With a rare, exotic and slightly alluring name, the essential oil of monarda is derived from steam distillation from the wild Bee Balm flowers, otherwise scientifically known as Monarda fistulosa. The plant is commonly referred to as Wild Bergamot as well and it shares many similarities with bergamot, especially in terms of its fragrance and therapeutic constituents, but you would be wrong to think that monarda essential oil is a complete, less well-known version of bergamot essential oil!

Monarda oil, though largely unheard of, contains many benefits and uses as well that makes it worthwhile to be added into your medicine cabinets! The name “bee balm” comes from the fact that bees are highly attracted to this flower and it has a very sweet, floral with a touch of fruity fragrance in it, thus having a mild and aromatic fragrance that is not at all too overpowering or feminine. Monarda oil blends extremely well with sandalwood and neroli essential oils. Read on to find out more about its health benefits and uses!

Health Benefits of Monarda Essential Oil:

Monarda essential oil is mainly used in aromatherapy as it is able to induce feelings of peace and tranquility within you, ridding your system of stress, tension and anxiety. Not only that, it also helps to uplift your spirits and puts you in a better mood as it combats depression, self-doubt and bouts of low self-esteem. This thus augments your mental and emotional health as it seeks to provide you with mental clarity and induces positive feelings of relaxation within you.

Additionally, one of the main important attributes of monarda essential oil is that it is an effective antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial agent. This means that it can effectively kill off any bacteria lingering on your skin from various wounds, cuts, scrapes or bruises and prevents them from becoming septic or incurring tetanus if they are made by a sharp iron object. Coupled with its anti-inflammatory attributes, this makes monarda oil a great addition to your first aid kit! Not only that, it can also help to get rid of various fungi and bacteria.

For example, a 2013 research study published in the Journal of Food Research found that monarda essential oil helps to inhibit the growth of various bacterial and fungal strains because of the chemical composition found in monarda essential oil. The major constituent of the oil is thymol, which gives it the antimicrobial activity. As such, monarda oil can be a good all-natural alternative to synthetic fungicides.

Another 2009 study published in the Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine confirmed that monarda exhibited antimycotic and anti-inflammatory activities which can inhibit microorganism growth and thus, is superior to hydrocortisone in this regard.

Its antibacterial properties make it a useful skincare agent. It helps to soothe and heal inflamed, red skin as well as prevents the growth of new pimples, blackheads and whiteheads due to an accumulation of bacteria. Therefore, it can help to treat acne and other related skin conditions so as to promote a smoother and much healthier complexion.

Additionally, monarda essential oil can promote detoxification because it has diaphoretic and diuretic properties, which means it induces increased sweating and urination. While this may be uncomfortable and discomforting, increased sweating and urination is good for your body since it removes harmful toxins out, such as urea, uric acid, excess salts, fats and water. Therefore, it boosts your immune system and keeps your liver, kidneys and other vital organs healthy, contributing to the smooth functioning of your body system.

How to Use Monarda Essential Oil:

Monarda essential oil can be used in a variety of ways. Firstly, with its sweet, aromatic fragrance, you can distill about 2-3 drops of monarda oil in a diffuser or vaporizer and let the sweet, fruity scent engulf your room. In fact, this method can also be used to ward off pesky insects and mosquitoes and keep your room or house bug-free!

Alternatively, you can also add about 4-5 drops of the oil to your warm, bathing water in a hot tub to promote relaxation and to unwind yourself after a long, tiring day of work. Because of its therapeutic effects, this helps you to de-stress and puts you in a good mood. Furthermore, the steam from the hot water can serve to induce sweating, thus detoxifying your body in the process.

You can also apply monarda oil topically onto your skin. Add about 2 drops of monarda oil with equal amounts of carrier oil (such as jojoba or coconut oil) and proceed to gently rub it on the affected area, being careful to avoid open wounds and broken skin directly. Continue until the skin recovers. It is especially important that you dilute the oil sufficiently with a carrier oil before topical application onto the skin. Also, be sure to do a skin patch test to determine for sensitive, allergic or irritant reactions.

By adding 5 drops of it to a spray bottle containing 5 tablespoons of water, you can also make your very own natural deodorant that serves to get rid of body odours and harmful bacteria, leaving you smelling fresh, fruity and sweet in its place due to its wonderful aroma and antiseptic qualities!

Be sure to consult the doctor first if you are pregnant or nursing before using monarda essential oil as a form of treatment and keep out of reach from children.

References:

Oyeboade Adebayo, et al., “Antifungal Studies of Selected Essential Oils and a Commercial Formulation against Botrytis Cinerea”, Journal of Food Research (2013); 2(1)

Zhilyakova ET, et al., “Study of Monarda fistulosa essential oil as a prospective antiseborrheic agent”, Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine (2009); 148(4)