Jewelweed - Mother Nature's Poison Ivy Miracle Cure

Jewelweed is Mother Nature's Poison Ivy miracle cure and so much more. Jewelweed is best known for its skin healing properties.

The leaves and the juice from the stem of Jewelweed are used by herbalists to cure poison ivy and other plant induced rashes, as well as many other types of dermatitis. Jewelweed works by counter-reacting with the chemicals in other plants that cause irritation. Poultices and salves from Jewelweed are a folk remedy for bruises, burns, cuts, eczema, insect bites, sores, sprains, warts, and ringworm.

Jewelweed blooms May through October in the eastern part of North America from Southern Canada to the northern part of Florida. It is found most often in moist woods, usually near poison ivy or stinging nettle. Jewelweed often grows on the edge of creek beds. It is difficult to transplant and seeds do not store well; it should not be cultivated as it becomes invasive and is spread by birds eating the seeds and other means that are hard to control.

This is a weed/wild flower that grows in abundance along road banks and just about everywhere else in the mountains. Wherever you find them growing, there will be a thicket of them, taller than your knees. The plant is a succulent annual ands dies back immediately at the slightest fall frost.

In the summer, they are covered with beautiful blooms. There are two varieties; one that blooms yellow and one that blooms bright orange. Both varieties have pods which when mature burst suddenly upon being touched, hence the common name of "Touch Me Not."

The blooms resemble snapdragons but are suspended from the plant on delicate little thread-like supports.

Being beautiful isn't all there is to the Jewelweed. If you have ever accidentally brushed against the Stinging Nettle Plant, you know the results. Immediately the spot will start itching and burning and may even blister if you are particularly sensitive. Curiously, as if Mother Nature planned it, Jewel Weed usually grows near Stinging Nettles and it is said if you immediately rub the foliage of the Jewel Weed on the spot, the itching and stinging will go away. The American Indians also used it as a cure for poison oak by squeezing the juice from the Jewel Weed on the affected area. I've also read stories of old wives mixing it with lard. Not pretty to smell, but it sure worked!

The name "jewelweed" comes from the water-repellent quality of the leaves, which causes dew and rain to bead up and sparkle in the sun. If you’re afflicted by poison ivy, poison oak, or athlete’s foot, relief may sometimes be had by crushing jewelweed stems and applying the sticky paste to affected areas.

We normally carry a Jewelweed soap made with Shea butter and Goat's Milk. It is currently out of stock until our plants are producing again. We lost our plants and have sold out of what Jewelweed soap we had left. We hope to have a fresh crop of leaves to harvest this summer and will begin making our famout Jewelweed Goat Milk Soap very soon! Thank you! (If you are in dire need of Poison Ivy relief, try some Oatmeal soap or a salve as an alternative, as it is also drying to the blisters and very healing.

About the Author

We are located in the Piney Woods of East Texas. We are a small, locally owned and operated home business. Our products are all from the finest quality ingredients and many are made when you order them! All our lotions and soaps are handmade with fresh goat's milk and the finest quality vegetable oils. We aim to provide Quality Skin Care at a fraction of the cost! God Bless You!