Garden Balsam Stem

What is Garden Balsam?

Garden Balsam (Impatiens balsamina) is an annual herb widely cultivated in China, it grows well in warm, humid environments with adequate sunlight and tolerates poor soil, making it a common annual herb in fields, roadsides, and gardens. The medicinal part is the dried stem, traditionally harvested in summer or early autumn when the plant is fully grown but flowers or fruits are not yet mature. Preferred stems are firm, green-brown in color, and break easily due to their tender texture.

Traditional Use

In Chinese herbal tradition, Garden Balsam has been historically used in external wellness practices for minor discomforts associated with wind-damp conditions and as part of traditional rituals to support overall comfort and circulation. Its stems were valued for their flexibility and aromatic quality in traditional herbal preparations.

In Western traditional herbal practice, the fresh leaves or stems, when crushed, have been used externally to gently soothe minor skin irritations, insect bites, small abrasions, or mild itching. Some sources note mild soothing and antibacterial effects, but it is not considered a primary treatment for skin disorders. The flower petals, especially from red or pink varieties, were traditionally crushed and applied directly to nails as a natural dye, or mixed with carrier oils like olive oil to create simple hair or cosmetic preparations for enhancing shine.

Herbal & Cultural Heritage

Garden Balsam holds a special place in Chinese folk culture. Its bright-colored flowers were traditionally used as natural nail dyes, a custom widely practiced across regions. In some regions, the plant was grown in household gardens for both ornamental and traditional wellness purposes, symbolizing good fortune, protection, and beauty.