Jewelweed, with its vibrant orange blooms and lush green leaves, has long been celebrated for its remarkable benefits for skin health. From ancient indigenous remedies to modern natural skincare, the healing properties of jewelweed have stood the test of time, offering relief for a myriad of skin ailments. Learn about jewelweed benefits and how to make jewelweed spray for summer skin ailments.

Jewelweed Benefits for Skin

Jewelweed, scientifically known as Impatiens capensis, is a member of the Impatiens family, native to North America. This resilient plant thrives in damp, shaded environments, often found along stream banks and woodland edges.

Its distinctive jewel-like flowers and succulent stems make it easily recognizable in the wild. The cultural significance of jewelweed dates back centuries, with indigenous peoples harnessing its healing powers for various ailments.

Often referred to as "touch-me-not" due to its unique seed dispersal mechanism, jewelweed has been revered for its ability to soothe skin irritations and overall jewelweed benefits for the skin.

I use this plant to make a jewelwood spray recipe each summer. It's good for mosquito bites, poison ivy, and other minor skin irritations.

For more herbal remedies, check out these posts:

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Jewelweed Benefits for Skin

So what is jewelweed good for? Jewelweed has several benefits for your skin, and it's especially good for irritated skin.

Soothing Properties

Jewelweed possesses natural compounds that can calm irritated skin and provide relief from itching and discomfort. Its cooling effect makes it a popular remedy for poison ivy, insect bites, and other skin irritations, offering immediate relief for inflamed and itchy skin.

Anti-Inflammatory Benefits

One of the key benefits of jewelweed for skin health is its potent anti-inflammatory properties. By reducing redness and swelling, jewelweed helps to alleviate discomfort and promote healing, making it a valuable addition to skincare formulations for sensitive or reactive skin.

Moisturizing Benefits

Jewelweed contains emollient compounds that help to hydrate and nourish the skin, restoring its natural moisture balance and leaving it feeling soft and supple. Regular use of jewelweed-infused skincare products can help to combat dryness and improve overall skin texture and tone.

Promote Healing

In addition to its soothing and moisturizing effects, jewelweed has been shown to promote wound healing and alleviate discomfort associated with minor burns, cuts, and scrapes.

Its natural antiseptic properties help to prevent infection and speed up the healing process, making it an invaluable ally in skincare.

How to Use Jewelweed

I like to make a jewelweed spray recipe because it's easy to make and easy to use. However, there are several other ways to use jewelweed for poison ivy or mosquito bites.

Infuse dried jewelweed in apple cider vinegar. Dab on minor skin irritations for relief.
Steep the herb in water for several minutes. Freeze in ice cube trays. Rub the ice over minor skin irritations.
Infuse the dried herb in oil to create a soap.
Use jewelweed infused oil to create a salve.

Creating a Jewelweed Spray Recipe

Creating a spray is an easy way to get the benefits for this herb, and it will last all summer long. I'll have detailed directions below, but here's what you'll need:

Herbs. I used jewelweed and added calendula and chamomile. Calendula promotes skin healing, and chamomile promotes healing and is soothing for irritated skin. You can use just jewelweed or add lavender, comfrey, or plantain.
Witch Hazel. I used witch hazel for the infusion. Witch hazel is soothing for your skin, making it a good choice for a jewelweed spray recipe. It's also hydrating and an anti-inflammatory.
Peppermint Essential Oil. Peppermint essential oil has menthol, so it's naturally cooling. If you're using jewelweed for mosquito bites or poison ivy, the peppermint cools the skin for instant relief.

How to Use Jewelweed Spray

Simply spray this herbal remedy on affected skin as needed. Be careful not to get the spray on your face.

To use on the face, spray a cotton ball or towel and dab on the skin.

Let the spray air dry.

When to Use Jewelweed Spray

Jewelweed spray can be used for a variety of purposes due to its soothing and healing properties. Here are some common uses for jewelweed spray:

Skin Irritations: Jewelweed spray is excellent for soothing skin irritations such as poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac rashes. Its anti-inflammatory properties help reduce redness, itching, and inflammation, providing relief and promoting healing.
Insect Bites and Stings: Jewelweed spray can alleviate discomfort and itching caused by insect bites and stings, including mosquito bites, bee stings, and ant bites. Its soothing properties help calm the skin and reduce swelling, providing relief from itching and discomfort.
Minor Burns and Sunburn: Jewelweed spray can be used to soothe minor burns and sunburns, helping to reduce pain, redness, and inflammation. Its cooling effect provides immediate relief, while its healing properties promote skin repair and regeneration.
Skin Allergies: Jewelweed spray can help alleviate symptoms of skin allergies, including redness, itching, and inflammation. Its gentle and soothing properties make it suitable for sensitive skin, providing relief without causing further irritation.
Eczema and Dermatitis: Jewelweed spray can help soothe symptoms of eczema, dermatitis, and other inflammatory skin conditions. Its anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties help relieve itching, redness, and irritation, promoting healing and restoring skin health.
Minor Cuts and Scrapes: Jewelweed spray can be used to clean and soothe minor cuts, scrapes, and abrasions. Its antiseptic properties help prevent infection, while its healing properties promote wound healing and reduce scarring.
Plant Poisoning Prevention: Jewelweed spray can be applied to the skin as a preventative measure before exposure to poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac. Its protective barrier can help prevent the absorption of urushiol oil, reducing the risk of developing a rash.

Tips and Variations

For best results, store your jewelweed spray in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight.
Shake well before each use to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Test the spray on a small patch of skin before widespread use to check for any adverse reactions.
You can use just jewelweed or add other herbs.
The peppermint essential oil is optional, but I recommend it for its cooling properties. You can also use eucalyptus, German chamomile, geranium, or palmarosa essential oils.
I used a less than 0.5 percent dilution for the essential oils. I don't recommend using more than 0.5 percent since this will be used often. Use an essential oil dilution chart to help you determine a safe percentage.
I get my herbs from Mountain Rose Herbs or Grassroots Herb Supply.
Don't want to make your own? You can buy a jewelweed spray on Etsy.

Jewelweed Spray Recipe Ingredients

How to Make Jewelweed Spray

Step #1

Place the dried herbs in a glass jar. Pour the witch hazel over the herbs. Make sure the herbs are completely covered.

Step #2

Let the herbs and witch hazel sit for several weeks to infuse. Shake the jar daily. Strain out the herbs using cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer.

Step #3

Pour the infused witch hazel into a spray bottle. Add essential oil and shake well.

Shake well before each use. Store in a cool, dark area. I make this jewelweed spray recipe every spring so we have it for summer. We use it for poison ivy, but bites, and other minor skin irritations.

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jewelweed spray

Yield: 8 ounces

Author: Cari @ Homesteading in Ohio

Estimated cost: $5

Jewelweed Spray Recipe

How to make a jewelweed spray recipe for poison ivy, mosquito bites, and other minor skin irritations.

materials:

1/4 cup jewelweed
1/4 cup chamomile
1/4 cup calendula
8 ounces witch hazel
12-15 drops peppermint essential oil

tools:

8 ounce spray bottle
pint mason jar

steps:

Place the dried herbs in a glass jar. Pour the witch hazel over the herbs. Make sure the herbs are completely covered.
Let the herbs and witch hazel sit for several weeks to infuse. Shake the jar daily. Strain out the herbs using cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer.
Pour the infused witch hazel into a spray bottle. Add essential oil and shake well.
Shake well before each use. Store in a cool, dark area. I make this jewelweed spray recipe every spring so we have it for summer. We use it for poison ivy, but bites, and other minor skin irritations.

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Jewelweed Benefits + How to Make Jewelweed Spray

Jewelweed Benefits for Skin