Jewelweed

How to Use Jewelweed for Poison Ivy Relief

Hello my friends - Have you been enjoying the weather? Do you have anything fun planned for fall? I’d love to hear about it.

Spending time in the great outdoors is a cherished pastime for many, but it often comes with an unfortunate companion: poison ivy. The itchy, blistering rash caused by poison ivy can put a damper on your outdoor adventures. Thankfully, we have a natural antidote – jewelweed, aka Impatiens capensis. Today we’ll talk about how to use jewelweed effectively to alleviate the discomfort of poison ivy and why it's a valuable addition to your natural remedies toolkit.

Understanding Jewelweed

Jewelweed, also known as touch-me-not, is a common wild plant found in North America. I have a ton of it growing in my backyard and I just thought it was a funny plant with goldfish shaped flowers until someone posted on Facebook that they used it to help with poison ivy. Jewelweed is typically 3-5 feet tall with oval-shaped leaves and hanging, tubular flowers that resemble a jewel's shape. The flowers can be orange or yellow, while the stem and leaves are typically light green. It thrives in damp, shaded areas near streams, rivers, or woodland edges. For generations, indigenous peoples and herbalists have used jewelweed to treat various skin ailments, including poison ivy rash.

Why Jewelweed Works for Poison Ivy

Jewelweed contains bioactive compounds that help soothe and relieve the discomfort associated with poison ivy. Its natural anti-inflammatory, antihistamine, and analgesic properties make it an excellent choice for managing the itch and irritation caused by contact with poison ivy.

Here are a couple ways that you can use jewelweed effectively:

Once you've identified jewelweed, you can harvest it for use. Be sure to wear gloves to protect yourself from potential contact with poison ivy during the harvesting process as it often grows near poison ivy. Cut the stems and collect the leaves and flowers.

Jewelweed Salve: To make a soothing salve, combine chopped jewelweed stems, leaves and flowers with a carrier oil like olive oil or coconut oil. Heat the mixture on low heat for several hours, then strain and store it in a glass container. Apply the salve to affected areas as needed for relief.

Jewelweed Infused Water: Boil jewelweed stems, leaves and flowers in water for about 20 minutes, then strain the liquid. Allow it to cool before applying it directly to the affected area using a clean cloth or cotton ball.

You can also find jewelweed-infused soaps or buy jewelweed extract to use in the shower. Gently lather the soap or apply the extract to the rash for relief during your daily hygiene routine. Jewelweed can also be infused in vinegar and witch hazel.
Apply your chosen jewelweed remedy to the affected area as needed throughout the day. The natural compounds in jewelweed will help alleviate itching, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. Jewelweed can be used alongside other treatments like calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream for added relief.

Jewelweed is a natural and effective remedy for poison ivy, providing relief from the discomfort and itchiness associated with this common outdoor nuisance. By learning how to identify, harvest, and prepare jewelweed, you can keep this valuable plant in your first-aid kit and enjoy the great outdoors with greater peace of mind. Remember to be careful and consult a healthcare professional if your symptoms persist or worsen. Jewelweed can help to soothe your poison ivy woes, making outdoor adventures even more enjoyable.