Golden Monard

(Monarda didyma L., Labiatae).

Description: Handsome perennial plant, 50-90cm (20-36 in) high with numerous stolons.
Stem almost square, branching in the upper part.
Leaves up to 10cm (4in) long, ovate lanceolate, margin dentate, lateral veins curved and fusing towards the margin.
Flowers very showy, bright red; in groups of 2-6 in terminal whorls; corolla up to 6cm (2.5in) long.
Flowering: July-September.

Parts Used: The separated corollas or the entire flowers, or the flowering plant, dried.

Habitat and Collection: Indigenous to South America and the eastern parts of the United States of America; cultivated as a garden plant in Europe and at times occurring as an escape.
Propagated by seed or, preferably, by splitting the abundant root system of second-year plants.
The drug is collected when the plant is in flower and dried in the shade at less than 35 C (95 F).

Constituents and Action: Volatile oil and tannin, in the flowers-and in the entire plant.
Action on the digestive system and probably on menstruation;
It is also expectorant and sedative for bronchitis, (Action weak, the drug is over-estimated.)

Usage: As a tisane (infuse 1 teaspoonful in 0.5 litre (1 pt) of boiling water and allow to stand) for digestive disturbances, irregular and painful menstruation and for bronchial catarrh.
According to recent research, its use for insomnia is not justified.
An infusion (preferably of the entire plant) is used as an application to wounds.