Jewelweed

Vesicular, intensely itching dermatitis from recent poison ivy or poison oak contact, applied fresh and as soon as possible after exposure

Scaling, itchy fungal eruption between the toes or on damp skin folds

Overview. Impatiens pallida, pale or yellow jewelweed, is a soft, succulent annual native to moist, shaded woodlands and streambanks of eastern North America, closely related to the more familiar orange jewelweed Impatiens capensis. Its translucent, amber-colored, juice-filled stems have long been prized as a topical folk remedy for poison ivy dermatitis and other itchy or fungal skin complaints. Physiomedicalist practitioners such as Cook also used an infusion of the fresh plant internally as a gentle relaxant diuretic said to act on the kidneys and gall-ducts, though this internal use has largely fallen out of favor.

Clinical Notes. The main modern use of jewelweed is topical: the fresh stem is crushed or bruised and the juice rubbed directly onto skin that has just brushed against poison ivy or poison oak, on the theory that prompt application helps limit the itching and vesicular reaction that follows urushiol exposure.

Action and Therapy. External. Refrigerant and sedative. The fresh juice of the crushed Impatiens gives prompt relief in the dermatitis of rhus poisoning if used early. It also quickly relieves the intolerable stinging produced by nettles. As these plants usually grow contiguously the balsam can be procured and applied at once. The relief is almost magical. The bruised plants may also be used to relieve the pain of acute engorged hemorrhoids.

Properties and Uses. This plant is a relaxant, with a full share of stimulating properties, an infusion acting somewhat promptly. It influences the kidneys, gall-ducts, and bowels; and has been well spoken of by Rafinesque and Bigelow in jaundice and dropsy, but is probably too feeble to effect much.