An In-Depth Guide To Using Bee Balm's Antibiotic Properties
Bee balm is the common name for a number of species of plants in the Mint family. All species of the Mondara genus are Native to North America and have been used by Native Americans for centuries. And with good reason. The bee balm genus is a group of plants that have a natural antibiotic chemical in it.
Before you are able to use bee balm, you must first know how to identify it. Identifying bee balm in the wild is crucial for safe foraging and usage. Here are the key features to help you identify it correctly.
Height: Bee balm typically grows between 2 to 4 feet tall, with a square stem. Other plants will also have a square stem so that alone is not sufficient for identification. Additionally the 2-3 inch long leaves will be arranged in an alternate arrangement. They have a distinct smell which will help you remember this plant in the future after you have smelled it. Smell is one of the strongest memories that doesn't fade as quickly from your memory.
The flowers are tubular flowers that grow in clusters. The flowers vary in color from red to light pink. The flowers bloom between late spring and early fall. While each species has slightly different looking flowers their general shape and appearance are similar.
Bee balm is most often found in open fields, prairies and on the edges of forest or streams. It prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil.
A variety of chemicals give bee balm its antibacterial and therapeutic properties. Below is a summary of these attributes:
Inactive Substances
The antimicrobial qualities of bee balm are mainly attributed to thymol and carvacrol. They are recognized for their capacity to combat bacteria, fungus, and viruses.
Eugenol: This substance can help lessen pain and inflammation since it has antibacterial and analgesic (pain-relieving) qualities.
Rosmarinic Acid: This antioxidant chemical can help treat infections and inflammations because of its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Flavonoids: These naturally occurring antioxidants have extra antibacterial properties and strengthen the immune system.
Bee balm has strong antibacterial properties that work against bacterial strains like Salmonella, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus. This is due in part to its high thymol concentration. The herb has been used traditionally to treat a variety of respiratory, throat, and skin bacterial illnesses.
Topical Use: Bee balm can be applied as a poultice or infused in oil to treat skin infections, minor wounds, and fungal infections like athlete's foot.
Internal Use: Taken internally as a tea or tincture, bee balm can help treat bacterial infections in the digestive or respiratory systems.
It's crucial to collect and prepare bee balm in a way that maintains its medicinal qualities after you've recognized it correctly.
Also for illnesses such as a lung infection or sinus infection you will can place the plant material in a pot and boil bring it to a boil. You then inhale the steam and vapors to bring the medicinal agents directly to the area of infection.
Harvesting
Time: The best time to harvest bee balm is just before or during its peak bloom (late spring to mid-summer), when its medicinal properties are at their highest concentration.
What to Collect: Collect the leaves and flowers. The leaves contain the highest concentration of thymol, while the flowers are often used for teas.
Drying: If you don't plan on using the fresh herb immediately, drying bee balm is a good option. Bundle the stems together and hang them upside down in a cool, dry, and dark area.
Preparation:
Bee Balm Tea
Bee balm tea is one of the simplest and most effective ways to consume the herb. It's beneficial for soothing sore throats, treating colds, and supporting the respiratory system.
Use 1 tablespoon of dried bee balm (or 2 tablespoons of fresh bee balm) for every cup of boiling water. Steep for 10-15 minutes, strain, and drink as often as possible while sick. Some say three times a day, others say as much as possible.
Bee Balm Tincture
Tinctures are highly concentrated extracts made using drinking alcohol, which help preserve the medicinal properties over time. A tincture is ideal for fighting systemic infections, such as digestive or urinary tract infections.
Although bee balm is generally safe for most people, there are a few precautions to consider. Some individuals with sensitivities to plants in the mint family may experience allergic reactions, including skin irritation. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare provider before using bee balm, especially in concentrated forms like tinctures.
A powerful medicinal herb, bee balm provides a natural remedy for bacterial illnesses. Its antibacterial characteristics, due to the presence of thymol and other active chemicals, make it especially useful for respiratory, intestinal, and skin diseases. You can utilize bee balm's therapeutic properties in a variety of ways, such as teas, tinctures, poultices, and oil infusions, by carefully recognizing and preparing it. Always be sure to speak with a healthcare professional to ensure the safe and efficient usage of bee balm in your regimen, particularly if you are nursing, pregnant, or taking medication.
Before you are able to use bee balm, you must first know how to identify it. Identifying bee balm in the wild is crucial for safe foraging and usage. Here are the key features to help you identify it correctly.
The flowers are tubular flowers that grow in clusters. The flowers vary in color from red to light pink. The flowers bloom between late spring and early fall. While each species has slightly different looking flowers their general shape and appearance are similar.
Bee balm is most often found in open fields, prairies and on the edges of forest or streams. It prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil.
A variety of chemicals give bee balm its antibacterial and therapeutic properties. Below is a summary of these attributes:
Inactive Substances
The antimicrobial qualities of bee balm are mainly attributed to thymol and carvacrol. They are recognized for their capacity to combat bacteria, fungus, and viruses.
Eugenol: This substance can help lessen pain and inflammation since it has antibacterial and analgesic (pain-relieving) qualities.
Rosmarinic Acid: This antioxidant chemical can help treat infections and inflammations because of its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Flavonoids: These naturally occurring antioxidants have extra antibacterial properties and strengthen the immune system.
Bee balm has strong antibacterial properties that work against bacterial strains like Salmonella, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus. This is due in part to its high thymol concentration. The herb has been used traditionally to treat a variety of respiratory, throat, and skin bacterial illnesses.
Topical Use: Bee balm can be applied as a poultice or infused in oil to treat skin infections, minor wounds, and fungal infections like athlete's foot.
It's crucial to collect and prepare bee balm in a way that maintains its medicinal qualities after you've recognized it correctly.
Also for illnesses such as a lung infection or sinus infection you will can place the plant material in a pot and boil bring it to a boil. You then inhale the steam and vapors to bring the medicinal agents directly to the area of infection.
Harvesting
Time: The best time to harvest bee balm is just before or during its peak bloom (late spring to mid-summer), when its medicinal properties are at their highest concentration.
What to Collect: Collect the leaves and flowers. The leaves contain the highest concentration of thymol, while the flowers are often used for teas.
Drying: If you don't plan on using the fresh herb immediately, drying bee balm is a good option. Bundle the stems together and hang them upside down in a cool, dry, and dark area.
Tip: Avoid using anything except the healthy leaves and flowers. Avoid any parts that shows signs of mildew or insect activity.
NEVER use if you are pregnate!
NEVER use if you are pregnate!
Preparation:
Bee Balm Tea
Bee balm tea is one of the simplest and most effective ways to consume the herb. It's beneficial for soothing sore throats, treating colds, and supporting the respiratory system.
Use 1 tablespoon of dried bee balm (or 2 tablespoons of fresh bee balm) for every cup of boiling water. Steep for 10-15 minutes, strain, and drink as often as possible while sick. Some say three times a day, others say as much as possible.
Bee Balm Tincture
Tinctures are highly concentrated extracts made using drinking alcohol, which help preserve the medicinal properties over time. A tincture is ideal for fighting systemic infections, such as digestive or urinary tract infections.
- Fill a jar halfway with chopped fresh bee balm leaves and flowers.
- Cover the plant material with 80-100 proof alcohol (vodka or brandy).
- Seal the jar tightly and shake daily. Let it sit in a dark place for 4-6 weeks.
- Strain the plant material, and store the tincture in a dark glass bottle. Use 20-30 drops in water, up to three times a day.
- Crush or finely chop fresh bee balm leaves and flowers to release the juices.
- Apply the paste directly to the affected area, cover it with a clean cloth or bandage, and leave it on for several hours.
- Alternatively, you can steep bee balm in hot water, soak a cloth in the infusion, and apply it as a compress.
- Fill a jar halfway with dried bee balm and cover it with a carrier oil (like olive oil).
- Place the jar in a sunny windowsill for 4-6 weeks, shaking occasionally.
- Strain out the plant material, and use the infused oil on the skin as needed.
Although bee balm is generally safe for most people, there are a few precautions to consider. Some individuals with sensitivities to plants in the mint family may experience allergic reactions, including skin irritation. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare provider before using bee balm, especially in concentrated forms like tinctures.
A powerful medicinal herb, bee balm provides a natural remedy for bacterial illnesses. Its antibacterial characteristics, due to the presence of thymol and other active chemicals, make it especially useful for respiratory, intestinal, and skin diseases. You can utilize bee balm's therapeutic properties in a variety of ways, such as teas, tinctures, poultices, and oil infusions, by carefully recognizing and preparing it. Always be sure to speak with a healthcare professional to ensure the safe and efficient usage of bee balm in your regimen, particularly if you are nursing, pregnant, or taking medication.
