Episode 238: Bee Balm for Fevers, Burns, and Nerve Pain with Ashley Elenbaas

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Episode Summary

There’s something almost impossible to ignore about bee balm (Monarda spp.). Its flowers burst open like fireworks, its aroma is unmistakably spicy, and when you taste it, you can feel its warmth almost immediately. But this is where bee balm gets especially interesting: despite its intense hotness, it can be an excellent herb for actually dispersing heat. 

In this episode, Ashley Elenbaas and I explore this beautiful contradiction and the many ways it shows up in bee balm’s medicine. We talk about why she keeps dried bee balm right alongside her cooking spices, how a late-night burn led her to reach for this plant, and why she considers small, regular amounts of bee balm to be a great way to support a nervous system that’s prone to overwhelm.

Ashley also shares her recipe for Bee Balm Honey, a super simple (and delicious!) way to bring bee balm’s spiciness into your own kitchen. Download your beautifully illustrated recipe card from the section below!

By the end of this episode, you’ll know:

► The clues to bee balm’s medicine that are hidden in its dragon-shaped flowers

► Why bee balm is particularly suited for situations where you need to release excess heat (whether that means fevers, burns, tension, or even those “big feelings” that can build up!)

► What “diffusive” means in herbal energetics—and what makes bee balm an amazing herb for understanding it

► Six herbal preparations for working with bee balm, from tea to culinary use and more!

► How Ashley works with bee balm as an aromatic ally for sleep

► and so much more…

For those of you who don’t know her, Ashley Elenbaas, M.Sc., RH (AHG), is a clinical herbalist, educator, and founder of Sky House Herb School. With over 20 years of experience teaching herbal medicine, yoga, and the healing arts, she weaves together traditional Western herbalism, plant energetics, nature-based spirituality, and community care. Ashley is passionate about helping people deepen their relationship with medicinal plants while cultivating thoughtful, heart centered practice. She teaches online and in person, hosts the Sky House Herbs YouTube channel, and lives in Minnesota with her family.  

Some plants ask us to slow down and listen. Bee balm practically grabs us by the shoulders and says, “Pay attention!” I hope this conversation inspires you to spend some time with this fiery, exuberant plant and discover its many gifts for yourself. 

Would you prefer reading this episode? If so, click here to download a transcript.

Would you prefer watching this episode? If so, scroll down below.

Connect with Ashley:

• Website | SkyHouseHerbs.com
• Instagram | @skyhouseherbs
• Facebook | Sky House Herb School + Apothecary
• YouTube | @SkyHouseHerbs

What You'll Learn from This Episode

• [1:09] Intro to Ashley Elenbaas + Ashley’s plant path
• [10:49] How bee balm called Ashley home
• [15:15] Doctrine of signatures + bee balm for dispersing heat
• [21:34] Bee balm for burns
• [24:27] Bee balm for nerve damage and repair
• [27:46] Working with bee balm in food and medicine
• [31:50] Bee balm honey recipe
• [35:37] Bee balm for candida and yeast infections
• [38:54] Bee balm for sleep
• [40:40] Ashley’s herbal projects
• [43:54] An herbal remedy Ashley could not live without
• [48:52] Guest teacher spotlight
• [49:55] Herbal tidbit

Get Your Free Recipe Download!

-- TIMESTAMPS -- 

• 00:30 - Intro to Ashley Elenbaas + Ashley’s plant path
• 10:22 - How bee balm called Ashley home
• 14:53 - Doctrine of signatures + bee balm for dispersing heat
• 21:27 - Bee balm for burns
• 24:24 - Bee balm for nerve damage and repair
• 27:46 - Working with bee balm in food and medicine
• 31:53 - Bee balm honey recipe
• 35:43 - Bee balm for candida and yeast infections
• 39:03 - Bee balm for sleep
• 40:50 - Ashley’s herbal projects
• 44:07 - An herbal remedy Ashley could not live without
• 49:06 - Guest teacher spotlight
• 50:08 - Herbal tidbit

Connect with Rosalee

• On Instagram | @rosaleedelaforet

• On Facebook | Herbs With Rosalee
• On YouTube | Herbs With Rosalee

• Website | herbswithrosalee.com


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