A plant of many names! Depending on where you live you may know it as bee balm, mountain oregano, wild oregano, oregano de la Sierra, wild bergamot, or horsemint. Even the Lakota have two names for it: Wahpe Washtemém (good smelling leaf) or Hehaka Topestra (Elk medicine).
Monarda is its Latin name but also one of its common names especially when sold as an ornamental flower garden plant with very showy pink to purple flowers. But it is also a spice and a stimulating tea used as a breath freshener, an antimicrobial drink, or a ‘pezhuta’ (medicine) for general well-being during the Sun Dance. An oil of the leaves can be applied topically as a tick repellent with some mint as well as other insect repelling herbs.
Linda Black Elk tells us it is most effective as a leaf tea used with intention to help you achieve the goal at hand. Your intention directs the plant and the plant helps you achieve your intention.
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