Foraged from the woodlands at Brightside Acres, Scarlet Bee Balm (Monarda didyma) blossom & leaf tea is a traditional substitute for Earl Grey. Prized by early European settlers and a mainstay of 18th century herbal medicine, Bee Balm tea is no longer widely available as a commercial product, although its blazing scarlet flowers are a common summer sight in the Allegheny Mountains. This aromatic and richly flavorful member of the mint family has powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties. Like all mints, it is effective in settling the stomach. Also known as Wild Bergamot, Scarlet Mondarda, Oswego Tea and Horsebalm, this gorgeous plant contains carvacrol, which the FDA has recognized as a compound key to preventing the breakdown of acetylcholine in the brain—one of the causes of the memory loss associated with Alzheimer’s disease. It also contains thymol, an active ingredient in commercial mouthwash. Naturally caffeine-free.
To brew loose tea, place a measuring teaspoon of tea in a tea strainer or loose in an eight-ounce cup. Add boiling water and steep for at least 10 minutes. Each 8oz recycled aluminum tin of tea (1oz net weight) brews approximately 20 cups.
Herbal data is provided for educational purposes only and has not been approved by the FDA.
