Bee Balm
by Elvira Peretsman
Title
Bee Balm
Artist
Elvira Peretsman
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
Bee balm attracts all sorts of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. It is medicinal, edible, and fragrant, tasting a bit like oregano and mint, with a long history of human use. Native Americans and early colonists used bee balm leaves and flowers to make a variety of medicinal ointments and drinks. Antimicrobial and soothing to the digestive tract, herbalists often use bee balm as a remedy to treat cold and flu symptoms such as sore throats, fever, and congestion. This plant is a natural source of the phenol thymol, an antiseptic, antifungal, and antimicrobial compound also found in thyme, which is a primary active ingredient in modern commercial mouthwash formulas. A strong infusion can be used as a gargle for soothing sore throats, toothaches, and mouth sores. It is also commonly used topically. Mashed leaves can be applied to the skin to reduce inflammation, support wound healing, combat infection, and soothe insect stings.
The bee balm plant is a North American native.
This plant has many common names, including bee balm, Oswego tea, and bergamot. The name bee balm may be attributed to its allure to bees, as well as its traditional use in soothing the pain from bee stings.
The bee balm flower has an open, daisy-like shape, with tubular petals in shades of red, pink, purple and white. Bee balm plants are perennial, coming back year after year to add cheerful color to a garden.
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Tags: bee balm, flower, red, pollinator, bees, butterfly, hummingbird, medicinal, plant, edible, bergamot, oswego tea, monarda, perenial, garden, gardening, flowers, bloom, nature, flora
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This photograph is available in different sizes and can be printed using a variety of materials. Besides museum-quality prints for your walls, this image can be used to create unique home décor items and other products. All purchases have a 30-day money-back guarantee.
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This photograph is copyrighted and owned by the artist, Elvira Peretsman. All rights reserved.
Feel free to share by using the proper links that direct back to my work.
Uploaded
April 30th, 2022
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