Homemade Bee Balm Tea

One of my favorite parts about growing a medicinal herb garden is discovering just how much healing power is hidden in the plants around us. Bee balm (also known as Monarda) is one of those beautiful flowers that’s not only gorgeous in the garden but also incredibly useful. Today, I’m sharing how to make homemade bee balm tea — a fragrant, soothing herbal infusion you’ll want to keep in your natural medicine cabinet!

If you’re just starting to grow your own herbs, explore my How to Grow a Medicinal Herb Garden guide. I’ll walk you through everything you need to know. You’ll find simple tips to help you grow healthy, healing plants right in your own backyard.

What Did the Native Americans Use Bee Balm For?

Native American tribes, especially the Osage, Cherokee, and Blackfoot, treasured bee balm for its medicinal properties. It was traditionally used for:

• Treating colds, coughs, and sore throats
• Easing digestive issues like bloating and gas
• Relieving minor wounds and skin infections
• Reducing fevers and helping with relaxation

Bee balm was often brewed into teas, poultices, and even steam treatments, making it a highly valued plant for natural healing.

Who Should Not Take Bee Balm?

While bee balm tea is generally safe for most people, there are a few important considerations:

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare provider before consuming bee balm.
• People allergic to plants in the mint family (like oregano, thyme, or mint) may also react to bee balm.
• Those on thyroid medications or blood sugar-lowering drugs should use caution, as bee balm may interact with these medications.

Always check with your doctor before adding new herbs to your routine, especially if you have existing health conditions or are taking prescriptions.

What Does Bee Balm Tea Taste Like?

Bee balm tea delivers a wonderfully unique flavor. Many describe it as minty with hints of oregano, citrus, and flowers. Some varieties taste slightly spicy, almost like bergamot, the flavor in Earl Grey tea. The tea feels refreshing and calming. It pairs beautifully with a little honey.

Ingredients and How to Make Homemade Bee Balm Tea

Ingredients:

• 1–2 tablespoons fresh bee balm leaves or flowers (or 1 tablespoon dried)
• 8–10 ounces boiling water
• Raw honey or lemon (optional)

Instructions:

1. If using fresh bee balm, rinse the leaves or flowers gently under cool water.
2. Place the bee balm in a tea infuser or directly into your mug or teapot.
3. Pour the boiling water over the herbs.
4. Cover and let steep for 5–10 minutes.
5. Strain (if needed), sweeten with honey or lemon if desired, and enjoy!

For more herbal tea ideas, don’t miss my 6 Herbal Tea Recipes and Infusions!

Best Tips for Harvesting and Drying Bee Balm

• Harvest in the morning after the dew has dried but before the midday sun hits.
• Choose vibrant, healthy flowers and leaves for the best flavor and potency.
• Dry your bee balm by hanging small bundles upside down in a dark, well-ventilated area. Once fully dry, store in airtight containers away from direct sunlight.

Having dried bee balm on hand makes it easy to whip up a cup of calming tea whenever you need it.

Disclaimer

This post is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before beginning any herbal treatments, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have existing medical conditions, or are taking any medications.

Making homemade bee balm tea is a simple, rewarding way to embrace the natural remedies around you as a homesteader. Not only does it offer a soothing, aromatic experience, but it’s also a great way to use what you grow in your own garden. Whether you’re sipping it to relax after a busy day or incorporating it into your natural medicine cabinet, bee balm tea is a wonderful addition to your homesteading routine. So, step outside, harvest some fresh leaves, and enjoy the fruits of your labor!