Jewel Weed

Native cultures believe that every plant on earth has at least one of three uses; food, medicine or utility. Our challenge is discovering what gifts the plants around us have to offer.

Jewel weed blooms in late summer.

I discovered jewel weed this summer when looking at an informational exhibit at a state park.  I remember reading that jewel weed had medicinal properties and now that I could identify it, I was ready to learn more. 

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Jewel weed has had a good summer here in Minnesota.  Our wet spring provided the perfect conditions for its germination and growth and I found it bordering all the paths in our back woods.

The yellow and orange almost orchid like flowers that some describe as "cornucopia shaped" make it easy to identify. Jewel weed  is part of the impatient family which is obvious from the shape of its leaves.

Jewel weed is most commonly used for skin irritations.  If you have come in contact with poison ivy, you can pick jewel weed (flowers, leaves and/or stems), crush it in your hand until it is moist and then rub it on the exposed area.  Jewel weed has the ability to break down the poison ivy oils and prevent the painful and itchy blistering that is common with poison ivy exposure.

I have used jewel weed to soothe the burn from a stinging nettle contact and also to treat mosquito bites and skin irritations due to plant exposure.

A drift of jewel weed.

To preserve jewel weed's medicinal uses beyond summer, infuse the plant in oil, water or witch hazel. Some soap recipes use ice cubes make from jewel weed infused in water along with infused oil. The soap is used to prevent poison ivy rashes and other skin irritations.

Root of the jewel weed plant.

Please note: The objective of this blog is to raise awareness of alternative ways to achieve wellness and to empower you to take an active role in your health decisions.  To accomplish this, you will need to explore these subjects in greater depth and then determine what makes sense for your life.  My hope is that this information will inspire you to start your own search into ways to make your life happier, healthier and more fulfilling.