Bee Balm (Monarda didyma)
Monarda didyma
Western Herbalism
Western Herbalism

Bee Balm

Monarda didyma

Also known as Oswego tea, Bergamot.

WarmingDryingTaste: PungentTaste: AromaticTaste: Bitter

Used by Native American tribes including Oswego, Oneida, Blackfoot for teas, poultices, gargles treating infections, digestive issues, respiratory complaints High thymol/carvacrol content responsible for strong antiseptic/antimicrobial effects Chemotype variation exists (e.g. carvacrol chemotype) Historical use as Liberty Tea substitute post-Boston Tea Party

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Actions

AntisepticCarminativeDiaphoreticAntimicrobialAntispasmodicNervineEmmenagogueAntifungalVulnerary

Indications what the tradition reached for it in

Safety

The record lists 1 contraindication; open the plate in the library to read them in full.

Dosing as the sources wrote it

PreparationAs writtenMetric
Tea: 2-6 g dried aerial parts per day (steep 5-15 min covered)2000-6000 mg
Tincture dried: 1:5 in 40% alcohol, 2-4 mL three times daily2-4 mL
Tincture fresh: 1:2 in 50% alcohol, 2-4 mL three times daily2-4 mL

Doses are reproduced from the sources for practitioners and are not a recommendation for any person.

From the sources

Clinical Notes. Used by Native American tribes including Oswego, Oneida, Blackfoot for teas, poultices, gargles treating infections, digestive issues, respiratory complaints High thymol/carvacrol content responsible for strong antiseptic/antimicrobial effects Chemotype variation exists (e.g. carvacrol chemotype) Historical use as Liberty Tea substitute post-Boston Tea Party

primary-actions. Bee Balm acts primarily as: Antiseptic, Carminative, Diaphoretic, Antimicrobial. Secondary actions include Antispasmodic, Nervine, Emmenagogue, Antifungal, Vulnerary.

indications. Bee Balm is traditionally indicated for: Muscle spasms, Upper respiratory infection, Whooping cough, Skin infection, Abdominal cramps, Nausea, Toothache, Mouth sores, Fungal infections, Headache, Menstrual cramps, Cough, Gas, Colds, Flu, and 22 further conditions.

dose-reference. Reference preparation/dosing for Bee Balm: Tea: 2-6 g dried aerial parts per day (steep 5-15 min covered); Tincture dried: 1:5 in 40% alcohol, 2-4 mL three times daily; Tincture fresh: 1:2 in 50% alcohol, 2-4 mL three times daily; Mouthwash: strong infusion; Steam inhalation; Infused honey or oxymel

Often paired with

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