Harvesting bee balm for medicine is a simple process that involves cutting and drying the stems, leaves, and flowers. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to harvest bee balm for medicinal purposes:
1. Timing: The best time to harvest bee balm is when it is in full bloom. This is usually during the summer months, typically June to August, depending on your location. Look for flowers that have just opened and are vibrant in color.
2. Equipment: Before you begin harvesting, gather the necessary equipment. You will need a pair of sharp gardening shears or scissors, a clean and sturdy basket or container to collect the harvested bee balm, and some twine or string if you plan on hanging the stems to dry.
3. Selecting the stems: Choose healthy, mature stems that are about 8 to 10 inches long. Look for stems that have plenty of leaves and flowers. Avoid harvesting stems that are damaged, diseased, or infested with pests.
4. Cutting the stems: Using your gardening shears or scissors, make a clean cut just above a set of leaves or leaf nodes. This will encourage new growth on the plant. It’s important to avoid cutting too close to the base of the plant to ensure its continued health.
5. Bundling the stems: If you plan on hanging the bee balm to dry, gather a small bunch of stems together and tie them securely with twine or string. Make sure the stems are aligned and facing the same direction. Leave enough length on the twine to create a loop for hanging.
6. Drying the bee balm: Find a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area to hang the bundled stems. Ideally, this should be a location away from direct sunlight to prevent fading of the flowers. Hang the bee balm upside down, allowing air to circulate around the stems. This will help prevent mold or mildew from forming.
7. Checking for dryness: It usually takes about 1-2 weeks for the bee balm to dry completely. To check if it’s dry, gently touch the flowers and leaves. They should feel brittle and crumble easily. If there is any moisture or flexibility, allow the bee balm to dry for a few more days.
8. Crushing and storing: Once the bee balm is dry, remove the stems from the twine or string. Crush the dried flowers, leaves, and stems using a mortar and pestle or by pulsing them in a blender or food processor. Store the crushed bee balm in a clean, airtight container away from heat, light, and moisture.
Harvesting bee balm for medicinal purposes can be a rewarding experience. The vibrant colors, delightful aroma, and therapeutic properties of this herb make it a valuable addition to any herbal medicine cabinet. By following these steps, you can ensure that you harvest bee balm at its peak potency for use in teas, tinctures, salves, or any other medicinal preparations.
