Bee Balm: An Aromatic Herb

This lanky garden favorite is a Midsummer bloomer that also has time tested medicinal uses. The perennial mint is native to the eastern United States-it was a value treatment for infections in Native American culture-but has spread to parts of Europe and Asia. The plant can reach two or more feet in height; has a grooved, square stem; paired, toothed leaves; and cluster tubular flowers in rich colors. Healers used the leaves and flowers to ease gas and as a diuretic, stimulant, and antiseptic, it can be taken as an infusion to relieve colds, headaches, gastric and menstrual pain, insomnia, and when inhaled as steam, it quickly loosens the congestion of bronchitis.