Is considered sacred and widely esteemed by many Native American tribes. The Lakota uses it in sweat lodge ceremony and the Sundance Ceremony. Its greatest virtue is in treating fevers and first aid treatment in burns and scalds. Bee Balm has excellent anti-bacterial qualities and you can use it by methods of a salve, infusion or tea to also be effective as an anti-fungal agent. A dilute infusion can be used as a gentle anti-septic and anti-inflammatory eyewash or ear wash, especially if a fungal or bacterial infection is suspected.

Bee balm, a member of the mint family, grows in USDA Zones 3 to 9, and prefers partial or full sun, with average heights 2 to 3 feet. The plant is a perennial and the native plants bear flowers that are rose-to purple in color. Monardas as a Genus are prone to downy mildew, which will not harm the plant but can be unattractive; cutting them back after flowering will manage this problem.