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Crimson beebalm

Monarda didyma

Description:

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

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4 Comments

RiekoS
RiekoS 10 years ago

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 :-)

MattKehoe
MattKehoe 10 years ago

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"

RiekoS
RiekoS 11 years ago

It is called Monarda (humming birds love this flower).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monarda_did...

YukoChartraw
YukoChartraw 11 years ago

Beautiful! I'd like to know what it is.

RiekoS
Spotted by
RiekoS

New York, USA

Spotted on Aug 25, 2012
Submitted on Sep 9, 2012

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