Botanical Name: Impatiens capensis

 

Common Names: Jewelweed, Spotted Touch-Me-Not

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Time of Year: May- September

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Life Cycle: Annual

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Plant Family: Balsaminaceae

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Environment: Shady moist soils along creeks, rivers, ditches, and bottom lands in woodlands.

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Medicinal? : YES

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Other Uses:

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Parts Used: Leaves, stems, Roots

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Method of Preparation:

Leaves and stems crushed and applied topically to skin. Roots can be made into soap.

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Summary:

Jewelweed contains a compound called lawsone that is proven to have anti-inflammatory (swelling) and anti-histamine (itching) properties. Making it a good ally to help with exposure to the oils of the poison ivy plant. Many times jewelweed grows beside or near poison ivy. 

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The roots contain saponins making it a natural soap alternative. 

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