By Christi Pugh
For Nature’s Gift, Inc.
I’ve had the occasion to work with it some this summer on my
dog Lexi’s eye irritation before we could get to the vet for more antibiotic
drops. It is the only natural product
that seemed to help her & she loved it so much she would lick it off the
top of my hand. With a soaked cotton ball of Monarda, I gently patted the
irritated area around her eye. None was
used IN the eye itself.
The flower itself can be white, purple, or pinkish, and is
said to attract hummingbirds. Note that there are two varieties of Monarda hydrosol, the fistulosa, which we
offer, and the didyma, known for
being higher in Thymol and more analgesic, however it is not as gentle and
could irritate skin. Fistulosa is sometimes referred to as
Purple Bee Balm, while the Didyma variety is known as Scarlet Bee Balm. The leaves and flowers have been recognized
for healing properties over hundreds of years in North America
and throughout Europe.
Similar in constituency to Thyme, it even has a slightly
Thyme-like aroma due to the geraniol content!
I find the scent pleasant, reassuring, gentle, and the hydrosol helpful for
cleaning cuts, wounds, and cooling hot itchy feet. Suzanne Catty recommends Mondarda hydrosol as
a wash for treating fungal infections of the skin or in a douche, and says it
is antiviral in addition to its other benefits.
It also makes an excellent toner for skin with acne, as a mouthwash, or
used internally for immune boosting—for instance in a cup of tea. I plan to
keep it in the fridge as a “go to” hydrosol for first aid.
We offer Monarda in both 1 oz & 4oz atomizers for ease
of use. Read more and order at www.naturesgift.com. Photo courtesy of The Essential Herbal Magazine.
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