The majority of gardeners know it as a weed that needs to be fought as quickly as possible if you don't want to lose other plants. But how poisonous is balsam actually?

While leaves and stems are poisonous, balsam flowers and seeds are edible

All species of balsam are slightly poisonous

All species of impatiens - both Indian balsam, brightweed, balsam, etc. - are poisonous. The stems and leaves should not be eaten, especially when raw. They contain glycosides. The flowers and seeds, on the other hand, are non-toxic and even edible.

How do the flowers and seeds taste?

The flowers can be used as a decoration for various dishes such as salads and cheese platters. They taste pleasantly sweet and literally melt on the tongue. The taste of the small black-brown seeds is reminiscent of mild nuts. They are extremely rich in oil and healthy.

What is the effect of poisoning?

If an animal or human has eaten too much fresh Balsam leaves, various typical symptoms of poisoning can occur. These include, for example:

  • nausea
  • Vomit
  • diarrhea
  • dizziness
  • Gastrointestinal spasms

Balsam as a medicinal herb

Balsam has not been researched in detail so far. But it is known that it can be used as a medicinal herb. Among other things, it has a diuretic, antibacterial, laxative and triggers nausea. Externally it can be used against inflammation, insect bites, hemorrhoids and to clean wounds. The active ingredient quercetin also acts as an antihistamine.

tips

Even if it requires a lot of patience: You can harvest the seeds in autumn. It is best to put a bag or other container around the closed but ripe fruit capsules and wiggle it. The fruits then explode and throw their seeds into the container.

Category:

Herbs