Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa), also known as bee balm, has a long history of traditional use by various Native American tribes and early settlers in North America. It was commonly prepared as a tea or infusion to address respiratory ailments, including coughs, colds, and bronchial congestion. The plant contains thymol and carvacrol, compounds with antimicrobial properties, which may contribute to its traditional use in soothing respiratory tract discomfort and supporting the bronchial system.

However, scientific validation of these effects is limited. The available research primarily focuses on the antimicrobial action of its essential oil constituents in vitro, rather than on clinical trials evaluating its efficacy for bronchial or respiratory conditions in humans. Thus, while its traditional use for bronchial support is well-documented, there is insufficient modern clinical evidence to fully confirm these benefits. It remains popular in herbal medicine as an expectorant and mild antimicrobial, but its use is primarily justified by tradition rather than robust scientific studies.