Jewelweed salve is easy to make and may aid irritated skin from poison ivy and bug bites. Learn more about identifying and preserving this helpful plant.
This jewelweed salve tutorial reminds me of when I was a Girl Scout back in the day. We had the most wonderful camp within walking distance of my house. Every year during the summer, they would host a week long day camp. I have such fond memories of that experience. Sadly the camp is no longer owned by the Scouts, however the township did purchase the property for community use, so at least it hasn’t turned into some ugly industrial site.
How to Make Jewelweed Salve
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I guess that it is no surprise that even at the young age of seven, one of the highlights of day camp for me was the visit from Mother Nature. She would tell us all about the native plants that grew in the camp. One of my favorites was all about Impatiens pallida aka Jewelweed.
The first thing Mother Nature showed us, was this folk remedy of using the sap from jewelweed to treat poison ivy and other bothersome itchy skin problems such as bug bites.
She also showed us how to make a whistle by cutting slits into the hollow stem. That’s right, another common name for this plant is “whistle weed.” In addition, you may know it as “touch-me-not,” because the seed heads pop open and shoot seed everywhere when they are touched. A clever way to ensure this plant comes back again and again.
You can make a salve out of this weed. All you need to do is chop it up, and place it in a mason jar. Then fill it with olive oil.
Disclaimer: This information is not meant to replace medical advice. Be mindful of any plant allergies that may cause a problem, and consult a qualified health care practitioner before self-treatment with any product. Also, take care with anyone who may have a plant allergy.
Some people have made a cold infusion with dried jewelweed. However, I have read, and Mother Nature taught me, that the sap is what you want for this remedy, so I made a warm infusion. This is done by gently heating the jar in a bath of simmering water for a few hours.
Then simply strain the oil by using a coffee filter, napkin or paper towel.
Jewelweed Salve Materials
Olive Oil
Fresh Jewelweed
Beeswax pellets
Essential Oils (optional)
Vitamin E
Tins
Use the infused jewelweed oil, combined with beeswax, essential oils (optional) and vitamin E.
For this batch of jewelweed salve I used 2 tablespoons of beeswax to 1/2 cup infused oil in a glass jar. Heat the jar in a water bath on the stove until the beeswax is dissolved. Let cool slightly before adding in your essential oils (about 15 drops), and vitamin E to act as a preservative. Stir and pour into the containers.
Jewelweed grows everywhere around here. Sometimes you see it growing near water sources with a pretty spotted orange flower. This one is Impatiens capensis. Some say that the orange flowered jewelweed one is better at treating skin issues than the yellow one shown here. Both have a shallow root system, making them easy to remove from the garden, and the added bonus of something that you can use it to make your own jewelweed salve, or a maybe just a fun whistle.
J says
How long would you say this recipe is shelf stable? I got a lead on some jewelweed and I STRUGGLE with poison ivy every year. If I could make it now and save it over winter, I’d be a happy camper 🙂
Also, how well do you think jewelweed would grow indoors over the winter with grow lights?
Patti Estep says
My best guess would be to freeze or refrigerate the infusion (jewelweed in oil) That would help keep it stable much longer. Then you could make small batches of the salve as needed.
Kim says
This is a great recipe! I can’t wait to try it. Which olive oil do you use?
Patti Estep says
Kim, I use whatever olive oil I have on hand.
Jo Ellen says
I noticed that you are just using the stalks of the plant. Can you use the leaves, flowers and stalk all chopped up? or is it the stalk that holds most of the resin? Thanks
Patti Estep says
I learned that the juice in the stalks was the part that you needed to use but since you are making an infusion it wouldn’t surprise me if you could use other parts of the plants.
Karen says
Do you break open the vitamin E capsules?
Patti Estep says
Yes. I poke the capsule with a pin and squeeze out the liquid
Lorren says
Do I need to refrigerate it or is it fine to stay put. How long can it stay out. I had someone make some jewel weed salve ( not your recipe) and she said it would go ransid if not refrigerated. Is this the same? Love the recipe by the way. Just made some and have it cooling
Patti Estep says
Lorren, Many people like to refrigerate their homemade concoctions. It’s not required but it will prolong the shelf life.
Pat says
What essential oil would you recommend? Lavendar? Lemongrass? Lemon? Cedarwood? Theives? Peppermint?
Patti Estep says
I personally would use lavender and maybe a bit of lemon. Lavender is supposedly great for all kinds of skin issues. Also, I like the smell of lemons, and sometimes lavender on it’s own can be too strong.
Rebecca says
How much vitamin E do you use?
Patti Estep says
Rebecca, I usually use the capsules that you can buy at the grocery store (180 mg). For the 1/2 cup of oil I use 2 capsules of Vitamin E.
Zoot says
How do you make that whistle??
Patti Estep says
All you do is cut a length of the stalk about 5 inches long. Make sure that you cut a piece between the nodes so it looks like a straw. Then cut a couple of notches on the side and it makes a whistle or flute like object.
trendle ellwood says
Patti, Thank you so much for this great article. I can tell you know what you are talking about! So many sites are saying to use dried jewel weed. What good will that do?! The power is in the juice ( : The jewel weed is huge this year! We always used it for poison ivy and I have it about my gardens wherever it decides to come up and it is SO lush this year that I got to wanting to save some. I am making your salve today, with the grandkids ( : God bless you!
Patti Estep says
I’m so glad you like the post. Have fun with the kids.
Carole says
This is so cool – I’m not sure if we have that growing around here but man I could use a good salve because the bugs are driving me nuts which means I’m itchy all the time and it would be good for when we go to the property. I’ve learned more about plants with bite too this year. It’s like I’m under attack.. LOL
I’m saving this and hunting down these ingredients. I’m guessing the essential oils make it smell nice? My Go to oils are lavender, T-Tree, peppermint and lemon.. Which of these would you recommend?
Patti Estep says
Hi Carole,
According the the USDA forestry map Texas has the plant growing somewhere. Of course it’s everywhere here in PA. The essential oils do make it smell good, but as you know can also benefit the skin. I think all of your go-to oils would work. There are some articles that caution against citrus for photo sensitivity on the skin so maybe not the lemon, the others would work great.
Have a great week!
Patti