This annual plant goes by many names, but jewelweed or spotted touch-me-not seem most appropriate. Dew often gathers in glistening drops on the flowers, and it produces long seed capsules that split and propel the seeds when touched. Jewelweed likes it moist and is at home in woods and on streambanks. The flowers are frequently visited by hummingbirds.
The plant is probably best known as an effective remedy against poison ivy. You can crush the hollow stems and rub the sap on the skin exposed to poison ivy. Symptoms will not appear or will be much less troublesome. The sap neutralizes the urushiol, and you will no longer spread the poison ivy oil by rubbing or scratching. Additionally, jewelweed is effective against poison oak, bug bites and razor burn. The sap is also used for acne, heat rash, ringworm and many other skin disorders. Some folks make and sell jewelweed soap, and you could try this yourself – there are many tips and guides online.
Impatiens capensis has been exported to Europe and is now established in several countries.
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