Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis) is an annual plant native to North America, often found in moist, shady environments like stream banks. It is easily recognized by its translucent, succulent stems and distinctive orange flowers marked with red-orange spots, earning it the alternative name Spotted Touch-Me-Not. The name Jewelweed comes from the way water beads on its leaves, making them sparkle. For centuries, the sap from its stems and leaves has been a highly valued folk remedy, traditionally applied topically for various skin irritations.
Primary Use: Relief from Poison Ivy and Contact Rashes
The most significant traditional use of jewelweed is as a countermeasure against contact dermatitis caused by plants like poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac. These rashes are triggered by urushiol, an irritating oil present in the sap of these plants. Freshly crushed jewelweed mash has been shown to be effective in reducing the development of the resulting rash.
The proposed mechanism for this effect centers on the saponins contained within the jewelweed sap. Saponins are natural compounds that possess soap-like, surfactant properties. They are believed to help emulsify and wash away the urushiol oil from the skin’s surface before it can trigger an allergic reaction. This benefit is most pronounced when the fresh plant is applied immediately after exposure, acting as a natural cleansing agent.
Secondary Applications for Minor Skin Issues
Jewelweed is traditionally used to soothe a variety of less intense skin irritations beyond severe contact rashes. The sap is frequently applied to reduce the itch and discomfort associated with common insect bites, including mosquitoes and chiggers, and for the stinging sensation caused by nettle plants. Traditional application also extends to minor burns, hives, and general skin itching, attributed to the plant’s anti-inflammatory and anti-itch properties. These uses are widely reported in herbal traditions, though they are supported primarily by anecdotal evidence rather than extensive scientific study.
Methods for Preparing and Applying Jewelweed
Field Application
The most immediate and traditional method of using jewelweed is field application, which requires the fresh plant. This involves crushing the succulent stems and leaves to release the watery sap, creating a thick mash or poultice. This mash should be applied liberally to the affected area of the skin, rubbing it gently to ensure the sap makes contact with the irritant.
Home Preparations
For later use, jewelweed can be prepared at home as a tincture or a frozen extract. To create a frozen extract, the fresh plant material is blended with a small amount of water to create a liquid. This liquid is then strained and poured into ice cube trays, creating soothing, ready-to-use cubes that can be rubbed directly onto irritated skin. A tincture is made by chopping the fresh plant and soaking it in a solvent like high-proof alcohol or witch hazel for several weeks, extracting the compounds into a concentrated liquid. The application, whether mash, cube, or tincture, should be repeated as needed to manage discomfort.
Scientific Perspective and Safety Considerations
Scientific Perspective
Scientific research on jewelweed’s efficacy for poison ivy has yielded mixed results, often depending on the method of preparation. Studies indicate that a fresh plant mash is more effective in reducing the rash than many prepared extracts. This suggests that the benefit comes primarily from the immediate physical action of the fresh sap, acting as a wash to remove irritants.
Safety Considerations
Jewelweed is considered safe when applied topically to the skin, with no significant side effects reported from external use. However, internal consumption is strongly discouraged due to potential risks. Ingestion has been associated with digestive upset, including diarrhea and vomiting, and the safety of internal use is not established. The plant also contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can be irritating to the digestive tract.