Medicinal Plants

Impatiens balsamina L.

Pacar Air

Balsaminaceae

Location in the garden Main
Photo 1 of medicinal plant Impatiens balsamina (Pacar Air) Photo 2 of medicinal plant Impatiens balsamina (Pacar Air) Photo 3 of medicinal plant Impatiens balsamina (Pacar Air)

Summary

Pacar air (Impatiens balsamina) is an annual or biennial herb 30-80 cm tall of the Balsaminaceae family, originating from India and Myanmar. Its leaves have long been used as a natural nail dye, while almost every part of the plant is believed to have medicinal properties. Traditionally, the root is used to induce menstruation, the flowers for hypertension and boils, while the leaves treat vaginal discharge and menstrual pain.

Agroecology

Commonly found from lowlands up to an elevation of 1,000 m above sea level. This plant is not drought-tolerant, so it cannot survive in dry, arid areas. It prefers well-drained soil and sufficient light intensity.
 

Morphology

  • Roots fibrous.
  • Stem succulent, jointed, smooth, and slightly branched.
  • Leaves single, elongated lance-shaped, serrated light green edges, without stipules.
  • Flowers brightly colored, various colors. Some are single and some are double. 
  • Fruit is a capsule that, when ripe, splits open into five curled sections. 
  • Seeds numerous, blackish-brown, round, diameter 1.5-3 mm

Cultivation

Propagated generatively (by seed). Seeds come from smooth, large fruit, yellowish-green in color, ripened on the plant and not yet split open.
 

Chemical Content

  • Flowers: anthocyanins, cyanidin, delphinidin, pelargonidin, malvidin, kaempherol and quercetin.
  • Roots: cyanidin mono-glycoside.
     

Benefits

  • Roots: menstrual stimulant, anti-inflammatory, rheumatism, stiff neck, stiff lower back, back pain.
  • Flowers: hypertension, swelling from impact injuries, boils (frunculus), joint rheumatism, non-venomous snake bites, and skin inflammation.
  • Leaves: treats vaginal discharge, menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea), chronic appendicitis, anti-inflammatory, broken or cracked bones, pain relief.
  • Seeds: induces menstruation, delayed menstruation, eases childbirth (parturifacient) and treats upper digestive tract cancer
     

Simplisia

Not yet available

 

Local Names

Clahine, Paruinai (Nias, Sumatra), Pacar cai, Pacar banyu (Java), Kimhong (Jakarta), Pacar foya, Pacar aik (Nusa Tenggara), Tilang gele duluku, Kolendingi unggaagu, Bunga jabelu, Giabebe, Gofu, Laka gofu, Bunga taho (Sulawesi), Inai anyer (Maluku).

Traditional Recipes

The following recipes reflect traditional knowledge passed down through generations, not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis or advice. Consult a healthcare provider before use.

Traditional recipe Stomach Wounds from Pacar Air

1. Stomach Wounds

  • Prepare 5 g pacar air leaves, 5 g oak gall, 50 g turmeric rhizome, and 200 ml warm water.
  • Peel the turmeric rhizome, wash all ingredients thoroughly, and mash.
  • Steep with warm water and drink.
Traditional recipe Fracture (Bone Cracks) and Anti-inflammatory from Pacar Air

2. Fracture (Bone Cracks) and Anti-inflammatory

  • Prepare 10-20 g fresh leaves and wash thoroughly.
  • Mash the leaves and apply to the affected area.

Reference Sources

  1. Badrunasar, Anas, Santoso HB. 2017. Tumbuhan Liar Berkhasiat Obat. Forda Press, Bogor.
  2. Faunadanflora.com. 2017. Cara Menanam Bunga Pacar Air Dengan Mudah Bagi Pemula. https://www.faunadanflora.com/cara-menanam-bunga-pacar-air/ . 20-12-2019
  3. Hariana Arief. 2006. 262 Tumbuhan Obat dan Khasiatnya. Penebar Swadaya, Jakarta.
  4. Hidayat, Syamsul, Wahyuni S, Andalusia S. 2008. Seri Tumbuhan Obat Berpotensi Hias 1. PT. Elex Media Komputindo, Jakarta.
  5. Imam MZ, Nahar N, Akter S, Rana MdS. 2012. Antinociceptive activity of methanol extract of flowers of Impatiens balsamina. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 142: 804–810.
  6. Li Q, Cao J, Yuan W, Li M, Yang L, Sun Y, Wang X, Zhao Y. 2017. New triterpene saponins from flowers of Impatiens balsamina L. and their anti-hepatic fibrosis activity. Journal of Functional Foods 33: 188–193.