"Bee Balm leaves and flowers and stems are used in alternative medicine as an antiseptic, carminative, diaphoretic, diuretic and stimulant. An infusion is medicinal used internally in the treatment of colds, catarrh, headaches, and gastric disorders, to reduce low fevers and soothe sore throat, to relieve flatulence, nausea, menstrual pain, and insomnia. Steam inhalation of the plant can be used for sore throats, and bronchial catarrh (inflammation of the mucus membrane, causing an increased flow of mucus). Externally, it is a medicinal application for skin eruptions and infections."
Wow! I was just so excited that, after being planted three years ago, it finally flowered this year! The weird thing is that it was red when I planted it the first year. My botanists have nothing to say about that.
Linked to Wordless Wednesday, Seven Clown Circus, and Five Minutes for Mom.
Pretty flowers!
ReplyDeletehttp://harrietandfriends.com/2010/06/aw-isnt-that-cute/
Very pretty color. Sometimes, like with a hydrangea, soil acidity can change flower color. I wonder if bee balm is one of those affected by soil acidity?
ReplyDelete@ZK--could be! I'll run that by the botanists!
ReplyDeleteHow appropriate since this is National Pollinators Week! Lovely image.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a pretty useful flower. Who knew? Thanks for linkin up to my WW!
ReplyDeletealicia @ a beautiful mess
Beautiful! My daughter would love the purple! We only have red, Happy Wednesday!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful AND purposeful beyong the beauty. I love that flowers that multitask!
ReplyDeleteIt is beautiful. I'm glad it's flowered now after all this time and that is an interesting change in color!
ReplyDeleteThe Bee Balm is beautiful, a great flower to attract the hummingbirds.
ReplyDelete