Evidence supporting the use of: Ornamental Jewelweed
For the health condition: Poison Ivy or Oak

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Ornamental Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis), also known as Touch-Me-Not, has a long history of traditional use by Native American communities and herbalists for relieving skin irritation caused by Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) or Poison Oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum). The plant’s juice or crushed stems and leaves were typically applied topically to affected skin, and this practice has been passed down through generations. The rationale is partly based on folk observations that jewelweed grows near poison ivy and thus may provide a natural remedy for its rash.

Scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of jewelweed for poison ivy/oak dermatitis is limited and somewhat mixed. Some older in vitro studies have suggested that jewelweed extracts may have anti-inflammatory or anti-histaminic properties. However, controlled clinical trials in humans are few, and most have not found a statistically significant benefit over placebo or standard treatments such as soap and water. A study published in the journal Contact Dermatitis (2004) found no significant difference between jewelweed and placebo in reducing poison ivy symptoms.

In summary, the use of ornamental jewelweed for poison ivy or oak is primarily supported by traditional use rather than robust scientific validation. The overall quality and quantity of evidence is low, so it is rated 2 out of 5.

More about Ornamental Jewelweed
More about Poison Ivy or Oak

Other health conditions supported by Ornamental Jewelweed

Itching
Poison Ivy or Oak
Rashes and Hives
Scratches and Abrasions
Wounds and Sores

Products containing Ornamental Jewelweed

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.