Beebalm, Monarda fistulosa L. may be steeped in hot water to make Oswego Tea.  This is a strong tasting member of the mint family.  Flavor like oregano.  Used as a carminative, abortifacient, cold remedy, sedative, analgesic, hemostat, for coughs, emetic, to induce sweating, treat the flu, a stimulant, pulmonary aid, relieve congestion and diaphoretic by Native Americans.  Edible flower, best used as a tea.  Essential oils in beebalm tea may provide protection from mountain sickness (thymol).    Recipe.

American Indians used this to treat gun shot wounds and bee stings.
Monarda didyma L. florets taste pineapple like and are great on salads.  Also, try them on desserts.

Native Americans used the plant 's leaves and flowers in similar ways to M. fistulosa: for headaches, as an abortifacient, carminative, hemostat, for headaches, heart stimulant, diaphoretic to sweat out flu and other acute infections. (more)
Beebalm shoots in spring. Chop into cold berry soups as an infusion.  Too tough to eat without cooking.

The physiologically active chemicals carvacrol and thymol in Monarda species may prevent or inhibit the breakdown of acetylcholine a neural transmitter, important to brain function.