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Monarda didyma
Beebalm has a long history of use as a medicinal plant by many Native Americans, including the Blackfeet. The Blackfeet Indians recognized this plant's strong antiseptic action, and used poultices of the plant for skin infections and minor wounds. A tisane made from the plant was also used to treat mouth and throat infections caused by dental caries and gingivitis. Beebalm is the natural source of the antiseptic thymol, the primary active ingredient in modern commercial mouthwash formulas. The Winnebago used a tisane made from beebalm as a general stimulant. It was also used as a carminative herb by Native Americans to treat excessive flatulence. - from Wikipedia
4 Comments
Thank you so very much MattKehoe. I did not know that this flower could be so useful and helpful. I just added more information from Wikipedia. I know this that bees and humming birds love this flower. Maybe they know that this flower could be very helpful to them too :-)
Common name is bee balm. It makes a wonderful tea, and I've made a great deal of wine out of it as well. Look up "Oswego Tea Recipe"
It is called Monarda (humming birds love this flower).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monarda_did...
Beautiful! I'd like to know what it is.