Quick answer
Bee balm (Monarda didyma), also called bergamot or Oswego tea, is a North American perennial in the mint family with spicy, citrusy leaves and scarlet flowers loved by bees. Its leaves and flowers are traditionally used as an aromatic tea herb and for digestion. It grows 60–120cm tall in rich, moist soil in sun and is harvested as it comes into bloom in midsummer.
At a Glance
| Latin name | Monarda didyma |
| Family | Lamiaceae (mint family) |
| Parts used | Leaves and flowers |
| Taste & scent | Spicy, citrusy and a little like oregano; the scent recalls bergamot orange |
| Traditionally used as | An aromatic tea herb, digestive and warming winter herb |
| In the garden | Showy perennial for moist, rich soil in sun; loved by bees and butterflies |
| Harvest | Leaves and flowers as the plant comes into bloom, midsummer |
The tea of the Boston Tea Party: colonists brewed “Oswego tea” from bee balm when they gave up English tea.
Grow your own bee balm
Our Wild Bergamot seeds (Monarda fistulosa) grow bee balm’s lilac-flowered cousin. Bergamot is also one of ten herbs in our Apothecary Garden Seed Kit.
Shop Wild Bergamot SeedsApothecary Garden KitBotanical Name: Monarda didyma L.
Common Names:
Bee Balm, Bergamot, Wild Bergamot, Oswego Tea, Scarlet Beebalm, Horsemint, Monarda
Family:
Lamiaceae (Mint family)
Plant Description:
Bee Balm (Monarda didyma) is a perennial herb native to North America, found in moist, sunny meadows and woodlands. The plant grows to 60–120 cm (2–4 feet) with aromatic, jagged, opposite leaves and tubular flowers ranging from vibrant red to pink or purple. It has a distinctive spicy-sweet fragrance reminiscent of bergamot orange and attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Habitat and Distribution:
Native to Eastern and Central North America, found in moist, rich soils of meadows, prairies, and wood edges. Thrives in full sun and is commonly cultivated in gardens.
Parts Used:
- Aerial parts (leaves, stems, and flowers)
- Essential oil (from the leaves and flowers)
Constituents:
- Essential oils (thymol, carvacrol, geraniol, citronellol, p-cymene)
- Flavonoids (luteolin, quercetin)
- Tannins
- Phenolic acids (rosmarinic acid)
- Terpenes (borneol, eugenol, myrcene)
- Organic acids (citric acid, malic acid)
- Mucilage
- Bitter compounds
Traditional Uses:
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Digestive Health: Carminative properties relieve indigestion, gas, bloating, and mild cramping. Stimulates digestion and improves gastrointestinal function.
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Respiratory Health: Expectorant qualities treat coughs, colds, and respiratory congestion. Used in herbal steam inhalations and teas for bronchitis and asthma.
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Antimicrobial and Antiseptic: Used to disinfect wounds, cuts, and abrasions. Applied topically in poultices or salves for skin infections.
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Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory: Flavonoids and phenolic compounds reduce inflammation in arthritis and inflammatory skin conditions.
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Antispasmodic and Calming: Mild sedative effects relieve tension, anxiety, and mild stress. Helps with tension headaches and stress-related discomfort.
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Skin Health: Treats minor skin irritations, insect bites, rashes, cuts, eczema, and other inflammatory skin conditions.
Folklore & Legend
The genus is named after Nicolás Monardes, a sixteenth-century physician of Seville who wrote one of the first European books on the medicinal plants of the Americas, although he never crossed the Atlantic himself.
Bee balm was a familiar tea plant to the Oswego people and their neighbours around Lake Ontario, and European settlers learned from them to brew its leaves. After the Boston Tea Party of 1773, when colonists turned their backs on taxed English tea, “Oswego tea” became one of the patriotic alternatives.
Its other common name, bergamot, comes from its scent, which reminded early gardeners of the bergamot orange used to flavour Earl Grey tea. Seed reached England in the eighteenth century and it soon became a cottage-garden favourite, prized as much for its shaggy scarlet flowers as for its fragrance.
Modern Applications:
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Digestive Aid: Included in digestive teas to ease indigestion, bloating, gas, and mild cramping. Also used to stimulate appetite and relieve nausea.
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Respiratory Support: Included in herbal formulations for cough syrups, teas, and inhalants for clearing mucus and relieving respiratory congestion.
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Antioxidant Support: High flavonoid and phenolic content helps reduce oxidative stress and inflammation.
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Topical Skin Care: Used in creams, lotions, and salves for minor cuts, wounds, skin rashes, and acne. Relieves itching from insect bites or allergic reactions.
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Herbal Teas and Culinary Uses: Leaves and flowers used in herbal teas with a pleasant citrus-spicy flavour. Also used as a flavouring in salads, beverages, and desserts.
Preparations:
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Infusion/Tea: Use 1–2 teaspoons of dried flowers or leaves per cup of boiling water. Steep for 5–10 minutes. Drink 2–3 times daily.
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Tincture: 2–4 mL (1:5 ratio), 2–3 times daily.
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Topical Poultice or Salve: Apply crushed fresh leaves or a prepared salve directly to affected skin areas.
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Steam Inhalation: Add dried Bee Balm to a bowl of hot water and inhale the steam to relieve respiratory congestion.
In Our Garden: Growing Notes
- Position: Full sun or light shade in rich soil that stays moist in summer.
- Avoid mildew: Give plants space for air to move between them and water at the base rather than over the leaves. Powdery mildew is its one common weakness.
- Keep it vigorous: Lift and divide clumps every three years in spring, replanting the healthy outer pieces.
- Harvest: Pick leaves and flowers on a dry morning as the plant comes into bloom, and dry them in small bunches in the shade.
- For wildlife: The tubular flowers are a magnet for bumblebees and butterflies.
Recipes to Try
These recipes are for enjoyment and traditional interest, not to treat any condition. Please read the safety notes below, and check with a pharmacist or GP if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or preparing for children.
Oswego Tea
A simple, fragrant cup in the spirit of the original colonial brew.
You will need
- 1–2 teaspoons dried bee balm leaves and flowers (or a small handful fresh)
- 1 mug of freshly boiled water
- Honey or a slice of orange, to taste
Method
- Place the herb in a mug or teapot and pour over the water.
- Cover and steep for 5–8 minutes; longer makes it more peppery.
- Strain and sweeten with honey or add a slice of orange to echo its bergamot scent.
Bee Balm Petal Butter
The edible petals add colour and a spicy, citrus note. Lovely on warm bread, new potatoes or grilled vegetables.
You will need
- 125 g softened unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh bee balm petals, pulled from the flower heads
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped bee balm leaf
- A pinch of flaky sea salt
Method
- Make sure the petals are clean and dry, and use only flowers that have not been sprayed.
- Mash everything together with a fork until evenly mixed.
- Roll into a log in baking paper, chill until firm, and slice to serve. Use within a week.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is bee balm traditionally used for?
Bee balm is traditionally used as an aromatic tea herb and a digestive, warming winter herb. Its leaves and edible petals are also used to flavour salads, drinks and desserts.
Why is bee balm called Oswego tea?
The Oswego people around Lake Ontario brewed it as a tea, and European settlers learned it from them. After the Boston Tea Party, colonists drank Oswego tea in place of English tea.
Why is bee balm called bergamot?
Its scent reminded early gardeners of the bergamot orange, the citrus used to flavour Earl Grey tea.
How do you make bee balm tea?
Use 1–2 teaspoons of dried leaves and flowers, or a small handful of fresh, per mug of freshly boiled water. Cover and steep for 5–8 minutes, then strain. A slice of orange echoes its bergamot scent.
Are bee balm flowers edible?
Yes. The petals add colour and a spicy citrus note to butter, salads and desserts. Use only flowers that have not been sprayed.
How do you grow bee balm?
Give it full sun or light shade in rich soil that stays moist in summer. Space plants well and water at the base to avoid powdery mildew, and divide clumps every three years in spring.
Is bee balm safe?
It is generally considered safe when used as directed. People sensitive to mint-family plants should take care, it may enhance sedative medicines, and you should check with a healthcare provider before use if pregnant or breastfeeding.
Safety and Contraindications:
- General Safety: Generally considered safe when used as directed.
- Pregnancy and Lactation: Consult a healthcare provider before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Allergic Reactions: Those sensitive to plants in the Lamiaceae (mint) family should use with caution.
- Drug Interactions: May enhance the effects of sedative medications. Consult a healthcare provider if on CNS medications.
Conclusion:
Bee Balm (Monarda didyma) is a versatile North American herb with a rich history of medicinal use. Its antimicrobial, digestive, respiratory, and anti-inflammatory properties make it a valuable addition to any herbal medicine cabinet. Whether used as a tea, tincture, or topical preparation, Bee Balm offers a range of therapeutic benefits with a pleasant aromatic profile.
Grow Your Own Bee Balm
Bring the bees and butterflies to your garden with our Wild Bergamot seeds, or grow bergamot as part of our Apothecary Garden Healing Herb Seed Kit.