Pic Today 6/22/14

BENEFICIAL BEE BALM

A tall, brilliant red flower in the summer garden,

Bee Balm (also known as bergamot)

attracts butterflies, bees and hummingbirds.

North American Indians and early settlers

favored its spicy, fragrant oil as a medicinal remedy

for stomach ailments and bronchitis.

Bee balm leaves and buds taste like spearmint

and are a natural source of thymol,

an antiseptic compound that is the primary

active ingredient in modern commercial mouthwash.

A valuable, beautiful addition to the summer flower bed.