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Seed | Wild Monarda
  • Seed | Wild Monarda
Seed | Wild Monarda

Seed | Wild Monarda

$3.99 CAD
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Wild Bee Balm (Monarda fistulosa) seeds from native populations. This aromatic perennial attracts pollinators with its distinctive mauve flowers and is remarkably adaptable to poor soils. Ideal for naturalistic gardens and ecological restoration projects.
A LITTLE HISTORY

Monarda fistulosa, scientifically known as bee balm, is a native North American plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family. Here's a look at its history and importance:

  • Traditional use by First Nations in Canada:

Native peoples of North America have used bee balm for various medicinal and culinary purposes for centuries. They often used its leaves and flowers to make infusions to treat gastrointestinal disorders, headaches, and infections.

  • Oswego Tea: or Oswego Tea

Monarda fistula is sometimes called "Oswego tea" after the Oswego people, a community in upstate New York, who were known to use the plant to make a tea-like beverage.

  • Culinary use:

Monarda fistula leaves were used to flavor foods, especially in First Nations cuisines. They could be added to salads, sauces, marinades, and grilled meats to give them a minty, spicy flavor.

  • Ornamentation and contemporary use:

Today, bee balm is also grown as an ornamental plant for its attractive flowers that attract butterflies and bees. It is often used in herb gardens, garden borders, and natural areas for its beauty and ecological appeal.

  • Modern medicinal properties:

Monarda fistula continues to be used in modern herbal medicine for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. It is sometimes used as an ingredient in natural remedies to support respiratory and digestive health.

  • Conservation and biodiversity:

Although the fistulous bee balm is abundant in its natural habitat, conservation practices are important to preserve its wild populations and maintain its genetic diversity.

In summary, bee balm is a fascinating plant with a rich cultural and medicinal history in North America. It embodies the importance of native plants in the food and medicinal traditions of First Nations peoples, as well as their continued value in modern herbal medicine and biodiversity conservation.
PROPERTIES

Monarda fistulosa has several medicinal properties that have been studied and used throughout history. Here are some of its main medicinal properties:

  • Antimicrobial: Monarda fistula is known for its antimicrobial properties, particularly due to the presence of compounds such as thymol and carvacrol. It is often used to help fight bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. It can be used internally to treat respiratory and digestive tract infections, as well as topically for skin infections.
  • Anti-inflammatory: Studies have shown that Monarda fistula has anti-inflammatory properties. It can be used to relieve inflammation, including that associated with conditions like arthritis and other inflammatory problems.
  • Antioxidant: Compounds found in bee balm, such as flavonoids and phenols, possess antioxidant properties. This helps neutralize free radicals in the body, which can reduce oxidative stress and support overall health.
  • Expectorant: In herbal medicine, bee balm is used as an expectorant to help clear the airways. It can be beneficial in relieving congestion and facilitating the expectoration of mucus during coughs and colds.
  • Digestive System: Traditionally, Monarda has been used to support digestive health. It can help relieve digestive issues such as gas, bloating, and intestinal spasms.
  • External use: When applied topically, Monarda fistula can be used to treat inflammatory skin conditions, insect bites, minor cuts and abrasions due to its antimicrobial and soothing properties.

It is important to note that while Monarda fistulae is widely considered a safe and effective herbal remedy, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional before using it, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication, or are sensitive to plants in the Lamiaceae family. As with any herbal remedy, it is crucial to follow the recommended doses and monitor for any allergic or adverse reactions.
HOW TO COOK?

Monarda fistulosa is more often used for its medicinal and ornamental properties than for culinary uses. However, some parts of the plant can be explored creatively in the kitchen. Here are some traditional and contemporary ways to use monarda fistulosa in cooking:

  • Infusion and Tea: Fresh or dried leaves of Monarda fistula can be used to make an infusion or tea. Boil water and add a few leaves to infuse for a few minutes. This produces a slightly aromatic, minty beverage, often enjoyed for its soothing and refreshing properties. (Recipe at the end)
  • Beverage Flavoring: Fresh leaves can be added to drinks like lemonades, iced teas, or even cocktails to add a herbal, minty note.
  • Edible Decoration: Monarda fistulous flowers, which are often purple or pale pink, can be used as an edible garnish for salads, desserts, or fruit dishes. They add a vibrant pop of color and a light floral fragrance.
  • Storage: The leaves can be dried and stored for later use. They retain their flavor well and can be used in various dishes throughout the year.
  • Jams and Syrups: In some regions, the flowers or leaves of Monarda fistula can be used to flavor homemade syrups or jams. They add a unique flavor and can be a nice alternative to more traditional herbs.

Creative Experiments: Given its minty and slightly spicy flavor, Monarda fistula can be experimented with in recipes for desserts, sauces, or even meat dishes to add a unique and natural touch.

It is essential to remember that Monarda fistulae should be used with caution in cooking, especially because of its medicinal properties and distinctive taste.

Oswego tea infusion recipe or Oswego Tea

 

  • Monarda Fistulous Infusion (Oswego Tea)

Ingredients :

1-2 teaspoons of dried Monarda leaves
Boiling water
Instructions :

Boil water in a saucepan.

While the water is heating, place the dried Monarda fistula leaves in a cup or jar.

Pour boiling water over the Monarda leaves.

Let it steep for about 5 to 10 minutes, depending on your desired strength.

Strain the leaves and enjoy hot or let cool for an iced infusion.

This light and fragrant infusion is traditionally called “Oswego Tea” after the Oswego, a Native American tribe who used bee balm to make a tea-like beverage. You can adjust the amount of leaves to suit your preference for a more or less intense flavor.

Due to its minty and slightly spicy flavor, this infusion can be enjoyed on its own or lightly sweetened with honey or sugar, depending on your taste. It's a simple and traditional way to experiment with Monarda fistula while enjoying its aromatic qualities and soothing properties.
HOW TO GROW?

It will be necessary:

  • Cold stratification:
  • Prepare the seeds: Clean them and, if necessary, soak them for a few hours.
  • Mix: Mix the seeds with a moist substrate (sand or vermiculite).
  • Condition: Put everything in an airtight bag.
  • Refrigerate: Place the bag in the refrigerator for 4 to 12 weeks.
  • Check: Make sure the substrate remains slightly moist.
  • Sow: After the stratification period, sow the seeds in prepared soil.

That's it! It helps the seeds germinate.

Caution: Dust seeds, mix sand with the seeds in a salt shaker or in the small plastic bag in your envelope, to have a bed.

Our seeds are vigorous, open-pollinated and adapted to the Quebec climate.

  • Species: Lamiaceae; Monarda fistulosa
  • Sowing: Early March indoors, early April under cover outdoors, or sow broadcast on the surface to be cultivated outdoors either in spring or towards the end of August
  • Seeds: 10-15 seeds per pot, final transplanting into an outdoor pot or soil around mid-May
  • Sowing depth: 0.5 cm
  • Germination time: 10-16 days
  • Poor, humus-rich, loose and drained soil
  • Location: Sun and tolerates shade and cold very well
  • Spacing between plants: 25-30cm
  • Height at maturity: 100-110cm
  • Maturity: 70-80 days | Perennial
  • Seeds per envelope: +/- 100
    Our seeds are guaranteed for the year of purchase.

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