What is bee balm good for?

Is bee balm toxic to humans

Although bee balm is not poisonous to animals, eating any plant material can upset an animals digestive system. Bee balms leaves are used to make tea. Eating the leaves will not harm a cat, dog, or other animals in any way.

What does bee balm attract

Hummingbirds, bees, butterflies, and moths are the most common garden visitors of bee balm because they have the long tongues needed to access the nectar of the tubular flowers. Bee balm is a favorite plant for bumblebees in particular.

What animals eat bee balm

However, the nutlet attracts a variety of birds throughout the year, including finches, sparrows, juncos, and redpolls.

Is bee balm and lemon balm the same

Although they both belong to the Lamiaceae family of mint plants, Bee Balm and Lemon Balm are not the same plant. Bee Balm is larger and has deep red flowers, while Lemon Balm is smaller and has tiny white flowers.

Do hummingbirds like bee balm

Bee Balm This gorgeous plant grows up to 4 feet tall in full sun and begins flowering in midsummer. You can even find several varieties on the market that are resistant to mildew. Bee Balm is a surefire way to attract hummingbirds with flowers.

Are bee balm leaves medicinal

Bee balm has a soothing effect on the digestive tract and is used to treat indigestion, bloating, and nausea. Bee balm is antimicrobial and soothing, so its frequently used to treat colds and the flu.

What does bee balm smell like

Native Americans used bee balm as a seasoning for wild game, especially fowl, but it also pairs well with lamb. Many Greek dishes use a combination of mint and oregano. The plant has a spicy aroma that tastes like a mix of spearmint and peppermint, with a sharp oregano tang.

How do you use bee balm herb

Bee balm petals are a lovely way to dress up fresh fruit or a fruit salad like this one, and they can be used in salads, to make an herbal butter, or in homemade ice cream or a cream cheese spread. Fresh bee balm leaves can be added to pesto, and the flower petals make a pretty and aromatic garnish.

What does bee balm taste like

Fistulosa, also known as wild bergamot or wild bee balm, is a member of the mint family and has lavender-pink flowers. It has a potent herbal flavor that is similar to oregano.

Where does bee balm grow best

It can tolerate lighter soil, but richer soil will encourage taller, stronger specimens. Light: Bee balm does best in full sun. Though it will grow in part shade, it tends to stretch and become leggy over time. Soil: Bee balm does best in evenly moist soil rich in organic matter.

Is bee balm used in tea

Start by choosing bee balm that is pesticide free. You can make tea from fresh or dried bee balm. I use the fresh flowers to make a blushing pink iced tea, but you can also make tea from the fragrant leaves.

Is bee balm the same as bergamot

Bee Balm (also known as Bergamot), one of the prettiest of the flowering herbs, is a great attractor for hummingbirds and bees. Its leaves have a potent scent reminiscent of the bergamot orange. Bee Balm is also known as beebread plant, Oswego tea, horsemint, and simply monarda.

Does bee balm need to be cut back

Once a stem has finished flowering, cut it back to the ground to encourage the flower to produce another blossoming stem as the flowers start to wilt and fade. Continue to cut as needed throughout the season until the stem has finished flowering.

What is lemon bee balm used for

Lemon bee balm has a few culinary uses, but most people use it to flavor teas, salads, or desserts. It has also been used in wines and liqueurs to treat respiratory illnesses like colds and coughs.

What plants well with bee balm

6 Bee Balm Companion Plants

• Squash. Squash plants are herbaceous annuals that resemble bushy plants or trailing vines.
• Tomatoes: While most often grown as an annual plant elsewhere, the tomato plant is typically grown as a perennial in the tropics.
• Susans with black eyes.
• Phlox.
• Roses.
• Peonies.

Is bee balm invasive

Bee balm can be aggressive, especially in its preferred growing environment of moist soil in a full sun to part shade location, but it is not technically deemed invasive everywhere.

Is bee balm an herb

The first planting can be done in the middle of spring or in the beginning of fall. Bee balm can be propagated from seed, and these seeds can be taken from existing plants. Bee balm is a perennial herb, which means that once planted, it should come back each spring even as the above ground growth dies back during the winter.

What is bee balm tincture used for

Bee balm and other antimicrobials are typically used to treat infections of the skin, respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts, and other parts of the body. Fresh herb tinctures are simple to make, convenient to use, and shelf stable for many years.