Also known as bee balm, the Native Americans understood that this is a potent flower.
They used it as an antiseptic to treat infections and wounds, took it for headaches and fevers, and believed that brewing it as a tea would ease flatulence. Perhaps I will give that a try.
When I was trying to shoot this a hummingbird buzzed down and lighted briefly on one of the nearby flowers. She saw me and bolted — before I could take a picture — off to find a less crowded spot in the neighborhood.
PLEASE tell me it’s for the headaches and fevers..
PS- I’ve just started using local honey; I don’t know if it’s the hype or what, but my allergies seem to be lessening..
Worth a try… don’t let the neighbors catch you clipping their flowers!
I’ve heard that about the local honey; fascinating.