Family Name: Papaveraceae
Botanical Name(s): Chelidonium majus
Popular Name(s): Celandine, Chelidonium, Tetterwort, Jewel Weed,
Quick-In-Hand, Slippers, Snap Weed, Pale Touch-Me-Not, Slipper Weed,
Weathercock, Touch-Me-Not
Parts Used: Rootstock, herb
Habitat: Balsam weed is native to Europe and the Mediterranean
basin. It is widely found in North America also.
Description: Balsam weed is a biennial or perennial plant which
reaches a height up to 80 cm. The plant bears hollow stem that is round,
smooth and swollen at the joints. Its leaves are alternate, deeply
divided and are 30-cm in length. Its flowers are yellow in colour,
comprise of four petals, each of them possessing a length of about 1 cm.
Uses: Balsam weed has anodyne, antispasmodic, diaphoretic and
diuretic properties. It is used to cure digestive and ashtamatic
problems. Externally, Balsam is used to treat skin diseases like herpes,
eczema and ringworm.
