I'm fortunate to have several chemical free areas close to where I live to harvest wild flowers. This plant here, Bee Balm, she is one of the most beautiful plants to see growing in the wild. It grows quite abundantly in my area, in large tall clumps. ( up to 5 feet ) Bees, butterflies and humming birds are attracted to this beauty, making it somewhat of a challenge to harvest, but sooo worth the time and patience. Medicinal Properties
Antibacterial - healing topical wounds and infections. I have found that applying a healing salve or a cloth soaked in a strong bee balm tea clears up wounds and topical infections quite well. A tincture or tea can be used as a mouth wash to treat mouth ulcers and gingivitis. Also makes a good mouth wash to freshen the breath. 😁
Anti-inflammatory - applied topically, a healing salve or tea soak helps with the swelling and pain associated with wounds and infections. A tincture or drinking a cup of bee balm tea helps with the burning and inflammation that comes with a yeast infection and the inflammation associated with digestive issues.
Anti-fungal - yeast infections, ringworm, athletes feet. A healing salve, oil or tea soaked cloth can be applied topically for athletes feet. Although treating from the inside out does seem to be more effective. In that case a tincture can be taken in addition to the tea soak. If caught in the early stages, a tincture or tea can be taken for a yeast infection. I have found, for me, that the tincture works better. However, that doesn't mean the tea won't work better for someone else. Everyone's body is different.
Bee balm is also good for cold and flu season. An herbal and or sipping on a warm cup of tea made with the leaves and flowers or honey infused bee balm can be taken on the onset of a cold, flu or sore throat. Also helps with digestive issues such as gas, bloating, cramps, colic, nausea and vomiting. Be sure to check into any drug interactions and or side effects before using bee balm medicinally.
There is so much more medicinal information out there on bee balm. You really should do some more research and see what else it has to offer.