Monarda, popularly known as bee balm, stands out as a remarkable botanical asset, offering both aesthetic beauty and practical utility for home apothecaries. This adaptable plant presents numerous varieties, each contributing distinct advantages for health and culinary pursuits, alongside straightforward cultivation methods.
Witnessing the vibrant spectacle of Monarda fistulosa blooms, resembling explosions of pink and lavender, under the intense summer sun, evokes cherished memories of collecting these exquisite flowers. Their unique forms captivated observers, while butterflies and bees danced around, drawn by the sweet nectar. Such foraging expeditions often concluded with a refreshing dip in the river, a delightful reward after a successful harvest.
Among the various Monarda species valued by herbalists, M. fistulosa is particularly prominent due to its widespread distribution across North America, including most parts of the United States and Canada. The genus Monarda honors the Spanish botanist Nicolás Monardes, who documented American flora. However, Indigenous North American communities utilized this herb for both food and medicine long before European arrival. Its thymol and carvacrol content give Monarda a flavor and aroma similar to oregano, making it suitable for comparable applications.
Monarda is recognized for its anti-inflammatory properties, making it an excellent choice for external use against insect bites, bee stings, and other skin irritations. Its common name, bee balm, attests to its effectiveness in treating such discomforts. Simple remedies include chewing a leaf or flower and applying it to a sting, or preparing an infused oil for salves and lotions. Combining it with plantain leaf and prunella can further enhance its healing efficacy.
A tea brewed from Monarda leaves and flowers is highly beneficial for soothing stomach upsets and digestive issues. Given its potent flavor, it's advisable to blend it with milder aromatic herbs like lemon balm or fennel seeds, and a touch of honey can improve its palatability. This same tea also helps alleviate congestion, stuffy noses, and phlegmy coughs. Inhaling the steam from fresh Monarda infused in hot water can provide significant relief for respiratory complaints.
With its flavor profile reminiscent of oregano and thyme, bee balm seamlessly integrates into various culinary preparations. It can substitute oregano or thyme in dishes ranging from tomato sauces to roasted or grilled meats, particularly chicken and fish. While leaves are commonly used, the delicate flower petals add both flavor and visual appeal, even as a simple garnish. A marinade made from dried bee balm, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, and olive oil, with added dill, works wonders on shrimp, scallops, salmon, whitefish, or chicken.
Bee balm also shines in a piccata-style pan sauce, featuring butter, garlic, fresh lemon juice, and chicken stock. For a unique touch, dandelions can replace capers. Sliced chicken breasts, browned in butter, are then joined by sautéed garlic, chicken stock, lemon juice, and crushed bee balm leaves, all simmered until reduced. A final addition of butter creates a rich, desired consistency. Serve over chicken, garnished with fresh parsley and bee balm flower petals.
Monarda thrives in full-sun environments, such as forest edges, riverbanks, and open fields, blooming from July through mid-autumn. Harvesting flowers and leaves throughout the season allows for fresh use and provides a supply for drying, ensuring enjoyment through winter. To preserve their vibrant color, flowers should be quickly dried on screens with fan assistance. Flowers are easily hand-picked, but stems require snips to prevent accidental uprooting of the plant.
Several wild Monarda species exist, along with cultivated varieties available from nurseries. These can be used interchangeably, though each offers slightly different flavors. Scarlet Monarda (M. didyma) features a sweeter, more citrusy taste and deep red flowers. M. citriodora boasts a distinct lemon flavor and aroma, making it ideal for sweet culinary applications. While these plants attract pollinators, they spread aggressively via rhizomes. For home gardens, annual varieties like M. citriodora are recommended for easier management.
A tincture from dried bee balm effectively treats acne topically and can be consumed for coughs, sore throats, and cold symptoms. Alternatively, a bee balm oxymel provides a more palatable option, especially for children or discerning adults. A simple recipe involves combining 1/3 cup each of dried bee balm flower tops, raw honey, and apple cider vinegar. After shaking and steeping at room temperature for 2-4 weeks, strain the herbs and store the oxymel in the refrigerator for up to a year, taking one tablespoon as needed.