Jewelweed is a common herb frequently used to treat poison ivy and skin rashes. The leaves contain a compound called lawsone, which has been proven to have anti-inflammatory and anti-histamine properties. [1]
Historically, First Nations peoples used jewelweed for poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac rashes.
Jewelweed grows 3 to 5 feet tall and flowers from late spring to early fall. The flowers are orange.
The herb typically grows in moist, shady soils along streams. It is found throughout the United States, from the east coast to the west coast and also throughout Georgia and Florida.
One of the most popular ways to use this herb is to freeze it for use on any rashes and fungal conditions of the skin.
1. Gather the above-ground parts of 3 Jewelweed plants.
2. Rinse the plant thoroughly.
3. Finely chop the jewelweed on a sanitized surface.
4. Boil 3 cups of cool water.
5. Add the chopped plant, cover, and allow to simmer on low heat for 30 to 60 minutes.
6. Allow the tea to cool. The longer you allow it to cool, the stronger it will become. The color will become orangey-brown the longer it steeps.
7. Strain.
8. Pour the tea into ice cube trays and put it in the freezer.
5. Once frozen, you can store the ice cubes in a sealed Ziploc bag in the freezer for up to one year.
Roll a jewelweed ice cube onto any affected area of your skin three times a day.
You can also make a compress by thawing an ice cube and pouring the liquid onto a washcloth and fasten it with safety pins.
Crushed leaves of jewelweed have long been a remedy for poison ivy rashes. The mucilage found in Jewelweed’s stem and leaves is a very effective soothing antidote for poison ivy rashes.
People also make ice cubes made from Jewelweed tea top rub on their poison ivy rashes.
Continue reading below for feedback from our readers about Jewelweed and let us know what you use it for!
