Jewelweed, Impatiens capensis

Body Aches, Muscle and Joint Pain: A decoction or a salve made from the roots of Lobelia inflata treats tennis elbow, whiplash injuries, arthritis, and other muscle and joint pain. Apply the salve or decoction directly to the skin over the painful area and rub it in or make a poultice from the roots and rub it into the aching body parts. Minor Skin Irritations: For minor skin irritations, sores, and boils, make a decoction of boiled crushed roots and use it to wash the affected area, leaving it on to dry in place. Relaxing the Neuromuscular System: Indian tobacco is nervine and antispasmodic. It relaxes the nerves, calms muscle spasms, and helps with relaxation. Inducing Vomiting: To release poisons or recently ingested harmful substances from the body, Indian tobacco, also known as vomitwort, is excellent. Use a concentrated tincture form to induce vomiting. Harvesting: Harvest in the early summer. Wear gloves to avoid the tiny, spiky hairs that prickle your hands. Collect flowers, leaves, seeds, and roots from the plant. Dry before use. Warning: Due to its lobeline content, Lobelia inflata is considered toxic if taken large quantities. Start with small doses and slowly increase the dosage as needed and only if necessary. Side effects are uncommon, but anyone can develop allergies or reactions without warning. Due to its similarities to nicotine, it may be toxic to susceptible individuals, including people with cardiac diseases, children, and pregnant women. Excessive use of this herb will cause vomiting and nausea. Recipes: Indian Tobacco Decoction: 1-ounce ground root or leaves, 1-quart (1Liter) distilled water. Bring the water to a boil in a non-reactive pot. Add the ground root. Reduce the heat to a very low simmer and cover the pot tightly. Simmer the root mixture for 20 minutes. Remove from the heat. Strain the decoction and discard the root. Keep the decoction in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it in portions for longer storage. Use topically (roots and/or leaves) or take up 1/4 cup internally (leaves).

Orange jewelweed, also known as garden balsam, jewel balsam weed, and touch-me-not, is a member of the Balsaminaceae (Touch-Me-Not) Family. There are several varieties, including Impatiens capensis, which are medicinally active. Impatiens are an attractive garden plant popular for their beauty. Their showy flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Jewelweed is often found in moist soil and shady places. Look for it along creek beds, near streams, and at the edge of the woods. It is found throughout most of the United States with the exception of Montana, Wyoming, California, and the southwest. Identification: Jewelweed is named for its seeds and leaves. Ripe seedpods “pop” when touched, giving it the name Touch-Me-Not. Dew and rain beads up on the leaves, looking like “jewels”, hence the name “jewelweed”. Leaves are bluish-green in color, oval or lance shaped, and coarsely toothed. Lower leaves are opposite, while upper leaves are alternate.

Jewelweed blooms from May through October and produces two kinds of flowers. Showy orange trumpet shaped flowers hang from thin stems. They are about an inch in length and have mottled reddish-brown spots inside the throat of the trumpet. The second

flower type is a tiny petal-free flower that stays closed. This small, petal-free flower produces most of the seed pods and has five flaps which, when ripe, open and eject their seeds. The plant branches extensively, producing smooth, round stems. The entire plant grows to approximately 3 to 5 feet tall (0.9m – 1.5m) and leaves are up to 3.5 inches long (6cm). Edible Use: Jewelweed is edible, in moderation, but it should be cooked before use. Large portions can have a laxative effect. The seed pods explode when touched and the small seeds inside can be toasted and eaten. The flavor is similar to walnuts. The flowers are edible raw in salads or can be cooked in a stir-fry. The stems and leaves should always be boiled for 10 to 20 minutes, changing the water at least twice during cooking. The stems and leaves have high concentrations of oxalates and should be avoided by people prone to kidney stones.

Medicinal Use. Poison Ivy, Poison Oak,

Okra Spines, and Stinging Nettle: Jewelweed often grows near poison ivy and stinging nettle, which is fortunate since it is an ideal antidote to the painful sting and rash caused by these plants. The easiest way to use it is to slice open the stem and rub the juicy inside on all exposed areas. Immediate use is best and stops the irritation and prevents poison ivy rash in most people. However, I also recommend cutting extra to take home to use again after a thorough shower. The plant can also be made into an infusion, soap, salve, or spray to treat rashes. The liquid inside the jewelweed stem contains a chemical that neutralizes the urushiol oil contained in poison ivy. Urushiol oil spreads easily and rapidly, transferring the rash to other parts of the body. Once neutralized with jewelweed, the rash is no longer contagious and will no longer spread. Blisters that have already appeared should heal within a few days. Jewelweed is a natural herbal remedy for other irritating plants as well. Poison oak, okra spines, and stinging nettles respond well to jewelweed. It is useful to treat acne, eczema, heat rash, ringworm, warts, sores and other skin irritations. Anti-fungal: Jewelweed’s stems and leaves are a good external anti-fungal and treats athlete’s foot, ringworm, and other fungal infections. Bruises, Burns, Eczema, Insect Bites: For skin damaged by bruises, burns and insect bites, try a poultice. Crush the stem of the plant and apply it directly to the affected area or soak a cloth in the juices of the plant and apply it to the area. Other Medicinal Uses: Traditionally, jewelweed has been used as an aid for kidney, liver, and urinary tract conditions. It has also been used as a diuretic, to promote blood flow after childbirth, and for gastrointestinal upset. However, most herbalists do not use jewelweed internally and evidence is lacking for many of these traditional uses.

Recipes. Jewelweed Infusion: Chopped jewelweed, boiling water. Chop the stems of orange jewelweed and drop into boiling water. Boil the infusion until the water turns dark orange. Cool the liquid, strain it, and freeze it in ice cubes to use on skin rashes as a cooling and healing rub. Freeze for up to 1 year. The infusion can be stored frozen or it can be canned in a pressure cooker. Jewelweed does not dry well because of its high oil content. Warning: Both Jewelweed and Potentilla are commonly known as silverweed. Be careful not to confuse the plants. Jewelweed can be used topically or as a water extraction, but do not use it in alcohol tinctures. Use jewelweed in small amounts and dilute water extracts before using. Concentrated solutions can cause reddening of the skin and irritation.

Photo by Derek Ramsey, Own work, CC BY-SA 2.5