All About Balloon Flower Also referred to as the Chinese bellflower, the Japanese bellflower, or the platycodon, its name comes from the buds that puff up like tiny balloons before they open. … Its roots are widely used as edible root vegetables and it is referred to as doraji (Korean).

What are the benefits of balloon flower root?

May Provide Pain Relief. Due to its general analgesic qualities, balloon flower root has often been prescribed for general pain and inflammation, such as that following an injury or surgery, as well as for patients that suffer from gout, arthritis, and other inflammatory conditions.

Are platycodon poisonous?

The root is poisonous[116]. The older, basal leaves are also said to be slightly toxic[179]. If these reports are true then this is an exceptional species in a family that is generally free of toxins and often used for food[K].