Bee balm – also known as wild oregano – is a beautiful flowering plant, with bright red petals, making it a beautiful addition to the mint branch of the herb family. Its medicinal qualities are well known, as a result of its antibacterial properties, due to a high content of thymol.

Medicinal properties of Bee Balm
Thymol, which is a common ingredient in mouthwash, is known for its antibacterial properties and has been found to be present in the herb known as bee balm. Common homeopathic remedies which include bee balm are footbaths and vaginal douches – utilizing its antifungal ingredient; treatment of cuts, abrasions and other skin invasions – due to its antiseptic nature; and the combating of warts and intestinal worms, as well as to increase the presence of mucous, when necessary. Sore throats can be treated by boiling the portion of the herb that grows above the ground, and is sometimes used as a mild oral anesthetic. The bee balm herb can also be incorporated into a steam bath, which is known to ease respiratory ailments, such as bronchitis.

In earlier times, the oil of this herb was applied to the head to ward off irritants, and was often used as a liniment, as well. Dried leaves were used to stave off vomiting and nausea.

The Use of Bee Balm in Cooking
Of the known varieties of bee balm, each one offers its own list of foods or beverages that most commonly call for this type of herb. Scarlet and lavender bee balm plants are the most popular varieties that are used in cooking.

Scarlet bee balm is generally used as a flavoring herb for dishes which include meat, duck and sausages. This variety of the herb provides a great partnership for fruits such as apples, melons, strawberries and those of the citrus family.

Lavender bee balm has a spicy citrus flavor and provides the perfect complement to a variety of fish dishes, as well as to a number of meals which include meat and pork. If you’re a fan of Earl Grey tea, you can make your own by combining the leaves of this herb with black tea before brewing.

In the summertime, the bee balm herb can be used to make a delight iced tea or flavorful punch.

Bee Balm’s Other Uses
In addition to the more traditional uses of cooking and homeopathic medicines, this herb is also used when building a bee or butterfly garden, due to its attractive aroma and colorful flowers. The petals of the bee balm’s flowers – depending upon the particular variety of the herb – can be found in pink, salmon, red, blue, purple and white.

Craft items, such as swags, wreaths and dried flower arrangements, often call upon the beauty of this herb. Dried bunches of bee balm can be used in kitchens to offer a more rustic look, and bits of it can be added to gifts as a fragrant complement to the bow.

The next time you’re tossing around the idea of creating an herb garden, consider including bee balm. It’s beauty, fragrance and restorative powers make this a gardener’s delight.