Balsam

The garden Balsam is an annual, soft-stemmed, upright plant, which grows to a height of 30-90 cm. and belongs to the plant family Balsaminaceae. The leaves are arranged alternately on the main stem and they are 15 cm. long, lanceolate and serrate or toothed. The flowers that come in different colours make a showy garden. The pink and red varieties are very common in India. The flowers have a spur or an outward extension and the capsules are tomentose. When mature, they rupture or burst with a little pressure, dispelling the seeds.

           
MEDICINAL USE:
*General tonic.
*Burns and scalds.
*Pains in the joints.
*As an emetic or an agent to cause vomiting.
*Good laxative.
*Promotes the flow of urine.

HOW TO USE:
*The infusion of the flowers makes a good general tonic.
*The flowers may be crushed and applied over burns and scalds.
*To relieve pain, the flowers are crushed and applied over the joints.
*The decoction of the flower is an effective emetic and laxative, and it promotes the flow of urine.

PARTS USED:
*The flowers.

DOSE:
As recommended above.

Normal Dosage For:

Adults: 4 or 5 cups a day.
Aged 6 to 9 years: 2 cups a day
Aged 2 to 5 years: 1 cup a day
1 to 2 years: 1/2 cup a day
Below 1 year: 1/4 or less cup a day

A Useful Table for Quick Measurements:
1 tbsp = 5 grams (green herb)
1 dessertspoon = 2 grams (dry herb)
1 teaspoon = 25 drops
1 cup = 16 tbsp

1 litre = 7 or 8 cups