Cardiospermum halicacabum is a deciduous climbing shrub growing about 33 m tall and often much branched from the base. The stems scramble over the ground, climbing into the surrounding vegetation and supporting themselves by means of tendrils.

The leaves and roots are used for treatment  of rashes. The whole plant is diaphoretic, diuretic, emetc, emmenagogue, laxative. Refrigerant, Rubefacient, stomachic and sudorific.

Cardiospermum halicacabum is eaten as vegetable; the stems seve to make baskets and the seeds are used as beads.