Lemon Bee Balm Seeds

Monarda citriodora.  Lemon beebalm is a 1-2+ ft., aromatic annual with unusual, tuft-like, lavender to pink, flower heads. Also known as: Lemon Beebalm, Purple Horsemint, Lemon Mint, Plains Horsemint, Lemon Horsemint, Horsemint, Purple Lemon Mint. Has a distinctive citrus or lemony scent when the leaves are rubbed or crushed. It is very easy to grow and often forms large colonies. Bees and butterflies love this plant!

Named Monarda in honor of a 16th century Spanish physician and botanist, Nicolas Bautista Monardes (1493-1588). Monardes studied medicinal plants brought back to Spain from the New World.

Making Lemon Bee Balm tea is a simple and soothing process. You can use either fresh or dried Bee Balm to create this infusion. For a refreshing cold brew, start by selecting pesticide-free Bee Balm. Remove the leaves and petals from the stems and place them in a clean jar filled with filtered water. Stir well and then refrigerate for up to 24 hours, giving it a gentle shake occasionally. Once infused, strain the tea through a cheesecloth or coffee filter. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Serve it over ice, and for added sweetness, honey and a wedge of lemon can be included.

Bee Balm tea is not only pleasing in taste, which is described as a blend of mint, basil, and oregano with a hint of menthol, but it also offers several health benefits. Traditionally, it has been used to relieve upper respiratory ailments, soothe indigestion and menstrual cramps, and has anti-septic and anti-microbial properties. It’s also believed to be beneficial for depression and can be used in a hot bath for a relaxing aromatherapy experience.

For growing your own Lemon Bee Balm, zones 3-9 are ideal. The plant prefers sunny to partially sunny spots in the garden. It’s a perennial that comes back each year and can be divided and shared. However, like other members of the mint family, it can be invasive, so regular division in spring is recommended to control its spread.

In summary, Lemon Bee Balm is a versatile plant that beautifies gardens, enhances culinary dishes, and provides health benefits through its herbal tea.