Terda / तेरडा / Rose Balsam / Impatiens balsamina L.

- Terda is not only anti-bacterial, antimicrobial and anti-fungal but also has the added cosmetic benefits of mehendi.
- The beautiful, dried leaves of this plant are crushed and prepared into a paste to use as dye for hands and nails.
- Juice from the leaves of the Terda plant, are used for snake-bites
- Flowers are also applied to burns
- Dermatologically, the extract of this plant is used to moisturize the skin and prevent dandruff and split ends in hair.
- The leaves, seeds and stems of Terda are edible. In fact, the seeds are crushed into a powder and given to women during labor for strength.
- The indigenous people use this plant to cure rheumatism, fractures and fingernail inflammation. Now we know why it is used in lieu of mehndi.
- Alcoholic extract of this flower has been found to have superb antibacterial activity.
- This plant is also a fantastic anti-allergen and helps subdue itching and scratching resulting therewith.
- Certain tribes in India also use the extract of ground leaves to cure jaundice.
- A cooling tonic, Terda also has anti-cancer properties.

Other Names

Local Name: Terda / तेरडा
Common Name: Rose Balsam
Botanical Name: Impatiens balsamina L.

Status & Habitat

Habitat: Herb
Occurrence: Forests, Farm bunds, Hilly areas, Roadside, Forests
Season of Availability: Spring
Geography: India and Myanmar
Method of Propagation: N/A
Part used for Propagation: N/A

Edible Parts

Edible Parts: Young Leaves & Stems
Can be Eaten Raw: Yes, in small amounts.

Method of Consumption

Raw: N/A
Ripe: N/A
Both Raw & Ripe: N/A
Dangerous Form to Consume: Leaves
As Food: Young Stems and Leaves are cooked with Chana Dal
As Medicine: - Extract from ground Terda leaves also known to cure jaundice
- Terda seeds are crushed into a powder and given to women during labour for strength
Cooking Without Prior Boiling: No
Boiling Before Cooking: Yes
Pickling: N/A
Brining: N/A
Fermenting: N/A
Drying for later Consumption: N/A
Overall Method: Young Stems and Leaves are bolied prior and then cooked with Chana Dal

Nutritional & Medicinal Benefits

Nutritional Benefit: N/A
Medicinal Benefit:
- Terda to treat Rheumatic aches, fractures and fingernail inflammation
- Extract from ground Terda leaves also known to cure jaundice
- Terda seeds are crushed into a powder and given to women during labor for strength
- The beautiful, dried leaves of this plant are crushed and prepared into a paste to use as Mehndi for hands and nails

Tribal Wisdom

Tribal Wisdom:
- Juice from the leaves can be used on warts; flowers can be used for treating burns
- For Rheumatism, fractures and fingernail inflammation
- Cures jaundice
- Seeds are crushed into powder and given to women during labor for strength

Recipes / Usage

Tribal Recipe / Usage: Cooking Time: 20 min Serves: 2

INGREDIENTS
2 Bunches of Tender Terda Stems, Washed & Cleaned
50 gms Chana Dal / Toor Dal, Soaked for 2 hrs
2 Green Chillies, Chopped Finely
6 Pods of Garlic, Chopped Finely
1 Tsp Turmeric Powder
1 Tsp Cumin Seeds
1 Tsp Mustard Seeds
2-3 Tsp Souring Agent like Tamarind or Kokum
2 Tsp Cooking Oil
Salt to Taste

METHOD
Boil Leaves for 10 mins in a Pot covered with a Lid.
Let it Cool.
Squeeze & Discard Water.
Heat Oil in a Pan and Temper Cumin Seeds, Mustard Seeds, Turmeric, Garlic and Green Chillies.
Add Onion and Turmeric Powder and Cook till golden brown.
Add Takala Leaves and Steam Cook for 5-8 mins.
Serve with Rotis / Rice.

Image Gallery

Terda / तेरडा / Rose Balsam / Impatiens balsamina L.