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Health benefits of Himalayan Balsam

The Himalayan Balsam, also called Impatiens glandulifera, is an invasive species of tall annual plant in the family Balsaminaceae A. Rich. It is also known as the Himalayan Balsam. (Family of touch-me-nots). The plant is native to the foothills of the Himalayas in Asia, especially India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet. But it has been brought to many other parts of the world, such as Austria, New Zealand, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Croatia, Denmark, Liechtenstein, Estonia, Switzerland, France, Hungary, Ireland, Lithuania, Finland, Luxembourg, Belgium, Romania, Montenegro, United Kingdom, Czech Republic, Netherlands, Poland, Serbia, Slovakia, Germany, Spain, Canada, Sweden, the United States, and Norway.

Himalayan Balsam, Soldier’s Orchid, Ornamental Jewelweed, Policeman’s Helmet, Indian Balsamwort, Kiss-me-on-the-mountain, Gnome’s Hatstand, Tramp’s Trouser, Bobby Tops, Pink Lady, Himalayan Touch-me-not, Pink Lady. Poor Man’s Orchid, Jumping Jack, Touch-me-not, Some of the common names for the plants are Wild Impatiens, Lady’s Slipper, Indian Jewelweed, Copper Tops, Impatiens, Himalayan Snapweed, Pink Peril, Balsamine, Garden Balsam, Giant Balsam, Exotic Impatiens, Queen’s Slipper, Patient Lucy, Wounded Impatiens, Pink Fountain, and Indian Balsam. Himalayan balsam and kiss-me-on-the-mountain are popular names for this plant that come from the Himalayan Mountains, where it grows naturally. Ornamental jewelweed is a plant that is grown for its looks.

The name “Impatiens” comes from the Latin word “impatiens,” which means “impatient” or “not enduring.” The plant got its name from the fact that, when the seeds are ready, the pods that hold them burst open at the smallest touch, sending the seeds everywhere. The name suggests that the plant can’t wait to spread its seeds. Latin is also where the name “glandulifera” comes from. It has two parts: “glandula,” which means “gland,” and “fera,” which means “bearing” or “carrying.” This name comes from the glandular nature of the plant, which means that its stems, leaves, and flowers have small glands or glandular hairs. These glands make a sticky substance, which makes the plant look like it has glands.

Himalayan Balsam Facts

Himalayan balsam Quick Facts
Name: Himalayan balsam
Scientific Name: Impatiens glandulifera
Origin Foothills of the Himalayan region of Asia, specifically India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet
Colors Initially green and gradually mature to a brown color
Shapes Five chambered capsules that measures about 3-5 cm long and up to 1.5 cm wide
Taste Generally considered bland or lacking in flavor
Health benefits Beneficial for skin disorders, back pain, rheumatism, urinary tract infections, hematuria, burns, fractures, snake and bug bites, bacterial and fungal illnesses
Name Himalayan balsam
Scientific Name Impatiens glandulifera
Native Himalayan region of Asia, specifically India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet. However, it has been introduced to many other parts of the world, including Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States
Common Names Himalayan Balsam, Indian Balsam, Policeman’s Helmet, Kiss-me-on-the-mountain, Gnome’s Hatstand, Bobby Tops, Copper Tops, Ornamental Jewelweed, Pink Peril, Pink Lady, Jumping Jack, Poor Man’s Orchid, Touch-me-not, Lady’s Slipper, Queen’s Slipper, Himalayan Touch-me-not, Indian Jewelweed, Impatiens, Himalayan Snapweed, Wild Impatiens, Balsamine, Indian Balsamwort, Garden Balsam, Giant Balsam, Exotic Impatiens, Tramp’s Trouser, Patient Lucy, Wounded Impatiens, Pink Fountain, Soldier’s Orchid
Name in Other Languages Bulgarian: Zhlezista slabonoga (Жлезиста слабонога)
Catalan: Balsamina glandulifera
Chinese: Xǐmǎlāyǎ fèngxiānhuā (喜马拉雅凤仙花), Xiàn bǐng fèng xiān huā (腺柄凤仙花)
Cornish: Basnet gwithyas
Croatian: Nedirak
Czech: Netýkavka žláznatá, netýkavka Royleova
Danish: Kæmpe-balsamin, Himalayabalsam, Bakke-Jordbær, Have-Jordbær, Royles balsamin, Spansk Jordbær
Denmark: Kæmpe-balsamin, kjempespringfrø
Dutch: Reuzenbalsemien, Himalayabalsem, Springbalsemien,
English: Himalayan balsam, Himalayan touch-me-not, policeman’s helmet, Indian balsam, Ornamental Jewelweed, Purple Jewelweed, Glandular Touch-Me-Not, custodian helmet, touch-me-not, Washington orchid, Jewelweed Policeman’s-helmet, Policeman’s-Helmet, kiss-me-on-the-mountain
Estonian: Verev lemmalts, Impatiens roylei
Finland: Jättipalsami
Finnish: Himalajanpalsami, Karvamansikka, Puutarhamansikka, Ukkomansikka, Jättipalsami
French: Balsamine de l’Himalaya, balsamine glanduleuse, balsamine géante, impatiente glanduleuse, Balsamie de l’Himmalaya, Balsamine de lhimalaya, balsamine géante
German: Drüsenspringkraut, drüsentragendes Springkraut, drüsiges Springkraut, indisches Springkraut, Riesenspringkraut, Druesiges Springkraut, Drüsiges Springkraut, Indisches Springkraut, Emscherorchidee, Wupperorchidee
Hungarian: Bíbor nebáncsvirág
Iceland: Risalísa
Irish: Lus na pléisce
Italian: Balsamina dell’Himalaya, balsamina ghiandolosa, impaziente ghiandolosa, Impaziente ghiandulosa
Japanese: Himaraya barusamu (ヒマラヤバルサム)
Korean: (Himalaya byeolcheonji (히말라야 별천지)
Latvian: Puķu sprigane
Lithuanian: Bitinė sprigė
Luxembourgish: Drüse-Sprangkraut
Malayalam: Himaalayan baalsam (ഹിമാലയൻ ബാൽസം)
Netherlands: Balsemien, reuzen
Norwegian: Himalayabalsam, Hage-Jordbær, Moskusjordbær, Nakkebær, Kjempespringfrø, kæmpe balsamin
Polish: Niecierpek gruczołowaty, niecierpek Roylego, Balzamka himalajska, niecierpek himalajski
Portuguese: Bálsamo-do-Himalaia, beijo
Russian: Gimalayskaya bal’zamina (Гималайская бальзамина), bal’zamin zhelezistyy (бальзамин железистый), bal’zamin zhelozkonosnyy (бальзамин желёзконосный), nedotroga zhelezistaya (недотрога железистая), nedotroga zhelozkonosnaya (недотрога желёзконосная), nedotroha Roylya (недотрога Ройля)
Slovak: Netýkavka žliazkatá
Slovene: Zlezava nedotika
Spanish: Bálsamo del Himalaya, impaciencia, žlezava nedotika
Swedish: Himalayabalsamin, jättebalsamin, Backsmultron, Jordgubbe, Parksmultron, Scharlakanssmultron, Jättipalsami
Ukrainian: Rozryv-trava zalozysta (розрив-трава залозиста)
Upper Sorbian: Wysoki pryskawc
USA: Ornamental jewelweed
Welsh: Cap Dur Heddwas, Ffromlys Chwarennog, Jac y neidiwr
Plant Growth Habit Tall, annual, glabrous, broadleaved, herbaceous plant
Growing Climates Grows in riparian areas, wet meadows, swamps, moist forests, forest edges, floodplain forests, stream sides, roadside, ditches, gardens, yards, parks, rivers, riverbank
Soil Prefers fertile soils that are rich in nutrients. It can grow in a wide range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils.
Plant Size Up to 2 to 3 meters (6.5 to 10 feet)
Root Made of fibers and have many branches. They make a thick network in the soil of thin structures that look like threads and go both horizontally and vertically
Stem Erect, hollow, smooth, hairless, reddish, and multi-branched with large, swollen nodes
Bark Relatively thin and smooth. Surface is typically glossy or slightly waxy in nature
Leaf Large, simple, ovate to elliptic, 15 cm long, 7 ½ cm wide, and opposite (although they occasionally form whorls of 3) with sharply toothed margins
Flowering season Summer to fall (May to October)
Flower Flowers have a unique shape, often described as spurred or slipper-shaped. They resemble a trumpet or cone with a curved upper lip and a downward-facing lower lip
Fruit Shape & Size Five chambered capsules that measures about 3-5 cm long and up to 1.5 cm wide, when mature it explode expelling seeds forcefully
Fruit Color Initially green and gradually mature to a brown color
Seed Large, 4-7 mm long and 2-4 mm wide with a mean weight of 7.32 mg
Flavor/Aroma Strong musty smell
Taste Generally considered bland or lacking in flavor
Plant Parts Used Roots, leaves, sap, flower, seeds
Propagation By Seed, Stem Cuttings, Division and Self-Sowing
Lifespan Within a single growing season
Season September to November
Varieties
  • Impatiens glandulifera subsp. glandulifera
  • Impatiens glandulifera subsp. roylei
  • Impatiens glandulifera subsp. kashmiriana
  • Impatiens glandulifera subsp. himalayensis
  • Impatiens glandulifera subsp. nubrica
  • Pink-flowered Himalayan Balsam
  • White-flowered Himalayan Balsam
  • Lilac-flowered Himalayan Balsam
  • Dwarf Himalayan Balsam
Health Benefits
  • Anti-inflammatory properties
  • Wound healing
  • Digestive health
  • Respiratory support
  • Stress reduction
  • Pain relief
  • Antimicrobial activities
  • Antioxidant effects
Other Facts
  • The plant provides a source of nectar for bees and other pollinators, aiding in the pollination of nearby native plants.
  • Its large biomass can contribute to nutrient cycling and soil improvement in disturbed areas.
  • A single plant can produce hundreds to thousands of seeds.
  • It is the tallest annual plant in the Ireland and can grow to a height of 7m (2m typical).
  • Oil from the seed is used for lighting.
  • A varnish can be made from the seeds.
  • The plant is exceptionally high in calcium oxalates.

Plant Description

Himalayan balsam is a tall, annual, glabrous, broad-leaved, grass plant that usually grows up to 2 to 3 meters (6.5 to 10 feet) tall. The plant grows in riparian areas, wet meadows, swamps, moist forests, forest edges, floodplain forests, stream sides, roadside, ditches, gardens, yards, parks, rivers, riverbanks, ponds, canals, wetlands, grasslands, shrubbery, hedgerows, abandoned fields, or places where vegetation has been cleared. The plant likes to grow in dirt that has a lot of nutrients. It can grow in many different kinds of dirt, like clay, loam, and sand. But it likes dirt that is moist but has good drainage. Compacted soils can make it hard for roots to grow and for plants to get water and nutrients. For good root growth, it’s important to make sure the soil is loose and crumbly. This plant comes from the Himalayas, and it is known for how quickly it grows, how nice it looks, and how tiny its flowers are. But because it is invasive and spreads quickly, it has caused serious biological and environmental problems.

Growing environment of Himalayan balsam

Himalayan balsam thrives in specific growing environments. Here are the key factors that contribute to its preferred growing conditions:

Roots

Roots are usually made of fibers and have many branches. They make a thick network in the soil of thin structures that look like threads and go both horizontally and vertically. The size of the roots can change based on how old the plant is and where it is in its growth cycle. When the plant is young, the roots are small and weak. As the plant grows older, its root system grows and spreads out to support the plant’s growing size. Most of the time, the roots are shallow and spread out wide near the surface of the dirt. This lets them take advantage of resources quickly. They may also grow deeper taproots that reach deeper into the dirt to get to water and nutrients.

Stem

Stems are usually round and have a smooth surface. It looks straight and tall, and it seems to grow straight up from the ground. Depending on how old and mature the plant is, the size of the stem can change. In general, the mature stems can grow up to 2-3 meters (6-10 feet) tall, or even higher if the circumstances are right. The hollowness of the stem is what makes it stand out. This means that the middle of the stem is empty and only has air in it. The thin stem supports the plant’s structure and keeps it from being too heavy. The green color of the stem comes from the chlorophyll in the plant, which is needed for photosynthesis. But as the plant gets older or starts to dry out, the stem can start to look brown or stiff.

Bark

The top layer of the stem, which is often called the “bark” for ease of use, has the same shape as the stem as a whole. It goes around the stem and supports and protects it. Himalayan balsam has “bark” that is thin and smooth. It doesn’t look like tree bark, which is usually rough and textured. Most of the time, the surface is shiny or slightly slippery. The color of the “bark” can change based on how old and healthy the stem is. When plants are young, the “bark” on the stem is often the same color as the stem itself. As the plant gets older, it may turn dark or look a little bit like wood, especially at the bottom of the stem. Compared to real woody plants, the bark is not very thick. It doesn’t have the same strength and security as traditional bark.

Leaves

Himalayan balsam has big leaves that look like lances or ovals. They have a simple leaf design, which means that each leaf is just one long strip along the stem. There are no leaflets or other parts. Usually, the leaf border, which is the edge of the leaf, is cut or toothed. It has small, sharp, and crooked teeth along the edges of its leaves. The lines in the leaves are easy to see. From the central vein (midrib), the main veins branch out into secondary veins, making a pattern that looks like a network. Some of the leaves can be pretty big. They are usually between 5 and 15 centimeters (2 to 6 inches) long and between 2 and 7 centimeters (0.8 to 2.8 inches) wide. But the size can change based on things like how old the plant is and how the surroundings is.

Healthy leaves are usually a bright green color, which is a sign of good health. The top side of the leaves is usually smooth, while the bottom side may have a few hairs. The leaves of Himalayan balsam are grouped in a way that makes them look like they are switching places. This means that each leaf is on a different part of the stem, and as the leaves go up, they switch places.

Flower

Himalayan balsam has groups of flowers at the very top of its stems. These groups of flowers, called racemes, can have anywhere from five to twenty blooms per raceme. The flowers have a unique form that is often called slipper-shaped or spurred. With a curved top lip and a lower lip that points down, they look like a trumpet or cone. The lower lip is long and makes a sharp point. Compared to the size of the plant as a whole, the flowers are pretty big. Including the spur, they are about 2 to 4 centimeters (0.8 to 1.6 inches) long on average. Most of the time, the flower is about 2 to 3 centimeters (0.8 to 1.2 inches) across.

Himalayan balsam has flowers that are known for their bright and beautiful colors. The most common color is pink, which can be light pink, dark pink, or even a shade that looks like purple. But you can also find them in white and pale purple. The darker spots on the lower lip of the flowers help insects find the nectar. The flowers have five petals that are grouped in a way that is symmetrical. The upper lip has two petals, while the lower lip has three, with the middle petal making the spur. The flowers are fairly wide and look a little bit like they have fringes or waves on them. Most flowers bloom from late spring to early fall, with the most flowers in summer.

Fruits

Fertile flowers are followed by fruits that are long and cylindrical. It looks like a thin pod or cylinder with sharp ends. The size of the fruit can vary, but it is usually between 2 and 4 centimeters (0.8 and 1.6 inches) long on average. The fruit is usually between 1 and 1.5 centimeters (0.4 and 0.6 inches) wide. The fruit has several chambers or sections, and each one has more than one seed. When the fruit is fully grown, it dries out and gets stiffer.

Himalayan balsam’s mature fruit has rapid dehiscence, which means it can burst open and forcefully throw out its seeds if it is touched or moved. With this system, the plant can spread its seeds over a large area. When the fruit is young, it is usually green. As it ripens, it goes brown or tan. The dry, ripe fruit feels like paper.

Seeds

Most of the time, the seeds are long and flattened. They are oval or kidney-shaped, with one side that is a little bit flatter than the other. The size of the seeds isn’t too big. The seeds are usually between 2 and 3 millimeters (0.08 and 0.12 inches) long. Most of the time, they are between 1 and 2 millimeters (0.04 and 0.08 inches) wide. Most of the time, the seeds are brown, but they can also be light brown, dark brown, or even black. The color can be affected by things like how old the plant is and how the surroundings is.

The smooth, shiny coat that protects seeds is called the seed coat. The seeds may look a little smooth or shiny on the outside. Himalayan balsam is well-known for making a lot of seeds. The plant can quickly spread to new places because it is small and produces a lot of seeds.

Origin and Distribution

Himalayan balsam, which is also called Impatiens glandulifera, comes from the Himalayas in Asia. It was brought to Europe in the early 1800s as a decorative plant because its pink or purple flowers looked nice. Since then, it has spread to many places around the world, including parts of Europe, North America, New Zealand, and other places. Today, you can find it in places like the UK, Canada, the US, and some parts of Asia.

Varieties of Himalayan balsam

There are several varieties or subspecies of Himalayan balsam that are recognized. Here are some of the notable varieties:

Health benefits of Himalayan balsam

Himalayan balsam is a plant that grows in the Himalayas. Its scientific name is Impatiens glandulifera. Himalayan balsam has been used in traditional medicine for its possible health benefits, even though it is seen as an alien species in many places. It’s important to remember that there isn’t a lot of scientific study on the healing properties of Himalayan balsam. Most of what we know about it comes from traditional knowledge. Here is some of the detailed health benefits associated with Himalayan balsam:

1. Anti-inflammatory properties

Himalayan balsam has chemicals in it that may help reduce inflammation. Some of these chemicals, like flavonoids and tannins, may help lower inflammation in the body. This could help people with arthritis, joint pain, and skin diseases that make the skin red and swollen.

2. Wound healing

The plant has been used for a long time to help wounds heal. It is thought to have antimicrobial qualities that can help stop infections and help the body heal. Putting a poultice or cream made from Himalayan balsam on small cuts, scrapes, or burns may help protect the area and help it heal.

3. Digestive health

Traditional medicine has used Himalayan balsam to treat stomach problems like indigestion, bloating, and diarrhea. It is thought to have a calming effect on the digestive system, which could help relieve pain and make digestion better.

4. Respiratory support

Himalayan balsam has been used in the past to treat things like coughs, colds, and asthma that affect the lungs. It is thought to have expectorant qualities, which could help loosen mucus and phlegm and make it easier to cough up.

5. Stress reduction

Himalayan balsam has been used for a long time as a natural way to treat nervousness and stress. It is thought to have relaxing effects that can help calm the mind and make you feel better. Some people drink Himalayan balsam tea or use it in massage because it might help them feel calm.

6. Pain relief

Himalayan balsam is sometimes used to relieve pain in traditional medicines. It is thought to have pain-relieving qualities that could help with muscle aches, joint inflammation, and headaches, among other types of pain. But there aren’t many scientific studies on this topic, so more research is needed to figure out how well it works.

7. Antimicrobial activity

Some of the compounds in Himalayan balsam have antimicrobial qualities that can help stop the growth of microorganisms. This shows that it could be used to fight certain infections, but more research is needed to find out how well it works and what it can be used for.

8. Antioxidant effects

Studies have shown that Himalayan balsam has antioxidants like phenolic compounds that can help the body get rid of dangerous free radicals. Antioxidants are very important for keeping your body healthy and lowering your chance of getting chronic diseases.

Traditional uses and benefits of Himalayan balsam

Culinary Uses of Himalayan balsam

Himalayan balsam is an invasive plant species native to the Himalayan region. While it is considered a nuisance in many areas due to its rapid growth and ability to outcompete native plants, there are some culinary uses for Himalayan balsam. Here are a few examples:

Different uses of Himalayan balsam

Apart from its culinary uses, Himalayan balsam has been used in various other ways. Here are some different uses of Himalayan balsam:

Side effects of Himalayan balsam

Himalayan balsam is an invasive plant species native to the Himalayas. While it is known for its beautiful flowers, it can have negative ecological impacts and cause various side effects. Here are some of the side effects associated with Himalayan balsam:

Prevention

Himalayan balsam is an annual plant, so the most important thing to do to get rid of it is to use up all of its seeds. This is done by removing the adults over and over again before they have babies. The life of a seed bank is about two years, and control programs should be done for the whole two years. After that, a five-year tracking program should be done. To stop erosion, it may also be necessary to think about a bankside rehabilitation scheme.

Physical Control

Hand pulling is a good way to get rid of adult plants in small areas, and it is better for the earth than using chemicals. Care should be taken to get rid of the whole plant, since plants can grow back in the same season if they are cut but not taken out completely.

You can also get rid of it by cutting it or letting animals eat it. However, you shouldn’t try to cut it after the seed heads have grown, because that would spread the plant. As cut plants can grow back, there should be constant tracking to stop them from spreading seeds. The first tracking visit should happen soon after the Himalayan balsam has been cut down, because it has been known to grow back within a few weeks.

Chemical Control

It can be used for big groups of people who live close together. Note that you can’t use herbicides near a waterway without first getting written permission from SEPA, unless you’re trying to get rid of invasive species. Getting rid of the plant with chemicals can take up to two years.

Cultural Control

Himalayan fir is not resistant to grazing or cutting. Grassland won’t be invaded if the land is used in the same way it has always been used. Mowing and grazing can also get rid of existing infestations, but this needs to be done every year and on a catchment-wide basis.

Mechanical Control

Himalayan balsam is easier to control than permanent invasive plants because it only lives for one year and grows in small patches. The goal of any control must be to stop the plants from making seeds. Mechanical control works best late in the season, when the plants are already in bloom or just starting to bloom. If you cut the trees early below the first node, you can control the population, but it takes a lot of work. Several mechanical methods have been tried in Germany (Hartmann et al., 1995), and they have all been successful. These methods include mowing with or without removing the plant material, mulching, and soil cultivation. When the land is big enough and the conditions are right, farm equipment can be used. Heavy machinery will damage the soil in places where it is wet and soft, leaving open areas that are good for replanting. Smaller stands can be cut with hand-held brush cutters, and the plants can also be pulled out by hand. In this case, it’s important to make sure that the plants you pull don’t have a chance to grow back where you put them down. For long-term success, the area should be watched to see if it starts to come back.

Integrated Control

Integrated control should try to get the best control result while causing the least harm to the environment. Because seeds move down a river, control methods in a river’s catchment area must begin in the upper reaches and move down the river. But this is often difficult because land is owned by different people and the costs are too high.

References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Impatiens_glandulifera

http://www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/record/kew-2862533

https://indiabiodiversity.org/species/show/244637

https://www.flowersofindia.net/catalog/slides/Himalayan%20Balsam.html

https://accs.uaa.alaska.edu/wp-content/uploads/Impatiens_glandulifera_BIO_IMGL.pdf

https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=impatiens+glandulifera

https://gobotany.nativeplanttrust.org/species/impatiens/glandulifera/

https://gd.eppo.int/taxon/IPAGL

https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/10.1079/cabicompendium.28766

https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=29187#null

https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=IMGL

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