Ohio Native Plant Natural Range
To view the natural range of Monarda didyma visit the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service website.
Native Plant of the Year -LEAP (Lake Erie Allegheny Partnership for Biodiversity) - Native Plant of the Year 2014
Historical Herbal Remedies Monarda didyma
.jpeg "Two old fashion tea pots")
*Information in the following paragraphs is strictly provided for educational purposes only. Nodding Onion Gardens is not qualified or certified to make any herbal recommendations. We are merely fascinated by how closely knit relationships held between pollinators, birds, wildlife, plants and people truly are!
As Tisanes - Indigenous People and early settlers used Monarda didyma & Monarda fistulosa as "tea" to treat sore throats and common colds. Actually it would be consider a Tisanes as it is a herbal remedy. Tea is technically from the Camellia sinsensis plant. The original name of the " tea" was "a wild taste". Earl Gray tea is a popular tea, made from Black Tea and Bergamot oil. However, Bergamot oil in Earl Gray tea most likely is referencing Bergamot Orange (Citrus bergamia) not Monarda fistulosa, or Monarda didyma. Sadly, I have never had a chance to harvest our Bergamot leaves, as they are best picked early in the season before any sign of powdery mildew appears. Since spring is our busiest time of the year, it tends to slip my mind until it is too late! The Healing Power of Simple Tea & Tisanes, by Caroline Dow mentions it helps with fluid retention, fevers and depression. The FDA has determined it is not safe for pregnant women. If you are considering harvesting leaves, it is important to do diligence and research the plant you are thinking about working with. Educate yourself on the possible sensitivities you may have with Monarda didyma . One of my favorite books by Rich Cech's – Making Plant Medicine is packed full of useful information. Always, be certain the plant material you are working with has been properly identified and organically raised. Please do not harvest from the wild unless you are given permission by the landowner. We need wild populations for future generations. In the past, Lorain Community College in Elyria, Ohio has offered a Plant Forging class through their Sustainable Agriculture program. I think you will enjoy the blog post Tea in the Tallgrass by Cindy Crosby
