These Are The Reasons Why You Should Plant Jewel Weed Or Kamantigue In Your Garden

Nov 15, 2018 by apost team

Kamantigue is a plant indigenous to South and Southeast Asia. This plant is also called a garden balsam from the Balsaminaceae or "touch-me-not" family. In the Philippines, Kamantigue is known as a medicinal herb.

istockphotos.com/MeePoohyaphoto

The scientific name for this plant is impatiens balsamina. Part of this name means 'impatient' in Latin and refers to the plants reluctancy to release seeds once its capsule has been touched.

The Kamantigue flower is gorgeous with a multitude of colors including red, lavender, white and pink. The red versions are the most common throughout Southeast Asia. This plant has made its way around the world and has become quite popular in Europe. In contrast to Southeast Asia, the flowers in Europe are yellow.

apost.com

istockphotos.com/Natalia Bubochkina

The Kamantigue plant brings much more value than mere beauty. This plant is edible and has been known to have significant health benefits. Both the seeds and leaves of this plant can be eaten. It is recommendable to cook the leaves before eating, although the seeds can be eaten raw as well. Different cultures have found specific uses for this amazing plant.

istockphotos.com/joloei

Kamantigue is used to treat several different kinds of ailments and sickness in Asia. This plant is used to treat lumbago, warts, snake bites, joint pain, itching, dysmenorrhea and even inflammation. In the Philippines, locals crush the plant's leaves to dissolve whitlow. Many indigenous cultures have also discovered the antimicrobial properties of the Kamantigue plant that makes it great for warding off human pathogens like Candida albicans.

istockphoto.com/ben-bryant

Different cultures in Asia have found other uses for this plant. In Malaya, native peoples use the leaves of the plant as a bandage for torn or broken nails. In Mainland China, the seeds are used when enduring hard labor. In other parts of the world, the Kamantigue flowers are used to treat lumbago, intercostal neuralgia and snake bites.

istockphotos.com/ben-bryant

Kamantigue seeds are even said to be a useful medicine for cancer treatments. Currently, there is research being done to support this claim. The leaves of this plant have already shown to be useful agains warts. The leaves and roots can be used to help with foreign objects that have been swallowed unintentionally. In the U.S., the jewel weed is most commonly used to treat rashes caused by poison ivy.

istockphotos.com/dextorTh

If these amazing properties aren't convincing enough, we have more to share. Kamantigue is also shown to be a reliable cure for mild digestive issues. This plant can also be used to treat other skin-related issues. Native American's loved this plant for its anti-inflammatory properties. In fact, it is these anti-inflammatory properties that make Kamantigue a great cure for several kinds of skin conditions.

istockphotos.com/igaguri_1

Similar to the henna plant, the Kamantigue strain has lawsone in its stem and leaves. This is the component of the plant that makes it so helpful for skin conditions. The plant's weed contains antipruritic compounds which are essential for reducing itching caused by stinging nettles.

istockphotos.com/Airubon

After hearing about all of the health benefits that this plant has to offer, many people will want to grow it in their garden. Fortunately, we will provide all of the steps necessary to plant this flower successfully. First and foremost, it is important to know that the plant's seeds perform best when cooled for two months prior to planting.

istockphotos.com/sakhorn38

Kamantigue seeds must be planted in organic soil, because it stays wet for a longer period of time. It is also important to plant the seeds under impartial shade. This plant won't only look beautiful, it also offers several different health benefits.

If you enjoyed reading this article, pass it on to a friend or loved one who might also find it interesting. Do you have other gardening tips for us?

Our content is created to the best of our knowledge, yet it is of general nature and cannot in any way substitute an individual consultation by your doctor. Your health is important to us!