What is monarda didyma leaf extract?
Monarda Didyma Extract, commonly known as Bee Balm Extract, is derived from the leaves and flowers of the Monarda Didyma plant. This botanical extract possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it beneficial for calming irritated skin and protecting against free radical damage. Monarda, commonly known as bee balm, has been a popular garden perennial for many years. Most of the selections currently available to gardeners are hybrids of two species native to the eastern United States, Monarda didyma (scarlet bee balm) and Monarda fistulosa (wild bergamot).Monarda fistulosa Wild bergamot is one of several plants also known by the common name of bee balm. Wild bergamot attracts a number of specialist bees, bumble bees, predatory wasps, hummingbirds, and hawk moths. A small black sweat bee, Dufourea monardae, is a specialist of bee balm in the Midwest and Northeast.Both wild bergamot and Monarda didyma are referred to as both “Bergamot” and “Bee Balm. Wild bergamot has small lavender flowers, and Monarda didyma has pink flowers that grow in more prolific clusters. Otherwise, both plants are so similar they can be used interchangeably.Monarda, commonly known as bee balm, has been a popular garden perennial for many years. Most of the selections currently available to gardeners are hybrids of two species native to the eastern United States, Monarda didyma (scarlet bee balm) and Monarda fistulosa (wild bergamot).
What is Monarda Didyma used for?
Being native to North America, Monarda was well known by many different Native American tribes who all used it for similar conditions including fevers, coughs, congestion, infection, insect and venomous bites, and also as a food preservative and flavoring for meats. The red flowering bee balm, M. Bee balm is a native American plant not only known for its brightly-colored flowers and fragrant foliage. The flowers were used by North American Indians to make tea which were considered a useful treatment for colds, stomach aches, and insomnia.Bee balm can be eaten freshly picked or dried out. Often referred to as Oswego tea (from the Oswego Native Americans), historically, the Oswego people brewed tea from the leaves of the bee balm plant. The leaves will have a slightly stronger taste than the flowers.How to Make Bee Balm Tea from fresh or dried bee balm ~ this easy infusion is not only pretty and delicious, it’s been used for hundreds of years to aid digestion, calm nerves, and treat colds and flu.As a diaphoretic, it is used to naturally aid in relieving fevers. Fresh leaves can also be chewed as a natural mouthwash. In the garden, bee balm attracts beneficial pollinators including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
What goes well with Monarda?
With aromatic foliage and flowers over a long period in summer, bergamots are ideal for any mixed or herbaceous summer border. They combine well with other perennials and grasses, especially in prairie-style plantings. People have been using it in traditional Italian medicine to treat symptoms such as sore throat and fever. Bergamot is also an ingredient in Earl Grey tea. Research suggests that bergamot may be useful in reducing inflammation and cholesterol and may help prevent cardiovascular disease.Thanks to its refreshing minty taste and subtle spiciness, bergamot leaves are a great addition to foods like pizza and salad. A few rough chopped bergamot leaves do wonders when added to a simple margarita pizza, or a fresh pear or citrus based salad.Bergamot juice can be taken by both children and the elderly. But despite its important properties there are some contraindications, as increased intake of bergamot juice could alter the gastric mucosa, due to the citric acid content of the citrus fruit.Despite being called “wild bergamot,” bee balm is not used in “bergamot” tea (a. Earl Grey tea). The tea is made with oils extracted from the rind of the bergamot orange, a citrus fruit.
What are the benefits of Monarda?
Medicinal Use Monarda has a spicy, oregano smell when you rub its leaves. These volatile oils are especially beneficial for colds, flus, sinus and lung congestion, and sore throats. Due to the presence of a high thymol content which is a strong antiseptic (also in thyme), Monarda has been used in infusion form for a variety of ailments in its long past: colds, flu, upper respiratory problems, gas, diarrhea, nausea, fevers and whooping cough, and topically for skin problems and wounds.
What is the common name for Monarda?
The genus is endemic to North America. Common names include bergamot, bee balm, horsemint, and oswego tea, the first being inspired by the fragrance of the leaves, which is reminiscent of bergamot orange (Citrus bergamia). Bergamot, particularly its polyphenol component, is currently an herb of research interest for its benefits on the liver and fat metabolism. Two studies found bergamot polyphenols are superior to placebo for their effects on fat metabolism, supporting healthy cholesterol and triglyceride levels.Bergamot should be avoided by individuals taking medications metabolized by CYP3A4 enzymes, those with photosensitivity disorders, pregnant and breastfeeding women, individuals with low blood pressure, citrus allergies, and liver conditions, as well as before surgery, due to its potential to cause dangerous .Bergamot extract in capsule or tablet form will be most useful for cholesterol levels. There may be some advantages in using the liquid formulations, however, the concentrated extract is commonly used to ensure the validity of the outcome.Furthermore, other studies have demonstrated that the flavonoids found in bergamot have a positive impact on inflammation, decreasing the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the liver and potentially increasing the gene expression of anti-inflammatory markers [40].
What diseases affect Monarda?
Powdery mildew, the most common dis- ease problem associated with Monarda, often contributes to the poor condition of plants in late summer. The disease appears as a gray- ish-white “powder” on the upper surfaces of the leaves, and severely infected foliage may be distorted or drop prematurely. Powdery mildew is scientifically known as Erysiphe cichoracearum. This disease is spread by fungal spores that land on the surface of the leaf and spread to the underside as the spores grow. Young growth may appear distorted and stunted, although the disease rarely permanently damages the plant.