Product Description
Sweet spicy Monarda (Monarda fistulosa and sp.) also known as Bee Balm, Sweet Leaf, Red Oswego (red monarda didyma) blooms late June through August, depending upon where you live. In my state, Kansas, early July is the perfect time of year for monarda to be in bloom, because I think the tubular flower appearance resembles firecrackers bursting. According to herbalist Matthew Wood, monarda is one of the primary healing plants native to North America and has long been used as a primary medicine by Native Americans. After The Boston Tea Rebellion, colonists blended home brews called “Liberty Teas” created from orchard fruits, native and garden plants such as monarda, goldenrod, chamomile, and spicebush. The different monarda varities have similar flower shapes, but vary a lot in color from vibrant pink to purple to scarlet red. In Kansas, our eastern half of the state has the lavender-purple colored monarda (Monarda fistulosa) , while the western half has the white flowered spotted Monarda punctata, sometimes known as horse mint.
Monarda is anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, anesthetic, and anti-fungal.
Matthew Wood considers sweet leaf/monarda a valuable remedy for taking internal heat from the body, including urinary tract infections with symptoms of severe burning and inflammation. Monarda will help cool the irritated membranes while also eliminating the infection.
Bee balm is excellent for treating systemic candida (yeast infections, thrush, impetigo) Especially if caught in the early stages, Monarda will keep the yeast infection from ever getting off the ground. Matthew Wood, Margi Flint and other herbalists have shared numerous experiences of employing sweet leaf as a yeast infection remedy. Matthew Wood encourages herb micro doses (1-3 drops, 1-3 times day) for many conditions. Suggested dose by Kiva Rose Hardin is 20-30 drops of the tincture every two hours for the first few days, and then taper off as symptoms disappear.
Disclaimer: The information presented is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own healthcare provider.
