Monarda goes by several names, including Bee Balm, Wild Bergamot and Oswego Tea. Moreover, seven specific varieties are used medicinally: Monarda citriodora (Lemon Bergamot), Monarda clinopodia (White Basil-Balm), Monarda didyma (Bergamot Family, Monarda fistulosa (Wild Bergamot), Monarda menthifolia (Mint-Leaved Bergamot or Monarda fistulosa menthifolia), Monarda pectinata (Plains Lemon Monarda), Monarda punctata (Horse Mint). I am blessed to have two varieties of Monarda that grow wild where I live, didyma and clinopodia, with the deep red didyma beeng most abundant. These self sow all over the places in my yard that I let grow wild, appearing under our native Turks Cap Lilies, with Solompn’s Seal, Wild Carrot, Wild Hydrangeas, Perrywinkles, Ferns and hostas. This attracts numerous hummingbirds who visit each flower seemingly as regularly as clockwork. Bee Balm (as it is usually called in the Appalachians) is an herb that gives me a lot of relaxation and pleasure. It is also strongly medicinal.
Interestingly, although this herb was known to Europeans, there is scant mention of it in historic European herbalism. I find no mention of its use among the ancient Greeks or Romans, or even in Monastic Medicine. In fact, the only way I know that Moarda was used in Central Europe is a mention by Sophie Hodorowicz that in times of scarcity, Bee Balm was a popular tea substitute in Poland. She describes it as growing wild on the edges of meadows and roadsides.
The first reference I find to Monarda in British Herbal Medicine is from Maude Grieve in 1931. She considers it an AMerican herb and indeed, that is where we find most information about its use:
So far, Monarda punctata is considered the only plant indigenous to North America which can be looked upon as a fruitful source of Thymol, though another American swamp plant, closely allied to it, M. didyma, the Scarlet Monarda, is said to yield an oil of similar composition, though not to the same degree.
---Description---This species, on account of its aromatic odour, has become a favourite in our gardens. It has showy, scarlet flowers in large heads or whorls at the top of the stem, supported by leafy bracts, the leaflets of which are of a pale-green colour tinged with red. Its square, grooved and hard stems rise about 2 feet high, and the leaves which it bears in pairs are rather rough on both surfaces.
The whole plant is strongly impregnated with a delightful fragrance; even after the darkly-coloured leaves have died away, the surface rootlets give off the pleasant smell by which the plant has earned its common name 'Bergamot,' it being reminiscent of the aroma of the Bergamot Orange.
It is known in America as 'Oswego Tea,' because an infusion of its young leaves used to form a common beverage in many parts of the United States.
It is also sometimes called 'Bee Balm,' as bees are fond of its blossoms, which secrete much nectar.
It delights in a moist, light soil, and in a situation where the plants have only the morning sun, where they will continue in flower longer than those which are exposed to the full sun. It is a very ornamental plant and readily propagated by its creeping roots and by slips or cuttings, which, if planted in a shady corner in May, will take root in the same manner as the other Mints.
Monarda had both wide medicinal use and was considered a tea substitute among several Native American tribes and in early America. By far, among the Native herbal traditions I have studies, the Muskogee seem to have placed the most emphasis on Monarda. Ts Mal Crow tells us:
Sweet Leaf/Wild Bergamot (Monarda) is one of the Muskogee Seven Sacred Medicines. As with the other sacred plants that we will discuss, it seems to be almost a panacea or a cure-all because it will fix so many problems.
… Sweet Leaf is an excellent example of the doctrine of signatures. The Latin name of Wild Bergamot is Monarda fistulosa. Fistulosa refers to the little tubes or fistulas in the flower. THe doctrine of signatures tells us that this plant has to do with diseases of the tubes, but here it is more specific to the ear. Another signature of the plant is the color purple> Things that are colored purple have to do with nerves, passions and the heart or human spirit. In this case it tells us that it is a nerve tonic.
He lists Monarda as useful for burns, lung infection, tuberculosis, bird sickness (a viral infection from birds), rashes, dermatitis, stings, bites, nerves, depression, anxiety, insomnia, hyperactivity, calming anger or violence, “corpse sickness” or depression caused by being around death, severed or damaged nerves, burns, sunburns, fevers, hypothermia, frostbite, digestion, for both the upper and lower digestive tract, urinary tract, blood infection, syphilis, gonorrhea, relaxing and soothing sore muscles, appendicitis, in love potions, teas for sipping, smoking mixtures, smudges for sore throat, upper respiratory infections, as an expectorant, in soaps, etc - so yes, basically a panacea!
Plants of The Cherokee lists the traditional use of the Monardas as:
Horsemint - a poultice of the plant is used for headache…. “When I was a boy it was gathered in large bundles to hang up… it was used for colds.”
Monarda didyma - To stop a nose bleed sniff an infusion made of crushed leaves. .. (or) To stop a nosebleed, dampen the head with and drink a cold root infusion. … A hot leaf tea brought out the measles when everything else failed.
Monarda fistulosa - A warm poultice will relieve headache.
Herbal Remedies of the Lumbee Indians is an interesting Native American herbal (not only because I grew up in and around the Lumbee Tribe of NC and have several relatives in the tribe), but because the Lumbee people are a mixture of the remnants of several tribes that called the area of the Lumber, Waccamaw, Pee Dee (etc) Rivers and swamps home, while also likely incorporating the remnants of the Lost Colony and escaped slaves. For that reason, the Lumbee herbal tradition is representative of a great conglomerate of culture and practice, from Native/pre-colonial to early America. The Monarda punctata is the one they used under the name Horsemint:
The principal use of horsemint was external, and in its pure state , was thought to be a vesicant. (blistering agent) Lumbee healers were careful to dilute horesemint with water, soap liniment or olive oil (in later times). However, some Lumbee also viewed horsemint as an expectorant, emenagogue and diuretic to treat urinary disorders. Horsemint or Oswego tea was applied as a salve to treat backache and chronic rheumatism. A leaf poultice was manufactured for the treatment of headache and cold. A leaf top tea was used by the Lumbee to treat weak bowels and stomach. The Lumbee also used Oswego to treat female obstructions. Some Lumbee healers suggested a tea of the leaves and roots to be wiped on the head in case of nosebleed. Occasionally a healer would use a hot leaf tea to bring out measles, to treat heart trouble, to treat fever, to encourage restful sleep, to relieve flatulent colic, and to sweat off colds and flu. Horsemint was also used long ago as a treatment for smallpox.
King’s American Dispensatory from 1898 tells us of Monarda’s official use in medicine:
Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage.—Horsemint is stimulant, carminative, sudorific, diuretic, and anti-emetic. The infusion or essence is used in flatulence, nausea, vomiting, and as a diuretic in suppression of the urine, and other urinary disorders. The warm infusion is a stimulating diaphoretic, and has acquired some celebrity as an emmenagogue; it may be drank freely. The oil is extremely sharp and pungent, and applied to the skin, excites heat and redness, and if too long or too closely applied, will produce a painful blister. It is used like peppermint oil internally, and is employed locally in embrocations to relieve pain. The full strength oil may be used upon neuralgic parts. The M. didyma and M. fistulosa may be used as substitutes for the above.
Related Species.—Monarda didyma, Linné; Oswego tea. This species grows in the Alleghany Mountains, from North Carolina northward to Canada. In the northern states it often grows along streams and in other wet situations. The flower is composed of a showy, large crimson corolla, and crimson-stained bracts. The stamens are much exserted. It is often cultivated in gardens.
Monarda fistulosa, Linné; Wild bergamot, also called Horsemint. From New England states west and south, growing in thickets. Flowers are in a terminal head, large, and have a greenish, white, light lilac, or blue corolla. It is a variable species. The uses of these two species are similar to those of horsemint. The chemical composition of the oil of this plant is analogous to that of Monarda punctata, carvacrol taking the place of its isomer, thymol, contained in the latter plant. Less than 2 per cent of thymol is present in the oil of M. fistulosa. The latter also contains a crystalline red coloring matter resembling alizarin (see E. J. Melzner and Edward Kremers, Proc. Amer. Pharm. Assoc., 1896, p. 242, and Pharm. Archives, Vol. II, 1899, p. 76).
Plants for a Future lists the modern use of the Monardas as:
Lemon Bergamot: Leaves - raw or cooked. They are used as a flavouring in salads and cooked foods and also as a tea. They have a pleasant lemon flavour.
White Basil-Balm: The fresh or dried leaves and flower heads are brewed into a tea. Said to be excellent when mixed with other teas.
Medicinal use of Monarda didyma: Bergamot is often used as a domestic medicine, being particularly useful in the treatment of digestive disorders. The leaves and flowering stems are anthelmintic, carminative, diuretic, expectorant, febrifuge, rubefacient and stimulant. An infusion is used in the treatment of flatulent colic and sickness, it is also used as a diuretic to treat urinary disorders. The leaves can be harvested before the plant flowers, or they can be harvested with the flowering stems. They can be used fresh or dried. An essential oil from the herb is mainly used externally as a rubefacient in the treatment of rheumatism etc.
Medicinal use of Monarda fistulosa: Wild bergamot was often employed medicinally by several native North American Indian tribes who used it to treat a variety of complaints, but especially those connected with the digestive system. It is still sometimes used in modern herbalism. The leaves and flowering stems are carminative, diaphoretic, diuretic and stimulant. An infusion is used internally in the treatment of colds, catarrh, headaches, gastric disorders, aching kidneys, to reduce low fevers and soothe sore throats. Externally, it is applied as a poultice to skin eruptions, cuts etc and as a wash for sore eyes. The leaves can be harvested before the plant flowers, or they can be harvested with the flowering stems. They can be used fresh or dried. The plant contains the essential oil "bergamot oil" which can be inhaled to treat bronchial complaints. The leaves also contain "thymol", an essential oil that can be used to expel gas from the digestive tract.
Medicinal use of Mint-Leaved Bergamot: The leaves and flowering stems are anaesthetic, antiseptic and diaphoretic. An infusion is used in the treatment of fevers and sore throats. The pulverized plant has been rubbed on the head to bring relief from a headache. An infusion of the plant is used as a wash on wounds. The plant is a source of the medicinal essential oil "thymol", which is antiseptic.
Medicinal use of Plains Lemon Monarda: The plant is analgesic, antiseptic and stomachic. An infusion has been used in the treatment of coughs, colds, fevers and stomach complaints. The plant has been rubbed on the head to bring relief from headache. An infusion of the flowers has been used as a wash on insect bites and stings.
Medicinal use of Horse Mint: Horse mint was traditionally taken by several native North American Indian tribes to treat nausea and vomiting, and to encourage perspiration during colds. It was also applied externally as a poultice to treat swellings and rheumatic pains. Nowadays it is used primarily to treat digestive and upper respiratory tract problems. The leaves are carminative, diaphoretic, diuretic, emmenagogue, rubefacient, stimulant, stomachic and vesicant. An infusion of the leaves is used in the treatment of flatulence, nausea, indigestion, catarrh in the upper respiratory tract, and to induce sweating and promote urination. The herb is principally used externally as a rubefacient, applied as a poultice it helps to lessen the pain of arthritic joints by increasing the flow of blood in the area and thereby hastening the flushing out of toxins. The leaves can be harvested before the plant flowers, or they can be harvested with the flowering stems. They can be used fresh or dried. The plant is a rich source of the medicinal essential oil "thymol", which is antiseptic. The plant has been commercially cultivated for its essential oil, though this is now produced synthetically. Thymol is also an effective hookworm remedy, but must be ingested in such large quantities that it can prove fatal to the patient.
While not exclusively a native herb, I think we can attribute our knowledge of Monarda largely to Native American herbalism. I think worth noting that while the history of conquest and colonialism is universally bloody and horrible, it was also how much knowledge was shared among people who would otherwise have little or no contact. In the Lumbee language, coffee is called “elliac” (or ellic, elik, etc), and that is how many of the older folks in my family referred to both coffee and hot tea when I was a child. To “mommick” something meant to really mess it up. And, the verb to be, (am, is, are, etc) was almost always stated as a derivative of be… as in “I be, he be’s, it be.” Unfortunately, that generation of my family has long since passed away, so I can’t be sure that elliac is the proper term for hot tea. But, I’ll take a chance and close by saying “I be’s going to go fix a cup of elliac, to toast in honor of my great grandmother,” and as she would say, I’ll “try not to mommick it up!”
Author: Judson Carroll. Judson Carroll is an Herbalist from the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. His weekly articles may be read at http://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/
His weekly podcast may be heard at: www.spreaker.com/show/southern-appalachian-herbs
He offers free, weekly herb classes:
His New Book is Christian Herbal Medicine, History and Practice
His other works include:
Herbal Medicine for Preppers, Homesteaders and Permaculture People by Judson Carroll
You can read about and purchase Herbal Medicine for Preppers, Homesteaders and Permaculture People here: southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2021/10/herbal-medicine-for-preppers.html
Also available on Amazon: Herbal Medicine for Preppers, Homesteaders and Permaculture People: Carroll, Judson: 9798491252923: Amazon.com: Books
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
The Herbs and Weeds of Fr. Johannes Künzle: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2021/05/announcing-new-book-herbs-and-weeds-of.html
Disclaimer
The information on this site is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease or condition. Nothing on this site has been evaluated or approved by the FDA. I am not a doctor. The US government does not recognize the practice of herbal medicine and their is no governing body regulating herbalists. Therefore, I'm just a guy who studies herbs. I am not offering any advice. I won't even claim that anything I write is accurate or true! I can tell you what herbs have "traditionally been used for." I can tell you my own experience and if I believe an herb helped me. I cannot, nor would I tell you to do the same. If you use any herb I, or anyone else, mentions you are treating yourself. You take full responsibility for your health. Humans are individuals and no two are identical. What works for me may not work for you. You may have an allergy, sensitivity or underlying condition that no one else shares and you don't even know about. Be careful with your health. By continuing to read my blog you agree to be responsible for yourself, do your own research, make your own choices and not to blame me for anything, ever.
No comments:
Post a Comment