Jewelweed

Scientific Name(s): Impatiens balsamina L., Impatiens biflora Willd., Impatiens capensis Meerb., Impatiens pallida Nutt.
Common Name(s): Garden balsam, Jewel balsam weed, Jewel weed, Jewelweed, Touch-me-not, Zhi hin nonxe thionbaba (Native Americans, the Omaha)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 9, 2021.

Clinical Overview

Use

Jewelweed is most commonly known for its antipruritic use in the treatment of poison ivy rash. It has also been used as an agent to promote blood flow, for postchildbirth and joint pain, bruises and swelling, and as an antidote to fish poisoning. However, there is no clinical information available to support its use for any indication.

Dosing

Crushed jewelweed has been used as a topical salve for poison ivy; however, no specific dose has been determined in clinical trials.

Contraindications

Contraindications have not been identified.

Pregnancy/Lactation

Information regarding safety and efficacy in pregnancy and lactation is lacking. Traditional use as an emmenagogue suggests caution.

Interactions

None well documented.

Adverse Reactions

None known for topical use.

Toxicology

No data.

Scientific Family

• Balsaminaceae

Botany

Impatiens capensis and the closely related I. balsamina are tender, succulent herbs commonly found at wet woodland borders, shaded riverbanks, and roadside ditches, which are locations also preferred by poison ivy. They grow 2 to 5 feet in height and either bear orange to yellow, or pink to purple flowers, respectively, and are commonly grown as bedding and house plants.Motz 2012 Jewelweed is sometimes called the "touch-me-not." This name alludes to the presence of a seed capsule made of a soft fleshy tissue that tends to expel its contents if touched or shaken.

History

Jewelweed has long been recognized as an herbal remedy for the treatment of topical irritation, most notably for the treatment of poison ivy rash. The sap of the jewelweed has been used by American Indians, particularly those living in Appalachia, as a prophylactic against poison ivy rash and as a treatment after the eruptions have occurred.Lewis 1977, Long 1997 The Southern Cherokee, Potawatomi, Chippewa, Meskwaki, and Omaha used I. capensis for a variety of pruritic dermatites besides treating and preventing poison ivy rash and itch, including treatment of stings from other plants (eg, stinging nettle) and insect bites.Motz 2012 In Japan the juice of the corolla from white balsamina flowers is painted on the skin as an antipruritic.Ishiguro 1997, Motz 2012, Oku 2002 And the aerial parts of Impatiens spp have been used in Chinese herbal medicine for treating pain and swelling, and as an antimicrobial.Motz 2015

The aerial parts of the plant are used in Chinese herbal medicine for rheumatism, beriberi, bruises, pain, and swelling, and as an antimicrobial agent.Ishiguro 2000, Oku 2002, Yang 2001 Impatiens seeds have been used to promote blood flow, including menstruation, and for the suppression of post-childbirth pain, as an expectorant and, in some Asian countries, as an antidote for fish poisoning.Shoji 1994

Commercial poison ivy–prevention products containing jewelweed are widely available.Motz 2012

Chemistry

Chemical compounds identified in the white petals of I. balsamina include kaempferol, kaempferol 3-glucoside, kaempferol 3-ru...