Page 187 - Lost Book Remedies

The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies

flower type is a tiny petal-free flower that stays closed. Anti-fungal: Jewelweed’s stems and leaves are a
This small, petal-free flower produces most of the seed good external anti-fungal and treats athlete’s foot,
pods and has five flaps which, when ripe, open and ringworm, and other fungal infections.
eject their seeds.
Bruises, Burns, Eczema, Insect Bites: For
The plant branches extensively, producing smooth, skin damaged by bruises, burns and insect bites, try a
round stems. The entire plant grows to approximately poultice. Crush the stem of the plant and apply it di-
3 to 5 feet tall (0.9m – 1.5m) and leaves are up to 3.5 rectly to the affected area or soak a cloth in the juices
inches long (6cm). of the plant and apply it to the area.

Edible Use: Jewelweed is edible, in moderation, but Other Medicinal Uses: Traditionally, jewelweed
it should be cooked before use. Large portions can have has been used as an aid for kidney, liver, and urinary
a laxative effect. tract conditions. It has also been used as a diuretic, to
The seed pods explode when touched and the small promote blood flow after childbirth, and for gastroin-
seeds inside can be toasted and eaten. The flavor is testinal upset.
similar to walnuts. However, most herbalists do not use jewelweed inter-
The flowers are edible raw in salads or can be cooked nally and evidence is lacking for many of these tradi-
in a stir-fry. The stems and leaves should always be tional uses.
boiled for 10 to 20 minutes, changing the water at least
twice during cooking. The stems and leaves have high
concentrations of oxalates and should be avoided by
people prone to kidney stones.
Medicinal Use. Poison Ivy, Poison Oak,
Okra Spines, and Stinging Nettle: Jewelweed
often grows near poison ivy and stinging nettle, which
is fortunate since it is an ideal antidote to the painful
sting and rash caused by these plants.

The easiest way to use it is to slice open the stem and
rub the juicy inside on all exposed areas. Immediate
use is best and stops the irritation and prevents poison Photo by Derek Ramsey, Own work, CC BY-SA 2.5
ivy rash in most people.
However, I also recommend cutting extra to take home
to use again after a thorough shower. The plant can Recipes. Jewelweed Infusion: Chopped jewel-
also be made into an infusion, soap, salve, or spray to weed, boiling water. Chop the stems of orange jewel-
treat rashes. weed and drop into boiling water. Boil the infusion un-
til the water turns dark orange. Cool the liquid, strain
The liquid inside the jewelweed stem contains a chem- it, and freeze it in ice cubes to use on skin rashes as a
ical that neutralizes the urushiol oil contained in poi- cooling and healing rub. Freeze for up to 1 year. The
son ivy. Urushiol oil spreads easily and rapidly, trans- infusion can be stored frozen or it can be canned in a
ferring the rash to other parts of the body.
pressure cooker. Jewelweed does not dry well because
Once neutralized with jewelweed, the rash is no longer of its high oil content.
contagious and will no longer spread. Blisters that have Warning: Both Jewelweed and Potentilla are com-
already appeared should heal within a few days.
monly known as silverweed. Be careful not to confuse
Jewelweed is a natural herbal remedy for other irritat- the plants. Jewelweed can be used topically or as a wa-
ing plants as well. Poison oak, okra spines, and sting- ter extraction, but do not use it in alcohol tinctures.
ing nettles respond well to jewelweed. It is useful to Use jewelweed in small amounts and dilute water ex-
treat acne, eczema, heat rash, ringworm, warts, sores
and other skin irritations. tracts before using. Concentrated solutions can cause
reddening of the skin and irritation.
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