Herb's Introduction
Impatiens racemosa, a member of the Balsaminaceae family, is an annual plant that grows between 20 and 60 cm tall. Its erect, branched stem is glabrous (smooth and hairless). It is known for its delicate, pale yellow flowers and is often found in damp, shaded areas. The plant's scientific name, Impatiens racemosa, points to two key features: "Impatiens", referring to the "impatient" way its seed pods burst open when mature, and "racemosa", describing the racemose or raceme-like flower clusters.
Name in Different Countries
This plant goes by several names depending on the region and language. The provided information lists:
Common name: Yellow Long-Tailed Balsam
Chinese: 总状凤仙花 (Zǒng zhuàng fèng xiān huā)
Nepali: तनतारी (Tantari), अनचिरना (Anchirna)
These names often reflect a key characteristic of the plant, such as its appearance or its relationship to other plants in the same genus.
Terminology
Annual: A plant that completes its life cycle from germination to seed production and death within a single growing season.
Glabrous: Having a smooth, non-hairy surface.
Racemose: A type of inflorescence (flower cluster) where the flowers are borne on short stalks along a main stem, with the oldest flowers at the base and the youngest at the tip.
Crenate: A leaf margin with rounded or blunt teeth.
Capsule: A type of dry fruit that splits open when ripe to release seeds.
Availability
Impatiens racemosa is native to parts of Asia, particularly the Himalayan region. It is found in countries such as China, Nepal, and other parts of Southeast Asia. It typically grows in moist, forested areas, often at higher altitudes. While it may not be as commercially available as other herbs, it is found in its natural habitat and may be cultivated for ornamental or medicinal purposes in these regions.
External Look The plant's appearance is detailed in the provided description:
Stem: Slender, erect, and branched, typically green.
Leaves: Elliptic-lanceolate or ovate, ranging from 5-10 cm in length. They are membranous, with a pointed apex and a crenate margin. The leaves are smooth on both surfaces.
Flowers: Pale or bright yellow, small, and found in clusters (racemes) of 4-10 flowers. A distinctive feature is the lower sepal, which is often described as "navicular" (boat-shaped) and tapers into a long, curved spur.
Fruit: A linear or narrowly club-shaped capsule that can grow up to 2.5 cm long. This capsule contains many small, brown, oblong seeds.
Healing Properties and Advantages
Based on the provided information, the primary medicinal use of Impatiens racemosa is for rheumatic pains. The description specifies a particular preparation:
A paste of the leaves and roots is mixed with mustard oil.
This mixture is then applied topically to the affected areas.
This indicates that the plant's medicinal properties are likely related to its anti-inflammatory or analgesic (pain-relieving) compounds. However, it's important to note that this is a traditional use and may not have been verified by modern scientific research.
Uses and Using Way
The main use of Impatiens racemosa is for traditional medicine, specifically for the treatment of rheumatic pains. The method of use is as follows:
Preparation: Harvest the leaves and roots of the plant.
Paste: Crush the leaves and roots to create a paste.
Mixing: Combine the plant paste with mustard oil.
Application: Apply the resulting mixture directly to the skin on the affected joints or muscles.
This method is for external use only and is a traditional remedy passed down through generations.
Conclusion
Impatiens racemosa, a beautiful annual plant native to the Himalayas, is more than just an ornamental species. Its distinctive yellow flowers and unique seed dispersal mechanism make it botanically interesting. However, its true value lies in its traditional medicinal use for alleviating rheumatic pain. As with all herbal remedies, it is crucial to exercise caution and consult with a healthcare professional, as information on safety and efficacy may be limited. The detailed description provided, along with the traditional use documented in the CRC World Dictionary, paints a clear picture of this fascinating and useful plant.
