jewelweed & Himalayan balsam

[Toddy]

In N. America jewelweed is used to relieve the itching from insect bites and to soothe rashes caused by plant stings and sunburn.
http://altnature.com/jewelweed.htm
In it's habit it sounds awfully like our invasive balsam; they are both Impatiens species, etc.,
http://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profiles0705/himalayanbalsam.asp
Does anyone know if the Himalayan balsam can be used in the same way as the jewelweed?

cheers,
Toddy

 

[Galemys]

In N. America jewelweed is used to relieve the itching from insect bites and to soothe rashes caused by plant stings and sunburn.
http://altnature.com/jewelweed.htm
In it's habit it sounds awfully like our invasive balsam; they are both Impatiens species, etc.,
http://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profiles0705/himalayanbalsam.asp
Does anyone know if the Himalayan balsam can be used in the same way as the jewelweed?

cheers,
Toddy

Himalayan balsam works for me on nettle stings. The seeds of both are a nice nibble too.

Cheers,

Tom

 

[Matt Weir]

Himalayan balsam works for me on nettle stings. The seeds of both are a nice nibble too.

Cheers,

Tom

If you can catch them Interesting to hear that there may be a practical use. thanks Toddy.

 

[xylaria]

Himalayan balsam works for me on nettle stings. The seeds of both are a nice nibble too.

Cheers,

Tom

How do you eat the seeds?

I have used the stems on small burn, for no other reason than it was wet and there at the time. It was soothing and the burn didn't blister but a damp cloth may of been just as good. I have tried cooking and eating the stems but i didn't like the flavour at all.

There is alot common plants that will do nettle stings, but less that do insect bites. I will try himalayn balsam next time I get bit. You can never know too many cures for midge bite.

 

[Toddy]

If you can catch them Interesting to hear that there may be a practical use. thanks Toddy.

Swoop a hat or a kid's baggie minnow net over them. The seed pods are going to explode anyway, but if you catch and eat them at least some of the invasion forces are thwarted.

I just munch them like sunflowers seeds.

Interesting info. on the burn and the nettle stings, thanks folks

cheers,
Toddy

 

[dwardo]

If anyone has any other use for Himalayan balsam please speak out

The orrible stuff has invaded most of my local valley and woodland so a food or other use may help in its demise.

 

[Galemys]

I just cup my hands over the fattest seedpots, let them explode and end up with the seeds in my hand

Cheers,

Tom