The Indian or glandular balsam came to Europe from Asia in the 19th century and is spreading more and more here. Environmentalists fear that it will displace native herbs and would therefore prefer to eradicate it immediately.
What is Indian balsam and what properties does it have?
The Indian balsam is an annual herb up to 2 meters tall with pale pink to red flowers and explosive seed pods. It is not hardy and spreads quickly. In addition to its healing effects from plant sap and Bach flower therapy, seeds and flowers are edible.
The Indian balsam grows to a good two meters tall. From July it blooms in pale pink to red shades. After flowering, seed capsules form which, when fully mature, burst open at the slightest touch and throw their seeds meters away.
The Indian balsam as a medicinal herb
Jeveling herbs were used for medicinal purposes by both the Indians of North America and the inhabitants of Bangladesh. Although these are different types of jewel herbs, a healing effect has been confirmed in various studies.
The slightly slimy plant sap of Indian balsam is considered a natural antihistamine because it reduces the release of histamine. At the same time it has an anti-inflammatory effect. It effectively alleviates the effects of insect bites or burns caused by contact with nettles.
The 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 exactly 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 strain.
Destroy by eating
Since the edible seeds are very tasty, you can definitely add them to your menu instead of banning or destroying the herb from your garden. The ripe seeds are admittedly not easy to harvest.
Because at the slightest touch they jump out of their shell up to seven meters away. The best way to harvest is to carefully pull a bag over the plant with ripe seeds before you let them “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 about Indian balsam:
- annual herb
- not hardy
- Spread through “explosively jumping” seeds
- Seeds can germinate for years
Tip
If you want to stop the spread of Indian balsam, then make sure it cannot go to seed by preventing seed formation or eating the seeds.
