The Many Uses of Oswego Tea

Oswego tea is a common North American herb, growing wild primarily in Eastern and Central North America with cultivated varieties growing around the world. Its Latin name is Monarda dydima, and it is sometimes called bee balm or scarlet beebalm. This herb grows to about three feet in height and has lance shaped leaves and showy, bright red, tubular flowers. The flowers have a raggedy bushy look. Oswego tea was used by the Native Americans as a healing herb and still has many uses to us today.

In 1569, Nicolas Monardes put together a book of North American herbs including their common medicinal uses. Oswego tea, which was called horsemint by many at the time, was on of the listed herbs. Some of the uses listed for Oswego tea included treating nausea and colds, and using it as a poultice on bruises and sprains. The name "Oswego tea" comes from the Oswego Indians of New York state. They commonly made a tea from this herb, and when many colonists stopped drinking tea after the Boston Tea Party, they started following the Indians' example using the Indians' herb in place of their usual tea calling it Oswego tea after the Indians.

Although the medicinal uses of Oswego tea have not been proven by research, Oswego tea is still brewed as a tea by some to treat sore throats and colds. The oil in the plant, Thymol, is an antiseptic that is used in many commercial mouthwashes. It is important to note that oils in the plant can be harmful in large quantities so it is wise to limit its use. It is especially dangerous in pregnant women and in women with menstrual disorders, as it has been know to cause uterine contractions.

For those who want to experience Oswego tea as a beverage steep about a teaspoon of leaves in a cup of boiling water for five minutes then strain. It produces a strong fruity beverage that is pleasant to drink reminiscent of Earl Grey tea. If you like it sweeter add a little honey. It is also very good iced. The flowers are edible and make an attractive addition to salads. When the leaves are dried and crushed they make a fragrant herb that is a wonderful addition to tomato dishes and as an addition to stuffing.

Oswego tea is also a great addition to the flower garden. The showy flowers are pretty and fragrant. This herb grows well in both partial shade and full sun, but may need to be watered during times of little rain. The ideal soil is moist but still well drained. The flowers dry well and retain their fragrance. They are a wonderful addition to potpourri and can be used in crafts like wreaths and dried flower arrangements.