Listen to "Show 39: Monarda, Saint John's Wort and Yarrow" on Spreaker.
In this episode I discuss how to Identify and use Monarda/Bee Balm/Bergamot, Saint John's Wort and Yarrow.
Read about my new book, Look Up: The Medicinal Trees of the American South, An Herbalist's Guide: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2021/06/paypal-safer-easier-way-to-pay-online.html
Click here to read about The Herbs and Weeds of Fr. Johannes Künzle: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2021/05/announcing-new-book-herbs-and-weeds-of.html
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Where I live monarda punctata grows wild. I've seen caution advised using it saying it can be fatal in large doses. My family has used it infused in vinegar and then adding honey to make an oxymel and we haven't died. I am worried about damaging organs or something though. I'm curious on your opinion on this plant? Is it to be avoided? Here's a local to me source on the subject. http://www.eattheweeds.com/monarda-punctata-bergamots-bud-2/
ReplyDeleteAny plant containing thymol can be toxic in extremely large doses. In their natural state or simply processed, I would consider these to be unreasonably large doses. Of course, most (if not all) essential oils can be toxic. None of the mint or sage families... or really anything else, should be taken to an extreme. Here is what Plants for A Future says on puntata http://www.naturalmedicinalherbs.net/herbs/m/monarda-punctata=horse-mint.php
DeleteEat The Weeds is a very good foraging site. If they advise caution, then caution should be taken. But honestly, caution should always be taken... but not to the point of outright avoidance except with truly poisonous plants (poison hemlock, for instance). I use very small amounts of several poisonous plants in controlled doses for specific uses.