Monarda fistulosa (Wild bergamot, bee balm) Mint Family Description Native to the Eastern United States. Perennial. Flowers in July, ripens in August. The flowers are hermaphrodite. (1) Plant Chemistry The essential oil contains 34 components, of which the main ones are α-pinene (3.5%), β-pinene (2.9%), α-terpinene (1.7%), p-cymene (32.5), an aliphatic aldehyde (6.3%), sabinene hydrate (1.9%), β-caryophyllene (1.1%), the methyl ether of carvacrol (5.5%), citronellyl acetate (1.6%), thymol (12.6%), and carvacrol (24.0% ) (3) Edible Uses The leaves and flowers are edible, raw or cooked. (1) Medicinal Uses Was used by Native Americans for various complaints, but especially those of the digestive system. The leaves and flowering stems are carminative, diaphoretic, diuretic and stimulant. An infusion is used internally for the treatment for colds, catarrh, headaches, gastric disorders, insomnia aching kidneys, and to soothe fevers and sore throats. Externally it is applied as a poultice to skin eruptions, and as a wash for sore eyes. The leaves can be harvested either before or after the plant flowers and can be used fresh or dried. (1) Fresh or dried plant boiled in water to inhale oil for bronchial ailments. (2) Other Uses The leaves have been used as an insect repellent. (1) Growing Not frost tender, hardy to zone 4. Cannot grow in shade. Attracts bees and butterflies. (1) Bibliography (1) pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Monarda+fistulos (2) wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=MOFI (3) link.springer/article/10.1007%2FBF00598073
Posted on: Thu, 20 Nov 2014 21:34:18 +0000
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