Bee Balm

Bee Balm originates from the Eastern North American side and is a perennial herb which grows in dry areas and woodland edges. The Bee Balm consists of beautiful showy flowers which are uniquely lilac in color and are present in large whorls which includes about 20 to 50 flowers at the tope most part of the stem. The leaves are more of a pale green color and are supported by leaflets.

Bee Balm consists of a hard and squared stem which can rise to a height of about 3 feet. Both the stem and the leaves are covered with dense hair layer through out. The roots are known to be shorter and slender.

The growing conditions of the Bee Balm are very easy to handle as it can be grown in any ordinary garden soil. The Bee Balm can grow considerably well in the heavy clay soils and require shady parts in the sunny areas to grow well. The soil should be preferably alkaline in pH and the conditions should be dry.

The chief uses of the Bee Balm are in the eating and medicinal uses. The edible nature of the Bee Balm has made it a much widely used herb. The herb above the ground is edible and it is also used for the flavoring of the cooked foods. The flowers are used as edibles in some of the salads. The herb is distinguished with its aromatic nature which makes it a good source of oil and also a refreshing tea ingredient. The young Bee Balm leaves are also used for some beverages.

Bee Balms are very popular in the medicinal uses, ranging from the antiseptic cure to the simple headaches and gastric problems. However one of the more important uses of the Bee Balms is in the steam inhalation for the cure of certain throats and bronchial inflammations.