History and Uses of Monarda fistulosa

The first two descriptions of the Monarda fistulosa came from two explorers of different parts of the New World. Dr. Nicolas Monardes, physician to King Philip of Spain, accompanied an exploration of southern parts of the future United States. On his return, he wrote several accounts of life in the New World, but one of the most important was his book of herbs, published in 1615.
John White was another early explorer for England. He was one of the first settlers to land at Roanoke, Va. White sketched pictures of much of the flora and fauna of the territory for a book that was published in 1590. After returning back to Virginia from a voyage to report his findings back to England, White found his daughter and grandchild had disappeared along with the entire colony. What happened to the colony at Roanoke is still a mystery today.
Later, in Species Plantarum of 1753, Carl von Linne (Linnaeus) was the first to describe the M. fistulosa and place it into a classification with other similar species. As a tribute to Dr. Monardes, Linnaeus named the genus "Monarda" (there are about 15-20 species classified in the genus).

Uses of the fistulosa: References: Krochmal (1973), "Native Wildflowers", & http://well-being.com/Earthen-Scents
The most documented use is as a tea, where the leaves and flowers are ground up and dried. The Oswego Indians of New York taught this to the settlers, giving the name "Oswego tea" to the plant and several similar vaieties. The tea, to both drink and inhale, was used to relieve bronchial infections, congestions, colds, and influenza.
Another concoction was used by native Americans to bathe patients in to relieve chills. Similar mixtures alleviated fever, headaches, and even sore throats. A decoction of the root was drunk to relieve stomach problems. Pioneers made a lotion of boiled leaves to treat skin blemishes, as well as another mixture to make a hair pomade. In some regions, the leaves were dried and used to add flavoring to meat (giving the name "oregano").
Though it is hard to confirm much of this scientifically, it is known that the plant is a good source of thymol, which is used as a stimulant and to relieve nausea and digestive problems. Its fragrant oils, like lavender, rosemary, mint, and thyme, could soothe congestion and headaches. It is also considered an active diaphoretic, or sweat inducer, which explains its use in relieving chills and fever symptoms.