upside down, and hang them in a cool dry place until they’ve dried completely. My mission? You can make tea from fresh or dried bee balm. Though there are many known health benefits of drinking oswego tea, there are also some possible side effects. It produces white flowers that provide pollen and nectar for pollinators. If your tea is too strong, you can add more water, and use fewer leaves next time. It alleviates the problem of Insomnia. Bee balm is a common garden plant in zones 3-9, so chances are you’ve got some growing near you. Plus, it is super easy to make. Pick a small bunch of bee balm and remove the leaves from the stems and colorful petals from the flower heads. Butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, and other nectar-seeking creatures covet the tubular flowers on the plant's rounded flower heads, and the leaves and flowers can also be made into tea. If it's too weak, add a few more leaves, or allow it to steep longer next time. You can make bee balm tea using both the leaves and the flowers. Try 1 tablespoon of dried flower petals or 2 tablespoons of fresh petals to every cup of water. Cold brewing is a method for making tea that relies on time rather than heat to infuse the tea. Bee balm tea (wild bergamot or oswego tea) has a delicious, slightly minty flavor. Bee balm history is tied up with both Native Americans and European settlers, and it even played an important part in the American Revolution. If you’d prefer to add sugar to your tea, just stir it in and give it time to dissolve. It has purported anti-septic and … History of Bee Balm Plants If it’s too weak, add a few more leaves, or allow it to steep longer. Bee balm tea is a digestive aid that helps relieve nausea, upset stomach and gas. The fresh or dried leaves are brewed into a refreshing, aromatic herbal tea. Bee Balm has antimicrobial and soothing qualities that make it an effective treatment for cold, flu, and other respiratory illnesses. My green thumb comes from my parents, and I've been gardening most of my life. I wasn’t able to track down any scientific studies confirming or denying these claims, but it’s nonetheless interesting to learn how bee balm has been used over the years. Your email address will not be published. Yes, you can use the bee balm flowers for brewing tea too, as long as they are fresh. Bee Balm is used to counter Feverishness. Saving seed from Bee Balm can be a tricky thing. How to use Bee Balm Ointment. Colonial settlers also drank the tea to avoid taxation from the crown after the Boston Tea Party. If the bee balm flowers are spent, then they won’t be good to use in tea. It’s not advisable to make sun tea because of the risk of bacterial contamination. New Jersey tea is a nitrogen fixing shrub native to North America. Bee balms, which are native to eastern North America (1), are a member of the Mint (Lamiaceae) family.The name “bee balm” is one of the many common names of the Monarda genus.Other known names of this plant are Monarda, wild bergamot, horsemint, and Oswego tea.. Hot bee balm infused tea has been used to relieve upper respiratory ailments like colds and flu. You can make it using either fresh or dried leaves and flowers, resulting in a soothing, mild minty drink to sip and enjoy. I use the fresh flowers to make a blushing pink iced tea, but you can make tea from the fragrant leaves, as well. Having itchy and irritated skin is no fun, but bee balm tea is a strong after-bite remedy to try. Let’s take a look at bee balm’s rich history. I find the flavor of tea made from Monarda didyma to be rather strong. No wonder red-flowering Monarda didyma--also called bee balm--popped up in practically every New England dooryard. Common names include bee balm, horsemint, oswego tea, the latter inspired by the fragrance of the leaves, which is reminiscent of bergamot orange (Citrus bergamia). Steam inhalation of the herb bee balm is helpful for sore throats and catarrh. Home » Cocktails & Beverages » How to Make Bee Balm Tea. The genus was named for the Spanish botanist Nicolás Monardes, who wrote a book in 1574 describing plants of the New World. Privacy Policy. Bee balm is in the mint family, and shares some characteristics with other plants in the Laminaceae group, but it does not smell minty. Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for your expertise in making this special tea- making iced tea now and saving $. You can also add the flowers, but that’s optional. You can also subscribe without commenting. If you’re reading this, you’ve probably followed some other guide and had disappointing results. Start by choosing bee balm that is pesticide free. Bee balm flowers are brilliant additions to late-summer herb gardens and flower borders. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.. Bee balm tea (wild bergamot or oswego tea) has a delicious, slightly minty flavor. The leaves smell of orange and spice, and attract bees and hummingbirds. The herbal tea has the capability to cure cold and flu, coughing, nasal problems, nausea, digestive problems, headache, vomiting and other common sickness. Add sweetener, if using, to taste. To make tea, start with about 1-teaspoon of crushed, dried bee balm leaves per 8-ounce cup of boiling water. Some species of bee balm emit a light minty fragrance. I love trying out new ingredients and techniques, reinventing the classics, and hunting down the next great flavor. You can make it using freshly picked bee balm, or you can dry it first. Both types are edible and make lovely tea. Mix 8 ounces of bee balm oil with 1 ounce of beeswax to help thicken it up for application. This is my first year growing the plants and I will appreciate any tips. You can also buy wild or cultivated seeds online. Close the lid and put the jar in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, giving it a shake now and then. If you want to keep some for later use, put it in a dehydrator, or lay it out on an herb drying rack. You can also add leaves if you like. Place bee balm in a cup (or a tea ball and then in a cup). Your strained tea will keep in the refrigerator for up to a week. So discard any that have white spots, blemishes, are yellowing, or ones that show signs of powdery mildew. My recipes are never fussy and always exciting ~ there are 1600 and counting on the blog. Learn more. Ocimum tenuiflorum Tulsi Basil If you’ve never tried it, it has a slightly minty flavor. This medication is for use on the skin only. Sugar will dissolve in cold liquids, but it takes longer than it does in hot tea. Its foliage has a strong aroma and is sometimes used in herbal teas, salads, and as garnishes. 100% Natural all-purpose balm made with Australian beeswax, natural essential oils and MGO500+ Manuka & Tea … It makes a refreshing all natural drink right now, and I’ll dry the flowers and leaves for a flu soothing hot tea this winter. It is simple to make using either dried or fresh monarda right out of your garden. Awesome, glad you like the bee balm tea. The best time to harvest bee balm for making tea is in the late spring, or early summer before the flowers start to fade. How can I use the spent flowers that I cut off? Monarda, commonly called bee balm or bergamot, is also known by the names oswego tea and horsemint. Bee balm is often used to make tea. Used for making aromatic items Where is the SUN in this tea? You’ve heard of cold brewed coffee, but what about tea? The native American population refers to bee balm as “Oswego tea,” making a brew from the leaves of the plant, which have a slightly minty taste and fragrance. 🙂. Also known as the “bergamot,” the bee balm flowers produce a citrus scent that’s similar to what you might expect when cutting up a bergamot orange. How to Make No Churn Ice Cream ~ 3 Methods! There are numerous kinds of bee balm on the market. Bee balm hydrosol was shown to be effective against filament formation and growth of Candida albicans. You can dry bee balm flower petals or the leaves for later, and make tea with those too. Herbal tea prepared from bee balm is effective for combating oral problems like Dental Caries, Tooth Aches and Gingivitis. Thanks for the information. To get you fired up about good food! – Now you can sit back, relax, and enjoy your homemade bee balm tea. Fill a clean jar with filtered water and add the bee balm, giving it a good stir. It grows 2-4 feet high with scarlet flowers that bloom for up to 8 weeks and attract bees, hummingbirds and butterflies. Step 3: Fill the cup – Pour boiling water over the top of the tea to fill the cup, and then stir it around to remove any air bubbles that may be inside of the infuser. You can read about how different tribes have used the plant over at the USDA plant guide. I’m growing bee balm for the first time this year, still waiting for blossoms, but now I can hardly wait to try your tea-making method. They’ll last up to a year. If you have monarda in your garden, you should definitely try making oswego tea. Bee balm will bloom from mid to late summer. The story goes that colonists starting making bee balm tea in the Boston Tea Party era when they were boycotting British black tea, but the Native Americans were doing it way before that. This is a cold brewed tea, Cheryl, I mention in the post that making sun tea is actually not recommended, especially with fresh plants like this, because the sun heats the water to a temperature that can encourage bacteria growth. They have an intoxicating aroma. Mix together a bee balm infused oil to create a helpful salve. Native Americans used it to treat fever and chills. I’ve fallen in love with Bee Balm (Monarda spp.) I have a white one growing. The digestive tract can also benefit from teas made by steeping Bee Balm flowers; even nausea, bloating, and menstrual can be curbed with its help. Hello, I was wondering why the flower petals have to be fresh? The kitchen is my happy place where I play with fabulous ingredients that nourish the body and soul. Bee balm is what is known as a diffusive herb – one that breaks up stagnation and releases fluid from tissues. The View from Great Island is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Bee balm delights the senses in many ways. This beneficial tea not only tastes great, but is good for helping fight off colds and the flu.