Balmony, White turtlehead

Chelone glabra

Physical Characteristics

Chelone glabra is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil.

Distribution

Eastern N. America - Newfoundland to Ontario and Minnesota, south to Georgia and Missouri.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Antibilious Aperient Appetizer Cathartic Cholagogue Detergent Tonic Vermifuge Balmony is a very bitter herb with a tea-like flavour that acts mainly as a tonic for the liver and digestive system[238]. It has long been held in esteem in N. American folk medicine, though it has never been investigated scientifically[268]. The herb also has anti-depressant and laxative effects[238]. A decoction of the whole herb is antibilious, aperient, appetizer, cathartic, cholagogue, detergent, tonic, vermifuge[4, 21, 46, 61, 165, 207, 222]. It is used internally in the treatment of consumption, debility, diseases of the liver, gallbladder problems, gallstones etc[4, 254]. It is also used to relieve nausea and vomiting, intestinal colic and to expel worms[254]. Its tonic effect upon the digestive system has made it of benefit in the treatment of anorexia nervosa[268]. Externally, it is applied as a soothing ointment to piles, inflamed tumours, irritable ulcers, inflamed breasts etc[4, 268]. The plant is harvested when in flower and is dried for later use[238].

Known Hazards

None known