Condition
Treatment Support
anti-inflammatory
Application
tincture externally
Jewelweed
(Impatiens spp.)
Also know as Touch me not
Botanical Information
An annual shade-loving plant often of wet areas from the Impatiens family which grows to 2 feet tall with thin, grey-green leaves, a jointed stem, and slipper-shaped yellow flowers.
Working with Jewelweed
Part(s) Used
Herb
Herb Forms
Tincture, bulk herb
Christopher Hobbs:
“The fresh juice or leaves of jewelweed are used externally in the treatment of various skin problems, such as poison oak, ringworm, warts, hemorrhoids, and nettle sting. Internally, the tea or tincture is used (rarely) as a diuretic and as a mild laxative.
Jewelweed has a taste of ACRID and a temperature of COOL.”
Historical Uses
- Native American Use: Jewelweed was traditionally used by Indigenous peoples in North America to treat skin ailments such as rashes, poison ivy, insect stings, and burns. It was applied topically as a poultice or infused in oils.
Modern Clinical Uses by Herbalists & Naturopaths
- Skin Conditions: Jewelweed is commonly used by herbalists for its soothing properties, especially for treating rashes, poison ivy exposure, eczema, and insect bites.
- Anti-inflammatory: Some practitioners use it for its anti-inflammatory effects to help with conditions like arthritis or to reduce swelling and irritation on the skin.
- Topical Uses: It is generally applied as an infusion, ointment, or gel to treat external skin irritations.
Chemistry and Pharmacology
- Active Compounds: Jewelweed contains compounds such as juglone (a naphthoquinone), flavonoids, alkaloids, and saponins. These contribute to its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and soothing properties.
- Pharmacological Effects: Studies suggest that jewelweed has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antimicrobial effects, making it useful for topical treatments of skin conditions. Its bioactive compounds may inhibit bacterial growth and help with healing.
Clinical Trials
- Limited Research: Research on jewelweed in clinical settings is minimal, with most studies focusing on its topical use. A few animal and in vitro studies have confirmed its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, but there is insufficient clinical evidence to support widespread therapeutic claims.
- Evidence on Efficacy: Anecdotal evidence supports its use for skin irritation and rashes, but controlled clinical trials are sparse.
Summary
Jewelweed has been historically used to treat various skin ailments, especially rashes from poison ivy and other irritations. While modern herbalists continue to use it topically for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, there is limited clinical research to confirm its efficacy. Safety is generally good for external use, but internal use should be approached with caution.
Generated by ChatGPT; edited by Christopher Hobbs
Cautions
Topical Use: Generally considered safe for external use, though it can cause skin irritation in some individuals. Direct contact with the juice may cause mild skin reactions in sensitive individuals.
Internal Use: Limited information on safety for internal use. Some traditional practices involved internal applications, but this is not widely recommended without professional guidance due to the potential toxicity of some compounds in large quantities.
Precautions: People with allergies to other plants in the Impatiens family or those with sensitive skin should test for allergic reactions before widespread use.
Conditions treated with Jewelweed
Condition
Treatment Support
Application
Condition
Treatment Support
anti-inflammatory
Application
tincture externally
Condition
Treatment Support
anti-inflammatory
Application
tincture externally
The information given here is designed to help you make informed choices about your health. The information is drawn from numerous sources—both traditional medicine practice, from the clinical experience of many herbalists currently practicing, and supported by decades of scientific research from the author. The research most consulted includes human clinical trials that help to determine the most effective and safe herbs for various needs, the best doses, and types of preparations.
The information offered in this database is not intended as a substitute for any that may have been prescribed by your health practitioner or physician.
