The Indian or Himalayan balsam came to Europe from Asia as early as the 19th century and is spreading here more and more. Environmentalists fear that it will displace native herbs and would therefore like to eradicate it immediately.
The flower color of the Indian balsam varies from soft pink to bright red
The Indian Balsam grows a good two meters tall. It blooms in pale pink to red shades from July. After flowering, seed pods form, which, when mature, burst open at the slightest touch and hurl their seeds a meter away.
The Indian balsam as a medicinal herb
Balancing herbs were used for medicinal purposes by Native Americans in North America as well as by the people of Bangladesh. Although these are different types of jumping herbs, a healing effect has been confirmed in various studies.
The slightly slimy plant sap of the Indian Balsam is considered a natural antihistamine because it reduces the release of histamine. At the same time, it has an anti-inflammatory effect. In this way, it effectively alleviates the consequences of insect bites or burns caused by contact with stinging nettles.
Indian balsam in Bach flower therapy
also dr Edward Bach used Indian Balsam for medicinal purposes. Impatients can be translated as impatience, and that is precisely the scope that Edward Bach chose for this flower. It is part of the well-known rescue drops, which are intended to provide relief in the event of sudden events, accidents, stress and emotional stress.
Destroy by eating
Since the edible seeds are very tasty, you can put them on your menu instead of banning or destroying the herb from your garden. Admittedly, the mature seeds are not easy to harvest.
Because at the slightest touch, they jump out of their shell up to seven meters. The best way to harvest is to gently drape a bag over the plant with mature seed pods before allowing them to "explode". This way your harvest doesn't accidentally end up on the garden floor. The flowers are also edible, they taste slightly sweet.
The most important key points to the Indian Balsam:
- annual herb
- not hardy
- Spread by "explosively jumping" seeds
- Seeds germinate for years
tips
If you want to stop the spread of Indian balsam, make sure it cannot seed by preventing seed formation or by eating the seeds.