We have bee balm….. I mean have we got bee balm!!! My mom tried to rip the bee balm out, but it has relentlessly continued to grow. This was all before we started a lifestyle change. I was recently looking into flowers we can grow in complete shade and also use on the dinner table. Bee balm happened to appear on a list I pulled up.
Bee balm, now that struck my fancy! So I looked into it and
let me tell you, bee balm will no longer be torn out of the garden! Every part
of the plant can be used. Every single part! Talk about no waste.
So, why bee balm, what does it do? Well you can use it
internally and externally. Let’s
start off with its family, the mint family. That said, most of us would know we
could use the leaves to make mint tea, mint water, etc. The flower petals are
also edible, making an attractive pop of color in salads. So what does this
plant do to help you internally? Well it helps with general digestion, gas, poor appetite, colic, bloating, nausea, and
vomiting. It is also said to
help with menstrual cramps and insomnia.
Be balm can also be used externally. Steamed in hot water
mint can help to sooth cold symptoms,
sore throat, fever, and congestion. As an ointment it is used to speed the healing of minor wounds, insect
bites/stings, eczema, psoriasis, cold sores, and acne, as well as a pain
reliever. Make a compress out of a cloth soaked in bee balm tea to use its
antiseptic and antibacterial properties.
Finally, we all hate being attacked by bugs. You can rub bee
balm leaves on your skin to act as insect repellent. However, this can make
your skin extra sensitive to the sun resulting in burns.
As always be careful using natures bounty if you have
allergies, thyroid issues, or are pregnant. Use with caution and do some research
before using to make sure this is safe for you and/or your family.
Pages used to gather info:
http://www.altnature.com/gallery/beebalm.htm
This blog has been linked to
Homestead Barn Hop 69
Homestead Blog Carnival 15
This blog has been linked to
Homestead Barn Hop 69
Homestead Blog Carnival 15
I have had bee balm for years, but all of a sudden this year it did not do well. It is crowded out now by what I call wild little sunflowers. Never knew it had so many uses.
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