Tea of heaven

Tea of heaven is a perennial flowering plant.It is commonly referred to as balloon flower because of its unique balloon-like buds that swell before opening into star-shaped blossoms. The plant holds deep cultural, medicinal, and ornamental significance in different regions of the world. Its flowers are usually blue, though varieties with white, pink, or purple shades are also cultivated, and they are admired for their long blooming season, usually from mid-summer to early autumn. Tea of heaven is widely cultivated in gardens due to its striking floral display, hardy nature, and ability to thrive in different soil conditions.

The plant typically grows between 30 and 70 centimeters tall, though in favorable conditions, it can reach up to one meter. Its stems are upright, unbranched or slightly branched, and covered with ovate to lanceolate leaves that are bluish-green in color, providing a fine contrast to the bright flowers. Each flower is around 5 to 7 centimeters in diameter and has five pointed petals fused at the base, creating a star-like appearance once fully bloomed. The balloon-like unopened buds are one of its most distinguishing features and are considered highly ornamental even before blossoming.

In traditional medicine, especially in Chinese and Korean practices, Platycodon grandiflorus roots are highly valued. Known as "jie geng" in Chinese, the root is used as an expectorant, anti-inflammatory, and remedy for respiratory ailments such as coughs, sore throats, bronchitis, and chest congestion. It is also believed to promote lung health, stimulate the immune system, and balance bodily functions. The root is sometimes used in soups, teas, or herbal preparations, and its slightly bitter taste is well-known in traditional Asian cuisine and medicine.