This bee balm tincture utilizes the natural properties of bee balm to provide soothing support during cold and flu season. On my farm, where bee balm thrives, I find this tincture especially comforting in the colder months.
Making a bee balm tincture is easy if you have a few key materials. Whether you use fresh or dried bee balm, the process is simple, although the proportions may vary slightly. This is what you need:
Ingredients:
-
- Fresh or dried bee balm leaves and flowers
- Strong alcohol such as vodka (or other palatable alcohol with an alcohol content of at least 80 proof/40 percent).
Equipment:
Harvesting
Harvest your bee balm when the flowers are in full bloom, usually in mid to late summer, to capture the peak of their medicinal properties. If you are using fresh bee balm, pick the leaves and flowers in the morning, once the dew has dried, but before the sun is too high. This timing ensures that the plant’s oils are at their best.
Preparing your bee balm
Whether you use freshly picked leaves and flowers or dried leaves, make sure they are clean and free of pests. If they are fresh, rinse them gently and pat them dry before roughly chopping or crushing them to release the oils.
Making the tincture
- Fill your glass jar:
- Two-thirds filled with fresh bee balm
- Half full of dried bee balm
- Pour alcohol over the bee balm until the jar is almost full, making sure all plant material is submerged to prevent mold growth.
- Close the jar tightly and shake well to mix the herbs and alcohol.
- Store the jar in a cool, dark place and shake it every few days. Let it steep for four to six weeks; the longer it sits, the stronger your tincture will be.
Strain the tincture and store
Once steeped, strain the mixture through cheesecloth or a fine-mesh strainer into a clean bowl. Pour the drained liquid into amber dropper bottles, label them with the date and contents, and store in a cool, dark place. If you store the tincture properly, it can last for several years.
Using your bee balm tincture
To relieve discomfort due to sinus congestion, sore throat, and other symptoms, it is common to take 1 to 2 droppers full, 1 to 4 times per day, as needed. However, for personalized advice tailored to your specific needs, it is recommended that you consult a clinical herbalist.
Bee balm comes in many forms, from the common red varieties found in gardens to the wild pink varieties that grow in natural settings across the country. This recipe works with all edible Monarda varieties, making it versatile for any type you have on hand.