Scientific Name(S): Impatiens L. Several members of this genus (ie, l. balsamina, l. capensis and l. biflora) have been referred to as jewelweed. Some texts indicate that jewelweed can refer to any member of the genus. Family: Balsaminaceae.
Common Name(S): Jewelweed, jewel weed, jewel balsam weed, touch-me-not, garden balsam
The Jewelweed plant has been used for centuries in North America by Native Americans and Herbalists, as a natural preventative and treatment for poison ivy and poison oak; and is a folk remedy for many other skin disorders .
Botany: The Impatiens are tender, succulent herbs that are commonly grown as bedding and house plants. Jewelweed is sometimes called the "touch-me-not." This name alludes to the presence of a seed capsule made of a soft fleshy tissue that tends to expell its contents if touched or shaken.
History: Jewelweed has long been recognized as an herbal remedy for the treatment of topical irritation, most notably for the treatment of poison ivy rash. The juice (sap) of the jewelweed has been used by Native Americans, particularly those living in Appalachia, as a prophylactic against poison ivy rash and as a treatment after the eruptions have occurred. Jewelweed extracts are not generally found in commercial topical products.
Uses of Jewelweed
Jewelweed is best known for its skin healing properties. The leaves and the juice from the stem of Jewelweed are used by herbalists to cure poison ivy and other plant induced rashes, as well as many other types of dermatitis. Jewelweed works by counter-reacting with the chemicals in other plants that cause irritation. Poultices and salves from the plant are a folk remedy for bruises, burns, cuts, eczema, insect bites, sores, sprains, warts, and ringworm.
Side Effects of Jewelweed
None known for topical use.
Toxicology: There are no published reports of significant toxicity associated with the topical use of jewelweed extracts. The safety of internal ingestion of jewelweed is not well-defined.
Summary: Jewelweed is a popular herbal remedy for topical irritation, such as that produced by poison ivy. However, results of small, poorly controlled assessments of the herb's activity suggest that it has little or no significant beneficial effect against itching or other topical manifestations of the irritation.
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