Evidence supporting the use of: Impatiens
For the health condition: Scratches and Abrasions
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Impatiens (Impatiens spp.), particularly Impatiens balsamina, has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, especially in Asia and among some indigenous groups in North America. For minor skin injuries such as scratches and abrasions, impatiens has been applied topically as a poultice or in herbal washes. The traditional rationale is based on the plant’s purported anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which are believed to soothe irritated skin and help prevent infection. In North American folk medicine, impatiens is especially known as a remedy for poison ivy and other skin irritations, and by extension, sometimes used for minor cuts and abrasions.
However, there is limited scientific research to substantiate these traditional claims. A few laboratory studies have reported the presence of compounds in impatiens extracts with mild antimicrobial or anti-inflammatory activity, but these are preliminary and not specific to wound healing. Clinical trials or robust scientific validation for its effectiveness in treating scratches and abrasions are lacking. Therefore, while the use of impatiens for this purpose is rooted in tradition, the actual strength of evidence remains low, with a rating of 2 out of 5, indicating some traditional support but minimal scientific backing. As always, users should exercise caution and consult healthcare professionals before using herbal remedies for wound care.
Other ingredients used for Scratches and Abrasions
Aloe verabayberry
beeswax
bisabolol
black walnut
chamomile
turmeric
dyer’s woad root
iodine
Japanese sophora
lauric acid
mucin
protease
slippery elm bark
vitamin C
zinc
parthenium
chickweed
paederia foetida
lilac
yarrow
moss
oriental arborvitae
tartarian aster
camphor oil
cleavers
wood betony
white oak
melaleuca alternifolia
geranium
arnica
impatiens
Asclepias cordifolia
Acacia
Agrimony
Antirrhinum majus
Achyranthes
Anserina
Anemone
Aquilegia formosa
Allantoin
Alkanet
Acemannan
Abuta
Alkanna
Bee Propolis
Babchi
Bai Ji
Baliospermum
Black spruce
Blackthorn
Bleeding Heart
Bridges' Penstemon
Black-Eyed Susan
Blackbrush
Brazilian peppertree
Bisabolene
Bloodroot
Benzoin
Begonia fimbristipula
Bindweed
Black Poplar
Bletilla
Barbary matrimony vine
Bush Monkey Flower
Babassu
Black root
Bittersweet
Calochortus
Comfrey
Candleberry
Calotropis gigantea
Cattail
Columbine
Cornflower
Common Thatching grass
Common Zinnia
Cynoglossum grande
Cedar
Campylandra fimbriata
Campsiandra angustifolia
Cranesbill
Chinese Thoroughwax
Carrapichinho
Cedrus libani
Ceanothus integerrimus
Cyanthillium cinereum
Castile Soap
Chiococca alba
Cocklebur
Copaiba Oil
Calyptridium umbellatum
Dragon's Blood
Devil's Club
Dwarf Nettle
Davilla rugosa
Deerbrush
Erigeron
Elephant Vine
European hazel
English Elm
Emu Oil
Elkweed
Eupatorium
Elemi
Fiesta Flower
Figwort
Formosan Sweet-Gum
Fleabane
Fireweed
Fir
Four leaved grass
Gleditsia
Glycerite
Glyceryl monolaurate
Gumweed
Gambir
Genipa americana
Golden Ragwort
Golden Willow
Heliopsis
Hartstongue
Hound's Tongue
Henna
Hairy Arnica
Immortelle
Jewelweed
Jojoba Oil
Jessica's Sticktight
Kochia
Kelloggii's Monkey-flower
Lacquertree
lac resin
Lygodium
Lantana camara
Leptospermum scoparium
Lysimachia
Labdanum
Mountain Bluebells
Mountain horopito
Monardella odoratissima
Mountain mahogany
Mahonia
Microtea debilis
Marking Nut Tree
Manchurian Thorn
Oak
Ocotillo
Purple Tephrosia
Psacalium peltatum
Purple Avens
Povidone
Pepper Bark Tree
Plumeria lancifolia
Proteolytic Enzymes
Peacocks Tail
Pink Root
Pellitory
Panthenol
Plumbago zeylanica
Peroxidase
Pacific Madrone
Poloxamer
Potentilla
Quebracho
Queen's Delight
Rupturewort
Red Alder
Red Soapwort
Rhus coraria
Rubber Rabbitbrush
Red Spiderling
Rosa californica
Rhus glabra
Sanicle
Sargentodoxa
Sausage Tree
Silverweed
Soft rush
Smooth Alder
Sangre de Grado
Snakeroot
Southernwood
Spiraea
Siberian Elm
Soapberry
Sapindus mukorossi
Sulfur
Storax
Stone Root
Teucrium marum
Trumpet Vine
Terpinen-4-ol
Thuja
Tridax
Triplaris peruviana
Tansy
Toadflax
Tea Tree Oil
Tynanthus elegans
White Dead Nettle Flower
White Heather
Wrightia tinctoria
Witch Hazel
Wild Daisy
Woodwardia
White Poplar
Weak Jumby Pepper
Waltheria ovata
Yerba Mansa
Other health conditions supported by impatiens
AbrasionsBites and Stings
Bruises (healing)
Cuts
Insect Repellant
Scratches and Abrasions
Wounds and Sores