Himalayan Balsam

just recently my Scrumpy has started eating the flowers off the balsam growing everywhere in our park. She also munches on the stalks which our local friends group is busy stamping down. So far the balsam seems to be winning that battle :-

So far she hasn't been sick but I'm just a bit concerned that it's not too good for her to be eating this stuff

Or maybe it's a really great natural supplement which would cost a fortune in a health shop??? (w00t)

I've googled it but can't find anything that says it's not to be eaten by dogs

Anyone know any more about it or does anyone elses dog do this?

I wouldn't mind but she's a really fussy eater & turns her nose up at her food somedays & then goes out & eats weeds :blink:

Is it that long stemmed plant with fragrant pink flowers, a bit like orchids in shape? Best description I can think of....actually I've just googled it, and yes it is the one.

We've got loads of it along our river bank in the park. It's one of the top ten invasive plants, and chokes rivers and drives out insect and birdlife in those areas apparently, because it is so dense. The Environment Agency recommends that they are contacted so they can try to eradicate it.

My two don't bother with it. Just googled it again and found this link.

http://www.selfsufficientish.com/index.php...amalayan-balsam

This website quotes:

“Impatients glandulifera is slightly toxic in all parts but the flowers and seeds; both of which can even be consumed raw. I`m preparing Jelly and brewing Vinegar with the flowers and Marzipan from the seeds."

Hi, My 12 year old Whippet girl seems to have a real taste for it as well. She eats the leaves off the young plants. Unfortunately, nine times out of ten, it makes her violently sick but then she's OK. The other day though she wasn't sick but had a bad reaction at the other end!! Been doing it for a few years now and doesn't seem to have suffered any permanent effects. It's impossible to stop her other than keeping her on a lead and she'd hate that!

Thanks for the replies, luckily it seems as tho it won't do her any harm :sweating: although i draw the line at making jelly for her....she'll just have to carry on eating it straight off the plant :lol: