Balloon plant (Engl.)

Cardiospermum halicacabum L.

Skin

Perennial herbaceous vine Height: Climbing with tendrils up to 3 meters on support. Leaves: Leaves alternate, biternately compound, triangular in outline, papery-thin with serrate margins, lateral leaflets smaller than terminal leaflet. Flowers: Species is monoecious, with male and female flowers found on same plant. Flowers milky-white, small and inconspicuous, produced in axillary racemes with terminal tendrils. Fruits: Showy inflated dehiscent capsules, around 2.5cm across, 3-loculed, papery, pubescent and non-fleshy (unlike most other members of Sapindaceae family), maturing from chartreuse-green to brown, containing 3 seeds each, dispersed by wind and water.

Medicinal Uses & Benefits

Nanghupong (swelling) at Hubag (boils). Preparation: Collect enough number of leaves of each plant and wash thoroughly. Wrap the leaves with a banana leaf and heat over live coal for 3 minutes.. Part used: Leaves

Preparation

Collect enough number of leaves of each plant and wash thoroughly. Wrap the leaves with a banana leaf and heat over live coal for 3 minutes.

Location & Habitat

REGION VII (CENTRAL VISAYAS), SIQUIJOR, LAZI, Found in grasslands, shrublands, forest margins, wastelands and cultivated areas. | REGION VII (CENTRAL VISAYAS), SIQUIJOR, LAZI, Found in grasslands, shrublands, forest margins, wastelands and cultivated areas.

Research

Siquijor State College: Documentation of Philippine Traditional Knowledge and Practices on Health and Development of Traditional Knowledge Digital Library on Health: FOLK HEALING PRACTICES of SIQUIJOR ISLAND: Phase 3

Additional Images

Quick Info

Scientific Name: Cardiospermum halicacabum L.
Local Name: Balloon plant (Engl.)
Family: Sapindaceae
Category: Skin
Collected By: Jovencio M. Manga (healer); Cesario P. Orong (mangalalap); Edwin D. Castillon (mangalalap)
Date Collected: Oct 19, 2018

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Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy.