Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis)

Jewelweed has become invaluable to us out here on the farm and grows in abundance. We use it fresh or make a salve with it to treat poison ivy and other skin irritations. Jewelweed is anti-inflammatory, anti-histamine, and anti-fungal, and has been used for centuries as a remedy for poison ivy and other skin ailments, including eczema, bug bites, nettle rashes, and fungal infections. It is often found growing right next to poison ivy.

Impatiens capensis jewelweed, touch-me-not or orange jewelweed) is a flowering plant native to Canada and the United States. It grows in moist to wet soils, producing flowers from midsummer through fall. Here on the farm, it grows along the stream and creek beds in wild abundance.