Medicinal properties and contraindications of monarda, its use

A plant from the Yamnotaceae family is found in the wild only in North America, from where it was brought to Europe in the 15th or 16th centuries by sailors who were looking for a short route to India and discovered the New World. Monarda was attracted by the Spanish botanist who first described the perennial. Later the plant was named after him. They began to decorate flower beds and gardens with bright flowers, but it turned out that monarda has medicinal properties and has few contraindications.

Brief characteristics and characteristics of the plant

The herbaceous perennial has an erect stem, the height of some varieties reaches 1.5 meters. The serrated leaves have an oval shape, grow up to 15 cm in length and up to 8 in width. The petals of the inflorescences, which resemble heads, are colored lilac, violet, scarlet or pink.

The stem of the monarda is covered with villi. In its upper part, 20–40 flowers are collected. The aroma of fresh grass combines the smells of citrus, mint, and lemon zest. The above-ground part of the monarda is used as a spice and seasoning.

Some plant varieties

The fragrant perennial has been given more than one name. It has been cultivated as bergamot, lemon balm, bee balm, Oswego tea, and American lemon balm. There are about 20 species of plants that belong to the genus Monarda. The most common perennials found in gardens are dulchatum and duplicata. All varieties have a bright aroma.

It is used for decorative purposes and is very popular among monarda gardeners:

• fragrant;
• lemon;
• Bradbury;
• comb;
• red.

Hybrids of the double and tubular type are grown in gardens, the stems of which reach a height of 1 meter. Monarda dwarf is cultivated for its spice. In America and Germany, varieties of perennial plants with petals of various shades have been bred.

Useful and healing properties
Monarda blooms in July, the first leaves appear in March and turn green until November, do not freeze in light frosts. The herbaceous plant is rich in:

• essential oils;
• ascorbic acid;
• thiamine;
• riboflavin.

The benefits of monarda were known to the indigenous people of North America long before the discovery of the continent by Spanish navigators. But the healing properties of the plant were forgotten for several centuries. Monarda was planted as a decorative flower, and the fragrant leaves and stems were added to dishes.

Now the perennial is cultivated on an industrial basis to obtain the essential oil contained in the petals. The healing agent has an antispasmodic effect, is an antioxidant and radioprotector and eliminates:

• stress and nervous tension;
• viral and microbial infection;
• increases hemoglobin.

Monarda oil restores immunity and relieves inflammation. The plant extract helps eliminate carcinogens and reduces cold symptoms.

Where is it used?

Monarda is added to food products, used in homeopathy, in official medicine, and in folk recipes.

In cooking

The flowers, stems and leaves of the herbaceous plant have a lemon flavor and a rich, bright aroma. Monarda greens are used to season meat and vegetable dishes and fish appetizers.

For making teas

Drinks acquire a bright bergamot aroma if you add dried flowers or perennial stems to them. Both green and black teas become fragrant and acquire a citrus flavor when mixed with monarda leaves.

Used as a preservative

To extend the shelf life of products, substances have long been added that prevent the growth of microorganisms, the appearance of mold and a specific odor.The role of preservatives is played by the essential oils contained in monarda, so it is placed in cucumbers, tomatoes, and fruits, rolled into jars for the winter.

As a herbal addition to salads

Fresh leaves of the perennial are used to add flavor to appetizers. They are put in Caesar and Olivier; fresh herbs go well with green onions, radishes, and eggs. A very tasty salad is obtained if you take:

• 10 cherry tomatoes;
• 3 cucumbers;
• 2 yellow peppers.

Vegetables are chopped into cubes, olives and tomatoes are cut in half. The monarda greens are chopped and added along with the squeezed garlic. Dress the salad with olive oil.

Dressing for cabbage soup and borscht

The spice improves the taste of first courses, the stems and leaves of monarda, and give a pleasant smell to soup and hodgepodge. Together with fennel, dill, and basil, young greens are used to season borscht.

Buttermilk cocktail with monarda

An aromatic drink is made from the ornamental plant, which is consumed like kvass. To prepare, take 4 cups of low-fat cream and boil. Grind 5 g of dry leaves in a mortar, mix with buttermilk and keep in the cold for a quarter of an hour.

Medicinal properties of the plant

Monarda disinfects and heals wounds, having an antibacterial and antiseptic effect. The decorative flower relieves inflammation in the oral cavity, reduces temperature, and eliminates itching.

In medicine

The value of a medicinal plant lies in its beneficial effects on the human body. When using monarda products:

1. Spasms and headache go away.
2. Damaged cells are restored.
3. Fractures heal faster.
4. Ulcers in the mouth heal.

Decorative perennial is used in homeopathy and official medicine. Powder is produced from the leaves and stems of monarda, infusions and extracts are prepared.

After conducting research, Russian scientists confirmed the effectiveness of using the puffed variety in the treatment of bronchial asthma, tracheitis, protection from radiation, tissue engraftment, and blood preservation. Anthocyanins present in the plant strengthen capillaries and contribute to the expansion of coronary vessels.

Leaves and flowers containing flavonoids and vitamin C have a calming effect and eliminate neuroses.

Recipes for medicinal products from monarda

To speed up the healing of wounds and abrasions, 2 large spoons of leaves and stems of the plant are infused in 250 ml of boiling water. The liquid is washed over the damaged skin to eliminate the infection. The pulp is wrapped in gauze and applied to the problem area.

Laryngotracheitis in children

To cure dry cough and get rid of bronchitis, use a decoction of monarda. To prepare it you will need a spoon of leaves, flowers and a glass of liquid. Dry grass is poured into the bowl. The water is heated until bubbles begin to form on the walls and bottom of the kettle, and poured into a container with monarda. The container is covered and wrapped in a blanket. The infusion is used to treat inflammation of the throat; for bronchitis or laryngotracheitis, children are given 1/4 cup of the medicine 3 or 4 times a day. The product dilutes the secretion, and the sputum disappears faster.

At home

Monarda is used for inhalation. To get rid of colds and rhinitis, 2 tablespoons of the dry plant are infused in half a liter of water for an hour, boiled for 10 minutes, and filled with a nebulizer. The stems and flowers of perennial grass are used to cover clothing made from natural fabrics to protect against moths. Spraying with monarda infusion protects garden crops from aphids.

The essential oil of the plant is used for massage. Decoctions of flowers are used to wash the hair for hair loss and thinning.

How to use the plant depends on the disease for which it is chosen to treat. Monarda tinctures help boost immunity, herb juice speeds up the healing of wounds, tea fights colds, essential oil is used in aromatherapy and inhalations.

In the fresh

A decoction of green herbs strengthens the immune system. To cope with toothache, gum inflammation, colds, and skin ulcers, medicines are prepared from fresh leaves, stems, and flowers of monarda.

The benefits of essential oil, infusion

Decoctions are prepared from the plant and are used in the treatment of bronchitis; monarda juice is used to disinfect scratches and cuts. Essential oil reduces the effects of radiation. It is added to tea, which helps cope with radiation sickness. Doctors prescribe the drug to patients undergoing chemotherapy. When using monarda oil:

1. Acne disappears.
2. The work of the sebaceous glands is normalized.
3. Lipid plaques dissolve
4. Fractures heal faster.
5. Skin cells are rejuvenated.

To remove worms, the product is mixed with glycerin and rubbed into the stomach. The oil is added to decoctions used for inhalation.

Infusions accelerate the healing of wounds, fight germs, viruses, fungi, relieve coughs, and treat bronchitis and tracheitis.

Preparations from monarda

Extract from the plant and essential oil are included in cosmetic creams, lotions, and added to masks. Monarda flowers and leaves are present in herbal preparations used to treat colds and coughs.

We use dried preparations

Decoctions, infusions and teas are made not only from fresh plants. To treat pathologies of the genitourinary system, respiratory diseases, colds, and increase immunity, the dried aerial part of the monarda is used.

Technology for harvesting raw materials from flowers and leaves

For use in cooking and alternative medicine, the plant is cut and left in the shade in the yard, attic or in a well-ventilated room. The collection of raw materials begins when the flowers appear. The stems with dried leaves are not crushed too much, otherwise the aromatic oil will evaporate.

Product storage features

To ensure that monarda does not lose its beneficial properties longer, it is placed in a glass jar and hermetically sealed. Well-dried herbs in canvas bags, cardboard boxes, and paper bags do not deteriorate, but they lose their aroma. Store raw materials in a dry, ventilated room in a place where the rays of the sun do not reach.

Existing contraindications

Although the plant has medicinal properties, infusions and decoctions from the fragrant plant must be used carefully. The leaves and flowers contain many components; if you are intolerant to one of them, an allergy may occur. Contraindications for the internal use of aromatic herbs include:

• period of pregnancy and breastfeeding;
• dysfunction of the thyroid gland;
• severe kidney pathologies.

It is not recommended to use decoctions and infusions of monarda for children under 5.

For patients suffering from cancer, the herbal remedy should be used only as prescribed by a doctor.

Possible harm

Decorative perennials rarely cause unpleasant effects. When the dosage is not observed, an allergy develops, which manifests itself in the form of:

• sneezing;
• skin redness;
• itching and burning;
• severe tearing.

When such symptoms appear, antihistamines are used.With a decrease in immunity and hypersensitivity to essential oil, it is extremely rare for the lips and larynx to swell, which, if medical care is not provided, can lead to the development of Quincke's edema.

In order for treatment using an ornamental plant to be effective, relieve the disease, and not cause allergies, you need to properly store the raw materials, prepare decoctions, ointments, infusions, observing the dosage.