Balmony
- Chelone glabra L.
- Scrophulariaceae
- Figwort family
Common Names
 Bitter herb
Fishmouth
Turtlebloom
Turtlehead
Salt-rheum weed
Shell flower
Snakehead
Parts Usually Used
Leaves
Description of Plant(s) and
Culture
Balmony is an herbaceous perennial plant; its simple, erect, square stem reaches 1-3 feet high. Opposite, short-petioled, shiny leaves are dark green, pointed, are serrate and oblong-lanceolate in shape. Bloom from July to September, the white flowers are often tinged with pink or magenta, grow in dense clusters, terminal or axillary spikes. The two-lipped corolla of the flower somewhat resembles a turtle's head, upper lip arching. The fruit is an ovoid capsule.
Where Found
Found in wet ground from Newfoundland to Florida and westward to Minnesota, Kansas, and Texas.
Medicinal Properties
Anthelmintic, antibilious, aperient, cholagogue, stimulant, tonic
Uses
Good for weak stomachs and indigestion, general debility, constipation, and torpid (sluggish) liver. It stimulates appetite, fever, jaundice, expels worms, and in small doses is a good tonic during convalescence. Externally, it is used for sores, painful ulcers, herpes,inflamed breasts, and eczema. The ointment relieves itching and irritation of piles.
Formulas or Dosages
This herb may be difficult to obtain.
Infusion: use 1 tsp. leaves to 1 cup water. Take 1-2 cups a day.
Tincture: take 10-20 drops in water, 3-4 times a day.
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