More on herbs to help immune system: Bee Balm or Bergamot

Bee Balm and Bergamot are often used interchangeably, but they refer to two different plants, though they belong to the same family.

1. Bee Balm (Monarda didyma): This plant is part of the mint family and is known for its aromatic leaves and colorful flowers, typically red, pink, or purple. Bee balm has a strong, citrusy fragrance and is often used in herbal teas, as well as for medicinal purposes. It’s also great for attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies, hence the name.

2. Bergamot (Citrus bergamia): Bergamot is actually a type of citrus fruit, commonly used for its essential oil. It’s famously known for its role in Earl Grey tea. The bergamot plant is grown primarily in Italy, and its oil is highly prized in both culinary and cosmetic industries for its distinct citrus-floral fragrance.

In summary:

• Bee Balm is a flowering plant with a strong citrus scent, commonly used in herbal teas.

• Bergamot is a citrus fruit that’s used for its essential oil and in Earl Grey tea.

The leaves of both Monarda didyma and Monarda fistulosa, can be dried and used as tea. Fresh leaves add a refreshing flavour to fruit salads and drinks. It is traditionally used in apple jelly. The tea is a balm for sore throats and headaches. Oil within the leaves is used to treat insect bites and relieve bronchial congestion. "The Blackfoot Indians recognized the strong antiseptic properties of these plants and used poultices of the plant for skin infections, wounds, and mouth sores." MONARDA by HSA

Bee Balm

BEE BALM

Bee Balm, Monarda didyma, a flowering plant in the mint family, is known by a number of different common names including bee balm, Oswego tea, Wild Bergamot, Horse Mint, Monarda, Bergamot Mint, Sweet Leaf, Scarlet Monarda and Indian Mint.

It is native to eastern North America.  

The Oswego Indians often brewed the tea. 

The flavonoids (rutin, hyperoside, quercitrin, luteolin, quercetin) are found in leaves and flowers of bee balm.

Monarda fistulosa, is wild bergamot or horse mint and has a beautiful fresh aroma like a mix of citrus and mint.

Bee Balm (Monarda didyma) has a long history of being used for various medicinal purposes. It is valued for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and digestive properties, among others. Here are some common conditions and ailments that bee balm is traditionally used to treat:

1. Digestive Issues:

• Indigestion: Bee balm is often used as a digestive aid. It can help alleviate symptoms of indigestion, bloating, and nausea, as it has carminative properties (helps relieve gas and bloating).

• Upset Stomach: It’s also used to soothe mild stomach discomfort, whether from overeating, mild food poisoning, or general stomach upset.

2. Respiratory Conditions:

• Colds and Flu: Bee balm has been traditionally used to help ease the symptoms of colds and flu, such as coughs, congestion, and sore throats. It can be brewed into a tea or used as a steam inhalation to clear respiratory pathways.

• Coughs and Bronchitis: The herb is believed to have expectorant properties, which may help loosen mucus and ease coughing associated with respiratory infections.

• Sinus Congestion: Bee balm has been used to relieve sinus congestion and other upper respiratory symptoms by promoting relaxation and opening the airways.

3. Stress and Anxiety:

• Calming Effects: Bee balm has mild sedative properties, making it a useful herb for reducing anxiety, stress, and tension. It is often brewed into a tea or used as a calming aromatic in diffusers or as part of an herbal remedy for mental relaxation.

• Sleep Aid: Because of its calming effects, bee balm is sometimes used as a natural remedy to help promote better sleep, particularly for those struggling with insomnia due to stress or anxiety.

4. Skin Conditions:

• Acne and Skin Infections: Bee balm has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it effective in treating minor skin irritations, cuts, and acne. It is sometimes used as a topical compress or in skincare products to help with these conditions.

• Insect Bites and Stings: Bee balm is also known for its soothing properties and is often used to relieve itching, swelling, and discomfort from insect bites or stings.

• Minor Burns or Rashes: Applying bee balm leaves or tea to the skin can help soothe mild burns, rashes, or other skin irritations, as its anti-inflammatory compounds can reduce redness and swelling.

5. Antibacterial and Antifungal:

• Infections: The essential oils in bee balm, especially thymol, have natural antibacterial and antifungal properties. This makes it effective for treating minor infections, both internally (like digestive infections) and externally (like skin infections).

• Mouth and Throat Infections: Bee balm has been traditionally used as a gargle for throat infections, as it may help fight off bacterial growth and reduce inflammation.

6. Headaches and Migraines:

• Pain Relief: The aromatic leaves of bee balm can be used to help alleviate tension headaches and migraines, especially when used as part of a tea or essential oil blend for inhalation.

7. Fever and Inflammation:

• Fever: Bee balm has been used as a mild febrifuge (fever-reducer). The herb’s ability to induce sweating can help break a fever by cooling the body down naturally.

• Inflammation: It can also be used to reduce inflammation, particularly in the digestive system, but also on the skin for minor irritations or swelling.

How to Use Bee Balm:

• Tea: The most common way to consume bee balm for medicinal purposes is by making a herbal tea from the leaves or flowers. This can help with digestive issues, respiratory problems, and anxiety.

• Topical Application: Bee balm can be applied as a compress or used in ointments or creams for skin conditions like acne, rashes, and burns.

• Aromatherapy: The essential oil from bee balm can be inhaled or diffused for respiratory relief and stress reduction.

Caution:

While bee balm is generally safe for most people, it should be used with caution in pregnant or nursing women, and individuals who are allergic to mint or other plants in the Lamiaceae family should consult a healthcare professional before use.

Bee Balm (Monarda didyma) is a versatile plant with a variety of uses. Here are some of the most common ways it's used:

1. Culinary Uses:

• Herbal Tea: Bee balm is often used to make herbal teas. The leaves and flowers have a refreshing, citrusy flavor, and the tea is enjoyed for its soothing properties. It’s sometimes blended with other herbs like mint or lemon balm for additional flavor.

• Flavoring in Cooking: The leaves and flowers can also be used to flavor dishes, similar to how you might use oregano or basil. Bee balm can add a mild, lemony-spicy taste to salads, stews, and meats.

• Herb Butter: You can make herb butter by mixing finely chopped bee balm leaves with butter, which can be used on vegetables, meats, or bread.

2. Medicinal Uses:

• Digestive Health: Bee balm has been traditionally used to treat digestive issues. It’s believed to help soothe indigestion, bloating, and nausea. The plant is also sometimes used as a mild stimulant to promote healthy digestion.

• Antibacterial and Antifungal: The essential oils in bee balm contain compounds that are believed to have antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it useful in treating minor skin irritations or infections.

• Respiratory Aid: Bee balm has been used historically to treat symptoms of colds, flu, and respiratory issues like coughs. It is sometimes brewed as a tea or inhaled as a steam to help open up the airways and soothe a sore throat.

• Calming and Relaxing: The plant has mild sedative properties, and bee balm tea is often consumed to help relieve stress, anxiety, and even promote sleep.

3. Aromatherapy:

• Essential Oil: Bee balm essential oil, though less common than other oils like lavender or peppermint, is sometimes used in aromatherapy for its calming and invigorating properties. It may help reduce anxiety, ease stress, and enhance relaxation.

• Inhalation for Respiratory Relief: Bee balm essential oil can be used in diffusers or steam inhalations to help with respiratory issues like congestion or coughing.

4. Skin Care:

• Skin Toner: Due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, bee balm is sometimes used in skincare products. It may help with acne, minor cuts, or skin irritations when applied topically.

• Compress for Skin Soothing: A cool compress of bee balm leaves or tea can help reduce swelling, irritation, or discomfort from conditions like rashes, bug bites, or mild burns.

5. Attracting Pollinators:

• Gardening: Bee balm is a favorite of pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. It’s often planted in gardens to help attract beneficial insects, contributing to biodiversity and helping pollinate other plants.

6. Natural Insect Repellent:

• Repellent for Bugs: Some people use bee balm to help repel insects, particularly mosquitoes, due to its strong aromatic properties.

In addition to these uses, bee balm is also grown as an ornamental plant in gardens, prized for its striking, colorful flowers and attractive foliage.

Bergamot plant and fruit, as illustrated in the traditional Köhler’s Medizinal-Pflanzen

 

BERGAMOT

Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) is used in several different ways, mainly due to the essential oil derived from its rind. Here are the primary uses:

1. Culinary Uses:

• Earl Grey Tea: Bergamot is most famously used as a flavoring in Earl Grey tea. The oil extracted from the bergamot fruit is added to black tea to give it a distinctive citrusy, floral flavor.

• Flavoring for Beverages: In addition to Earl Grey, bergamot is sometimes used to flavor other drinks, such as cocktails or sodas, providing a unique twist.

• Desserts: The zest or essential oil of bergamot is sometimes used in recipes for baked goods like cakes, pastries, and ice creams for its citrusy fragrance and taste.

2. Aromatherapy and Essential Oils:

• Essential Oil: Bergamot essential oil is one of the most popular oils in aromatherapy due to its uplifting and calming effects. It is often used in diffusers to relieve stress, anxiety, and even mild depression.

• Massage Oils and Bath Products: It is commonly used in massage oils, bath salts, and lotions for its calming scent and soothing properties on the skin.

3. Medicinal Uses:

• Mood Enhancer: Bergamot essential oil is often used for its mood-lifting properties. It may help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and stress and has been used in various natural remedies for mental well-being.

• Digestive Health: It is sometimes used in herbal medicine to support digestion, as it is believed to help with indigestion and other stomach issues.

• Antibacterial Properties: The essential oil of bergamot has mild antibacterial properties, which make it useful in skin care for acne and other skin infections.

4. Cosmetics and Skin Care:

• Skin Care: Bergamot essential oil is used in a variety of cosmetic products, particularly for oily or acne-prone skin. It helps balance oil production and has a gentle antibacterial effect.

• Fragrance: It is also used in perfumes and scented products due to its refreshing, citrusy fragrance that blends well with other scents like lavender and jasmine.

5. Insect Repellent:

• Natural Repellent: The strong aroma of bergamot is also used as a natural insect repellent, helping to keep bugs at bay, especially mosquitoes.

SOURCES:

• PubMed: Analysis of flavonoids in the flowers and leaves of Monarda didyma by Savickiene N, Dagilyte A, Barsteigiene Z, Kazlauskas S, Vaiciūniene J. Lithuanian University of Health Sciences
• Herb Society of America HSA MONARDA

Here are some reliable sources to learn more about Bee Balm and Bergamot:

1. Bee Balm (Monarda didyma):

   • Missouri Botanical Garden - Monarda didyma: provides detailed information on Bee Balm's botanical characteristics, growing conditions, and uses.

2. Bergamot (Citrus bergamia):

   • National Institute of Health - Bergamot: This paper discusses the health benefits and uses of Bergamot essential oil, including its medicinal properties.

   • National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health - Bergamot (For medicinal uses): suggests some potential health benefits of Bee Balm.