There’s something deeply beautiful about creating your own healing remedies from the plants that grow right around your feet. One of the favorite summer allies of our forest families? Bee Balm—also known as Monarda, Wild Bergamot, or Oswego Tea.
This vibrant, spiky bloom isn’t just a hummingbird magnet—it’s also a powerful herbal remedy with antimicrobial, antifungal, and soothing properties. Today we’re walking you through how to make a simple Bee Balm infused oil and turn it into a skin-soothing salve you’ll want in every natural first aid kit.
Why Bee Balm?
Bee Balm is part of the mint family, and its leaves and flowers are rich in thymol, a natural antiseptic also found in thyme and oregano. It’s been used for:
- Minor cuts and scrapes
- Bug bites and stings
- Dry or cracked skin
- Even chest rubs for colds and congestion
Before you begin, always make sure your plants are properly identified and harvested from a clean, unsprayed area. (We personally recommend growing your own or buying organic!)
Bee Balm Infused Oil Recipe
What You’ll Need:
- Fresh or dried Bee Balm flowers and leaves
- A clean glass jar with a lid
- High-quality carrier oil (like jojoba – our preference – or olive, coconut, avocado oil)
- Cheesecloth & mesh sieve
- Label + date tag
Step-by-Step:
- Harvest Bee Balm on a dry, sunny morning. Let it wilt for a few hours to remove excess moisture (important to avoid mold).
- Chop or gently tear the leaves and petals to expose more surface area.
- Fill a jar about halfway with the Bee Balm, then cover completely with your oil of choice.
- Stir with a wooden spoon or chopstick to release bubbles.
- Cover and place on a sunny windowsill for 2–3 weeks, shaking gently every day. (Or use a double boiler method to heat gently for 3–5 hours for a quicker infusion.)
- When ready, strain through cheesecloth + sieve and bottle your oil. Store in a dark place.
Bee Balm Salve Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup Bee Balm infused oil
- 1–1.5 tablespoons beeswax pellets (adjust for desired firmness)
- Optional: a few drops of lavender or tea tree essential oil
- Small salve tins or jars
Directions:
- In a heat-safe container or double boiler, gently melt the beeswax into your infused oil.
- Once fully melted, remove from heat and stir in essential oils if using.
- Pour into clean tins or jars. Let cool completely before sealing.
- Label with name + date. Salve will last up to 1 year stored in a cool, dry place.
Stewarding our Creator’s Gifts
Yahweh has given us so many tools right in the soil beneath our feet. Learning to use them is an act of stewardship, of love, and of care—both for ourselves and for our children. Bee Balm is just one of those fragrant, humble helpers that reminds us healing doesn’t always come from a pharmacy.
Make this salve with your kids, gift it to a friend, or tuck it into your forest school adventure bag. And tag us if you try it—we’d love to see your WildCrew creations!
👉 Have you used Bee Balm before?
Drop your questions or stories in the comments below. Let’s keep learning together! 🌿