Each morning when I awake, I always see myself as a flower.
I can offer many reasons, which include: I am very beautiful, I have many different sides, I make others happy, I often amaze my friends, I am gentle and I see life as many shapes and colours.
I also love to put flowers in a glass bowl of water and let them stand in the sun. If they are edible flowers, that water is very nice and refreshing when I mix it with my favourite juice.
This month I wrote about the healing power of desert rose, rose, cockscomb and now I am ending the series with a beloved flower of many Caribbean people. It is one of my favourites because I love popping the fruit on it to witness them curling up.
Impatiens balsamina, known in Barbados as touch-me-not, jewelweed or rose balsam, is a very spiritual, fascinating and energetic silent doctor.
When I was at primary school, while walking home on evenings I would go to the plant and “burst” the fruits. Whether you believe me or not, that action was very relaxing.
Medicinally, this plant is underestimated in many parts of the world but has many healing properties. Research reveals that in some cultures the leaves, the seeds and young shoots are consumed. In Bali, the leaves are eaten with various foods.
The list below, which is drawn from online and published sources, indicates how touch-me-not is used for healing:
• The Philippines – the pounded leaves are used as a poultice to dissolve whitlow.
• China – difficult labour is assisted by using the pounded seeds.
• Asia – it is used to treat finger nail inflammation, rheumatism and fractures.
• In Korean folk medicine, it is used to treat constipation.
• Malaysia, the leaves are used as a poultice to treat torn nails.
• United States, it is used to treat poison ivy.
Research also reveals that it is used to treat lumbago, athlete’s foot, ringworms, rashes, painful periods and intercostals neuralgia. The leaf juice can treat warts.
Ongoing research continues to focus on touch-me-not as a treatment for diabetes, cancer, H. Pylori, fungal infections, blood flow, swelling, atopic dermatitis, acne and selected microbial pathogens.
This plant has properties that are being investigated for possible use as a mosquito insecticide.
Finally, I am imploring all flower and kitchen garden lovers to take some time to thank themselves for cultivating the gardens. A garden of mixed herds and flowers is very relaxing and educational.
It is time to see the garden as a healing treasure and not a place to grow flowers only for admiration.
• Annette Maynard-Watson, a teacher and herbal educator, may be contacted via [email protected] or by telephone 250-6450.
DISCLAIMER: It is not our intention to prescribe or make specific claims for any products. Any attempts to diagnose or treat real illness should come under the direccton of your health care provider.
