Jewelweed

impatiens capensis

Some folks believe that for every ailment the earth provides a cure. Lucky for me and my constant run-ins with poison ivy, the natural remedy for the plants that are most irritating to the skin grows as abundantly and is as easily accessible.

Also known as spotted touch-me-not, this valuable medicinal plant grows near water or in shady, shallow ponds. It is often found in areas where poison ivy grows. It is an effective, natural, herbal remedy, not only for poison ivy, but also for poison oak and sumac, stinging nettles and other irritating plants. It offers quick relief from bug bites, burns and other skin conditions. 

It is used to treat acne, heat rash, ringworm, bruises, cuts, eczema, sores, sprains and warts. Its anti-fungal properties make it an effective remedy for athlete's foot. The astringent properties of this plant make it effective for any oozing or weeping rash. It has also been used traditionally for digestive issues due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Jewelweed comes in two varieties: one with a yellow flower (impatiens pallida) which is less abundant, and the more familiar version (impatiens capensis) has an orange flower.

The medical juice or sap can be extracted from its stems or leaves preferably while still young and before it flowers, but it can really be used any time. It can be made into a tea or tincture or poultice. But it is best used right from the stalk itself. In a moist environment, the stalks get thick and juicy. Just break them open and apply directly.

I like to take a bunch of leaves and stalks cut them up, put them in a pot with some water, boil them a little and put the liquid in jars in the refrigerator. It lasts a while this way and I also make it in to a spray with a little alcohol and aloe. This does wonders when applied to a rash. It dries it right up. And I can take it with me and have it handy if I ever need it when the fresh plant is not available. 

Some have said that a tea made from jewelweed acts as a preventative. Although I have tasted it, I don't think I will ever be sipping it over ice on a hot summer day due to its astringency, but I can see how it would be useful for mild digestive issues and inflammation, as the cooling, soothing effect can be likened to the effect drinking aloe juice has on the GI tract. 

Yes, it works better than any commercial preparation I have tried and it is completely FREE! How can you beat that?  The fact that it literally grows next to or on top of poison ivy is also a great benefit making it practically impossible to miss. THANK YOU MOTHER EARTH!