Jewelweed is a common name for two distinct, yet closely related, native North American plants: Impatiens capensis (Spotted Jewelweed) and Impatiens pallida (Pale Jewelweed). These annual plants are recognized for the clear, mucilaginous liquid contained within their stems. This watery sap is frequently used as a topical application to provide relief from common skin irritations, such as reactions from poison ivy, stinging nettle, and insect bites. Harvesting and preserving this plant allows its soothing properties to be accessed year-round.
Identifying Jewelweed and Sustainable Collection
Jewelweed thrives in moist, shaded environments, often found near streambanks, ditches, and in damp woodlands. The plants are easily identified by their succulent, brittle stems which are semi-translucent and can range in color from pale green to reddish-green. Impatiens capensis features distinctive orange-yellow, funnel-shaped flowers dotted with reddish-brown spots, while Impatiens pallida has similar but plain yellow flowers.
The leaves are oval-shaped with shallow, rounded teeth along the margins, and they have a characteristic bluish-green hue. Harvesting is best done when the plant is in full bloom, typically from mid-summer through early fall.
Since Jewelweed is an annual that relies on self-seeding, responsible collection is necessary to ensure the plant’s return in subsequent years. When harvesting, use clean scissors or shears to cut only the above-ground stems and leaves, leaving the root system intact. Adhere to the “one-in-ten” rule, taking no more than one plant for every ten plants present in a dense patch. This allows the majority of the population to mature and disperse seeds, maintaining a healthy colony for the future.
Preparing Jewelweed for Immediate Application
The stems and leaves contain a clear sap, which is believed to contain compounds like lawsone that may help neutralize the rash-causing oil urushiol from plants like poison ivy. The fresh material also contains saponins, which act as a natural detergent to help cleanse the skin.
To prepare the plant for immediate topical use, simply crush the fresh stem and leaves by hand or mash them vigorously. The resulting plant material, now a wet slurry or poultice, is then rubbed directly onto the affected area of the skin.
Methods for Long-Term Storage
Preserving jewelweed extends its availability into the winter months when the fresh plant is dormant. Three primary methods allow for long-term storage, each suited for different applications.
Freezing the Slurry
The entire above-ground portion of the plant—stems, leaves, and flowers—is first blended with a small amount of distilled water until a smooth slurry is formed. This mixture should be easy to pour.
The mixture is then strained through cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve to separate the liquid from the fibrous plant material. The resulting green juice is poured into ice cube trays and placed in the freezer. Once frozen solid, the cubes can be transferred to a labeled, airtight freezer bag.
Alcohol Tincture
A tincture uses high-proof alcohol to extract and preserve the plant’s active components. To make a jewelweed tincture, a clean jar is filled approximately two-thirds full with fresh, chopped jewelweed.
Cover the plant material completely with a clear, high-proof alcohol, such as 80-proof or stronger vodka. The jar is sealed and stored in a cool, dark location for a steeping period of four to six weeks. After the infusion period, the liquid is strained through a fine filter into dark glass bottles.
Oil Infusion for Salves
Because jewelweed has a high water content, the plant material must be allowed to wilt or fully dry for several days before infusing. This minimizes the risk of mold or bacterial growth. Once the plant material is visibly wilted, it is loosely packed into a jar and covered with a stable carrier oil, such as olive or coconut oil.
The sealed jar is gently heated in a slow cooker or double boiler for a few hours to facilitate the infusion. After heating, the oil is strained and can be used immediately to create a salve by combining it with beeswax, or stored in a cool, dark place for later use.