Description
Deciduous perennial climbers growing to 10 ft (3 m), with compound leaves, small white flowers, and black seeds.
Habitat & Cultivation
Balloon vine is found growing in tropical regions around the world.
Parts Used
Root, leaves, seeds.
Constituents
Most Cardiospermum species contain cyanogenic glycosides.
History & Folklore
Native Amazonians string balloon vine seeds into armbands that are worn to ward off snakes.
Medicinal Actions & Uses
In Indian herbal medicine, balloon vine root is used to bring on delayed menstruation and to relieve backache and arthritis. The leaves stimulate local circulation and are applied to painful joints to help speed the clearing of toxins. The seeds are also thought to help in the treatment of arthritis. The plant as a whole has sedative properties.
Caution
Do not take during pregnancy.