Horse Mint
Monarda punctata
From Floridata
Horsemint is a little coarse for the formal garden but is just perfect for the wild or meadow garden and for attracting butterflies. Plant it in masses in the back of a border or let it self seed in a natural area. Horsemint is very tolerant of salt spray, and the showy purple bracts will brighten up the seaside garden from late summer until first frost.
The dried floral heads are used in arrangements and sachets. I use the leaves as a substitute for oregano.
Features
Native Americans made a tea from the leaves of horsemint to treat flu, colds and fever. It increases sweating. Essential oils from horsemint are high in thymol, which is an effective fungicide and bactericide and also used to expel hookworms. Today thymol is manufactured synthetically.