Himalayan Balsam

By Caroline Anderson March 24, 2023 16 mins read 106 Views

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1981 The Wildlife and Countryside Act.

Himalayan Balsam falls under Schedule 9. It is a crime to introduce this plant in the wild under Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1985 and its amendments). When harvesting, ensure that you use containers that will not allow any of the plant's parts to fall out on return. You should dispose of all unused material safely. Mark Duffell Arvensis Ecology

See the legislation here.

A beekeeper will notice that many of the workers have a strangely white stripe when he opens the hive. This is a sign that the colony was foraging on Himalayan balsam.

Its sweet nectar tempts honeybees and produces a large crop in the summer. As the insect crawls within the flower, the sticky stamen leaves a white line on the bee’s thorax.

Geoffrey Grigson describes the arrival in the UK of Himalayan Balsam, which is often viewed as an invasive species.

It was introduced in 1839 by gardeners, who didn't know it would become a career.

This native Indian plant is a common sight today along streams and rivers.

Scientific Name

Impatiens glandulifera

Family

Balsaminaceae

Botanical Description

Himalayan balsam's prolific flowers are pink-purple in color and grow on red, fleshy stems that are thick. Later, the fruits will appear as a capsule. The dark green leaves are lance-shaped.

Status

Annual. Introduced.

Habitat and Distribution

The UK has made Himalayan Balsam a naturalized species and it is at home on all borders and streams.

Himalayan Balsam distribution map

Parts used for food

Seeds.

Harvest Time

July, August.

Himalayan Balsam: Food uses

You can eat the seeds raw, and they taste just like nuts.

Himalayan Balsam Recipes

Himalayan Balsam Seed Curry
Himalayan Balsam & Wild Fennel Crackers
Lime Flower & Himalayan Balsam Vitamin Water

Profil nutrition

Not yet.

Himalayan Balsam: Herbal Medicine

The cooling properties of the flowers and leaves can be used to soothe burns. The seeds have diuretic properties, and the root juice treats hemoglobin (blood in the urine).

Other uses

You can make a varnish from the seeds.

Safety Note

The plant has a high level of calcium oxalates.

Refer to

Bennet, S. (1991). Food from Forests. Dehradun (India), Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education.

Mahajan, V. et al. (n.d.). Ethnobotanical inventory of medicinal plants in the North Western Himalayas. Journal of Krishi Vigyan. 6.

National Institute of Science Communication, New Delhi, I. (2000) The Useful Plants of India. New Delhi: National Institute of Science Communication. Council of Scientific & Industrial Research.

Negi, P. S. and Subramani S. P. (n.d.). Wild Edible Plant Gene Resources for Sustainable Food Security and Livelihood in Kinnaur District of Himachal Pradesh. India. 12.

Quattrocchi, U. (2016) CRC World Dictionary of Medicinal and Poisonous Plants - Common Names and Scientific Names (Five Volume Set). CRC Press.

Szewczyk, K. et al. (2016). Polyphenols in Impatiens (Balsaminaceae), and their antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. Industrial Crops and Products.

Watt, G. & India. (1889) A Dictionary of the Economic Products of India. Calcutta: Published by the Superintendent for Government Printing.

The first EATWEEDS article was Himalayan Balsam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which spices from the kitchen are used to cure diseases?

There are more than 4000 medicinal plants that are widely distributed throughout the world. Some of these plants contain active compounds that may help treat various ailments.

In India alone, there are more than 1000 species of herbs that are used for medical purposes. This includes Ayurvedic medicine, Unani medicine, Siddha medicine, Homeopathic medicine, and Chinese medicine.

The most common ingredient found in these medicines is ginger. Ginger contains volatile oils that give it its aromatic flavor. These oils contain anti-inflammatory properties that make them useful against arthritis, fever, vomiting, and indigestion.

Ginger also helps relieve nausea and stomach cramps caused due to pregnancy. Pregnant women often consume ginger tea to reduce morning sickness. Ginger is also commonly used for cough and cold relief.

Another spice that is known to have medicinal value is turmeric. Turmeric contains curcumin which has been shown to inhibit tumor growth. This makes it an effective cancer treatment.

Turmeric is also considered to be very beneficial for joint health. It relieves inflammation and stiffness associated with rheumatoid arthritis. It is also believed to prevent osteoporosis.

Garlic, too, is another herb that is extensively used in traditional medicine. Its healing qualities include treating infections, asthma, heart disease, and diabetes and even reducing cholesterol levels. Garlic oil is also used to treat wounds and insect bites.

Garlic is a natural antibiotic that fights bacteria and viruses. The antibacterial property makes it ideal for treating respiratory tract infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia.

It is also helpful in preventing urinary tract infections.

Other spices like cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, cardamom, black pepper, ginger, cayenne, mustard seeds, fennel, and coriander are also used to treat different illnesses.

Is basil good for kidneys?

The answer is yes. Basil is an excellent food for kidney health. It contains potassium which helps reduce high blood pressure. It also contains vitamin K, which is essential for bone strength. As well as this, it is rich in antioxidants which help protect against heart disease.

Basil is great for digestion too. It contains digestive enzymes that break down protein and carbohydrates. This makes it easier to absorb nutrients from your meals.

Basil is a wonderful addition to any diet. Try sprinkling some over pasta dishes, salads, soups, and sandwiches. Or add little stir-fried vegetables, chicken, fish, meat, and tofu.

It's delicious in pesto sauce and fresh in salad dressings. You'll find many recipes online where you can learn how to cook with basil.

Try making basil oil by adding a few drops of pure olive oil to a jar filled with chopped basil leaves. Let it steep overnight, and then strain out the leaves. Use the oil as a massage oil or rub it onto your skin.

It will leave your skin soft and smooth.

Is it okay to use dried herbs instead of fresh ones?

It is best to pick up fresh herbs whenever possible when using herbs.

Although dried herbs are convenient, they don’t provide the same benefits as fresh herbs.

Fresh herbs contain essential oils that give your food a unique flavor. These oils help preserve the nutrients within the herb.

Dried herbs lose all their flavor after drying, so they cannot replace fresh herbs.

You should only use dried herbs if you absolutely must. Otherwise, you should get your fresh herbs from the market.

Statistics

The herbs market is highly competitive, with over 1,000 herb suppliers and over 15,000 herbs products available in the United States alone.
The global herbs market is expected to reach more than $125 billion by the end of 2025.

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How To

How to Use Herbs and Spices in Cooking?

Herbs and spices are a great way to add flavor without adding calories. If you've been cooking for years, you already know how easy it is to make even bland foods taste delicious. Try these tips to add more flair to your dishes.

Herbs and spices are essential ingredients in any kitchen. In addition to making food taste better, they also help keep food fresh longer. From enhancing the flavors of soups and sauces to infusing drinks with exotic tastes, herbs and spices go far beyond traditional cooking.

The most important thing to remember when using herbs and spices is to use them sparingly. Even though they may seem like powerful ingredients, they have a strong scent. So, sprinkle them on top instead of piling them onto a dish.

You'll find that the best herbs and spices come in small containers. This makes them easier to measure out, so there won't be any waste. Plus, you'll save money because you won't have to buy large amounts.

Another tip is to avoid placing herbs and spices directly on hot pans. Heat will quickly dry out the herbs and spices, leaving a bitter aftertaste. Instead, place them on paper towels to absorb excess moisture.

Use herbs and spices liberally in recipes where they naturally complement each other. For example, cinnamon pairs well with apples, while garlic complements tomatoes. Once you learn how to combine flavors, you'll be able to create your signature dishes.

Try experimenting with different herbs and spices to spice up meals. For instance, mix thyme, rosemary, oregano, and basil in a bowl. Add salt and pepper to taste. Then toss the mixture with pasta, chicken, or fish.

After the meal, store leftover herbs and spices in airtight jars. This will prevent them from drying out. Also, wrap unused herbs and spices tightly in plastic wrap. They should stay fresh for at least three months.

If you're looking for ways to improve your diet, consider trying new herbs and spices. You can experiment with different blends until you discover your favorite combination. The possibilities are endless!