{"id":6694,"date":"2019-06-03T02:48:22","date_gmt":"2019-06-03T02:48:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/?p=6694"},"modified":"2021-06-10T14:48:00","modified_gmt":"2021-06-10T14:48:00","slug":"14-practical-uses-of-bee-balm-for-your-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/14-practical-uses-of-bee-balm-for-your-health\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Practical Uses of Bee Balm For Your Health"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The bee balm plant produces flowers in shades of red, scarlet, pink and purple. Bee balm is a popular fixture in flowerbeds across the United States, with the long, trumpet-like flowers of the plant offering both medicinal and dietary benefits. During the summer, the sweet scent of the plant attracts bees and birdlife.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bee balm flowers feature antimicrobial, antispasmodic, and anti-inflammatory properties that make them ideal for treating a wide variety of digestive issues while enhancing the health of the immune system. When taken internally, bee balm can soothe stomach cramps, and aid digestion by reducing inflammation.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Externally, you can use bee balm to treat the effects of pain, and irritation associated with stings and bites, while helping wounds heal faster. The sedative-like effect of bee balm comes from its nervine properties that soothe the nervous system when you\u2019re feeling stressed. If you have a bee balm plant growing in your garden, here are eight ideas for practical uses of the flowers.  <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Bee Balm Infused Oil<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Making a bee balm infused oil is not as challenging as it seems. You can make the oil at home in the kitchen, without much effort, all you need for it to be a success \u2013 is the right ingredients. If you have bee balm growing in the garden, harvest two or three cups of the flowers from your plants. Place the flowers in a mason jar and cover them in a carrier oil.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can use whatever carrier oil you like, but we prefer jojoba oil for its versatility and long shelf life. Olive oil<\/a> works as well, but you can\u2019t expose it to sunlight or the lipid structures in the oil may turn rancid. After covering the flowers with the oil, seal the jar and leave it in your pantry cupboard for 6 to 8-weeks. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

During the infusion process, the oil extracts the beneficial compounds from the bee balm, separating the antioxidants, polyphenols, and vitamins from the plant matter. After the infusion period ends, strain the oil through cheesecloth to remove the flowers.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Bee Balm Salve<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory<\/a> properties of bee balm make the ideal addition to a topical salve ointment. Salves are excellent for treating a wide range of skin conditions, from burns to scrapes, cuts, and rashes. Applying a balm to the skin improves the skins healing time.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can make a salve at home using your infused oil. Take 8-ounces of infused oil and warm it over the stove on low heat. Add 1-ounce of beeswax and let it melt. Toss in a few drops of lavender essential oil, and pour the liquid into small jars. Let the salve cool into a solid mass, and then apply to skin sparingly \u2013 a little balm goes a long way.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of the bee balm help protect cuts and scrapes from infection and soothe the irritation associated with rash and eczema outbreaks. Use as often as is necessary to alleviate the effects of skin irritation and speed up the healing process for wounds.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. Bee Balm Tincture<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Another excellent home remedy you can create right in your home using bee balm is a high-concentration tincture. Tinctures involve extracting the beneficial compounds from the bee balm flowers using neutral alcohol. For our tincture extracts, we like to use premium brand vodka, and using a citrus-infused vodka <\/a>adds extra aroma to the tincture that gives it a unique edge.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take a mason jar and fill it with bee balm flowers, then cover with vodka and seal the lid of the mason jar. Leave the tincture to cure in the back of the pantry cupboard in the dark for up to 3-months. After infusion, strain the tincture through cheesecloth into spray bottles. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can use the tincture as often as you like, but we recommend saving it for before bed. Bee balm has potent nervine properties that become apparent at high concentrations when used in a tincture. As a result, you feel relaxed, and it will be easy for you to drift off to sleep.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Bee Balm Oxymel<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When the seasons start to change, viruses and bacteria <\/a>begin to do the rounds through neighborhoods across the United States. If you always seem to catch the flu, then making a bee balm Oxymel before you get sick could help you recover from the effects of the infection faster. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties of bee balm make it the ideal base for an Oxymel tonic. Oxymels are formulas containing a blend of vinegar, herbs, and honey that may traditional medicine practitioners use as a tonic for soothing the symptoms of congestion, a sore throat, and coughing associated with influenza. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prepare your Oxymel using the same method for the tincture, but use apple cider vinegar instead of the oil, and add Manuka honey for the final ingredient. Let it cure in the cupboard for 3-months and then heat it on the stove until it turns runny. Strain through cheesecloth and store in a mason jar.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. Bee Balm Tea<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re a fan of herbal teas, then you need to try bee balm in your tea infuser. You can make the tea using the fresh or dried flowers of the plant. They produce a sweet-smelling aroma and a dark-red colored beverage that tastes and smells fantastic.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The antispasmodic <\/a>and anti-inflammatory properties of bee balm make it an excellent laxative and a mild diuretic. As a result, its beneficial for anyone suffering from gastrointestinal distress due to bacterial or viral infection, or anyone handling the effects of IBS or celiac disease. The tea stops inflammation of the intestinal wall while reducing the production of gas that leads to bloating and stomach pains. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll need to use twice the amount of fresh petals for tea than dried, but we think the flavor and aroma of fresh bee balm petals are better than the dried flowers. Steep the leaves for 15-minutes to release all of the beneficial compounds into the tea.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. Bee Balm Infused Vinegar<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Bee balm infused vinegar is a fantastic addition to the dinner table or the medicine cabinet. You can make a recipe for this remedy using any vinegar you like, but we prefer ACV or balsamic for our choices.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Apple cider vinegar<\/a> makes an excellent carrier for bee balm to use in therapeutic applications. If you are dealing with a sore throat, gargling with a dilution of this vinegar in water can help clear the bacteria responsible for your sore throat.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We also use this recipe with balsamic vinegar for table dressing. When infused with bee balm, the balsamic gets an additional aroma that amplifies the flavors in the meal. Sprinkle the balsamic on pasta, salads, or seafood for a fantastic flavor experience.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pack a mason jar with bee balm flowers and pour in your vinegar of choice. Leave the infusion for 3-months in the back of the pantry cupboard to cure. After curing, strain through cheesecloth and store in a mason jar with plastic wrap covering the inside of the lid to prevent the vinegar corroding the metal.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. Bee Balm Infused Soaps, Lotions, and Shampoos<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Bee balm is an excellent addition to a variety of your current beauty products. You can add the infused oil to your shampoo, body lotions, and hand soaps to give the formulation a boost of fragrance and additional antioxidants, minerals, and polyphenols<\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mix a few tablespoons of the oil into your shampoo bottle and shake well. Lather the shampoo into your hair in the usual manner and let it sit in your hair for a few minutes before washing it out. The polyphenols and antioxidants found in the bee balm oil will hydrate your scalp and reduce any inflammation in the skin. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adding the oil to your body lotion can also have pleasing effects on the health of your skin. The antioxidants in the oil kill off free radicals circulating in your bloodstream causing oxidative damage to healthy cells. The polyphenols and vitamins hydrate your skin while the antimicrobial properties of the bee balm protect your skin from infection.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. Bee Balm Nutrition Ideas<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Bee Balm not only makes a great addition to the medicine cabinet but there plenty of things you can do with it in the kitchen as well. The sweet smell and taste of the flowers make them ideal for infusing into jams and jellies. Spread some fresh floral jelly onto a croissant or muffin, and your taste buds will dance in delight.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into salads, then try adding fresh bee balm petals into your recipes. The sweet taste of the flowers compliments lettuce<\/a>, peppers, and other salad vegetables \u2013 and don\u2019t forget about the bee balm infused balsamic vinegar!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can use bee balm as a garnish for cocktails when your friends come over, they provide color, as well as a sweet and pleasant aroma to the drinks, and it makes a fantastic talking point for conversation during your cocktail evening. Use the petals to dress desserts, and garnish main courses or starters.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

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