Bee balm (Monarda) is revered by Native Americans for its medicinal properties to soothe coughs, colds, and digestive ailments. Its leaves and flowers also have a delightful flavor added to teas, beverages, and culinary dishes.1
But the allure of bee balm extends far beyond its culinary and medicinal applications. This plant, with its showy blossoms and aromatic foliage, is a true gift from nature that offers a wealth of creative possibilities.
1. Homemade Potpourri
Dried bee balm flowers and leaves retain their lovely fragrance, making them perfect for potpourri. Combine them with other fragrant dried herbs and flowers like lavender, rose petals, and mint for a delightful sensory experience.
2. Infused Oil or Vinegar
Steep bee balm flowers in olive oil or vinegar to create flavorful culinary infusions. The oil can be used in salad dressings or drizzled over grilled vegetables, while the vinegar makes a tangy addition to marinades and sauces.
3. Natural Dye
Bee balm flowers yield a beautiful range of soft pinks and purples when used as a natural dye for fabric or yarn. Experiment with different mordants (fixatives) like alum or iron to achieve varying shades.
4. Herbal Steam Facial
Add a handful of fresh or dried bee balm leaves to a bowl of hot water, drape a towel over your head, and lean over the bowl to enjoy a soothing herbal steam facial. The steam can help open pores and the bee balm’s aromatic properties may promote relaxation.
5. Hair Rinse
Create a bee balm hair rinse by steeping a handful of dried leaves in hot water, then straining the liquid. After shampooing and conditioning, pour the rinse over your hair to add shine and potentially soothe an itchy scalp.
6. Colorful Ice Cubes
Freeze bee balm flowers in ice cube trays for a festive touch to summer drinks. The flowers will release their color and subtle flavor as the ice melts, creating a visually appealing and refreshing addition to lemonade, iced tea, or cocktails.
7. Natural Insect Repellent
Bee balm’s strong scent can act as a natural deterrent for mosquitoes and other pesky insects. Rubbing crushed leaves on exposed skin or hanging bunches of dried bee balm around outdoor seating areas may help keep bugs at bay.
8. Aromatic Bath Soak
Add a handful of fresh or dried bee balm leaves to your bathwater for a relaxing and fragrant soak. The aromatic oils can help soothe sore muscles and promote a sense of calm.
9. DIY Greeting Cards
Press bee balm flowers and leaves to create beautiful botanical embellishments for homemade greeting cards or gift tags. You can also use bee balm-infused water to create watercolor washes for an artistic touch.
10. Floral Crown or Garland
Weave fresh bee balm stems and flowers into a crown or garland for a whimsical accessory for summer festivals, weddings, or photoshoots. The vibrant colors and delicate fragrance add a touch of natural beauty.
11. Bee Balm Jelly or Syrup
Bee balm’s unique flavor profile can be captured in homemade jelly or syrup. These sweet treats can be enjoyed on toast, pancakes, or drizzled over desserts for a burst of floral sweetness.
12. Wildlife Attractant
Plant bee balm in your garden to attract beneficial pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The nectar-rich flowers provide a valuable food source for these important creatures, contributing to a healthy ecosystem.
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Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.