Impatiens balsamina (Balsaminaceae)

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Impatiens balsamina
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The Impatiens balsamina plant species is found in E. Asia - China, India, Malaya. It is a member of the Balsaminaceae family.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Impatiens balsamina
Family:  Balsaminaceae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  Regular ingestion of large quantities of these plants can be dangerous due to their high mineral content[172]. This report, which seems nonsensical, might refer to calcium oxalate. This mineral is found in I. capensis and so is probably also in other members of the genus. It can be harmful raw but is destroyed by thoroughly cooking or drying the plant[K]. People with a tendency to rheumatism, arthritis, gout, kidney stones and hyperacidity should take especial caution if including this plant in their diet[238].

Mature Height:  0.6   Mature Width:  0.5

Habitat:  Not known

Medicinal Information: The plant is cathartic, diuretic and emetic[240]. It is used in the treatment of pains in the joints[240]. The leaf juice is used as a treatment against warts[218]. The flowers are cooling and tonic[240]. They are useful when applied to burns and scalds[240]. The flowers, and their alcoholic extract, possess marked antibiotic activity against some pathogenic fungi and bacteria[240]. The seed is expectorant and has been used in the treatment of cancer[218].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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