Jewelweed is often used to relieve itching from poison ivy, bug bites, and other minor skin irritations. Use this soap after exposure to irritants to wash away the oils and reduce or prevent itching.
Jewelweed Soap Recipe
If you’ve ever brushed up against poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac, then you know the itchy, uncomfortable rash that follows.
Jewelweed has been a go-to natural remedy for generations, thanks to its soothing properties. When infused into soap, jewelweed becomes a convenient and skin-loving way to calm irritation while cleansing the skin.
Making jewelweed soap at home with this method is simple, cost-effective, and a great way to keep a natural remedy on hand for the whole family.
Why Use Jewelweed Soap?
Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis) is well-known in herbal traditions for its ability to help relieve itching and irritation caused by poison ivy and similar plants. It contains compounds that may counteract urushiol—the oil in poison ivy that causes rashes.
When used in soap form, jewelweed not only helps cleanse away potential irritants but also delivers a gentle, soothing effect on sensitive skin.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- ½ cup to 1 cup fresh jewelweed (fresh works best but you can also used dried jewelweed)
- ½ pound glycerin melt and pour soap base
- 10–15 drops essential oils (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Soap Base
Cut your melt and pour soap base into small cubes for easy melting.
Infuse with Jewelweed
Chop the jewelweed leaves into smaller pieces and place them into a glass bowl with the soap base. Using a double boiler, gently infuse for several hours until the soap takes on a greenish hue.
Strain and Pour
Strain out the jewelweed leaves (to prevent mold growth) and pour the infused soap into silicone molds. Let it set overnight, then unmold your jewelweed soap.
Optional Additions
For fragrance or extra benefits, add 10–15 drops of essential oils before pouring into molds. Lavender, tea tree, or peppermint are popular choices for their calming and skin-soothing properties.
I also really like the Bumps and Boo Boos blend to promote skin health.
How to Use Jewelweed Soap for Poison Ivy
When you’ve been exposed to poison ivy—or suspect you have—wash the affected skin with jewelweed soap as soon as possible.
The soap helps remove traces of urushiol oil while soothing the skin. For ongoing comfort, lather the soap gently over the rash once or twice daily.
I also recommend using this jewelweed spray. In fact, we keep a spray bottle handy in the summer just in case.
Storage Tips
Homemade jewelweed soap should be stored in a cool, dry place. Keep it wrapped or in an airtight container to prevent moisture buildup. Since no preservatives are added, use your bars within a few months for the best results.
Jewelweed soap is a simple, natural way to bring relief to itchy, irritated skin while enjoying the benefits of a handmade product. With just a few ingredients, you can create a soothing herbal soap that’s ready whenever outdoor adventures lead to unwanted encounters with poison ivy.
For more herbal skin care ideas, try these recipes:
- Chamomile Bath Salts Recipe
- Homemade Herbal Bath Powder
- Violet Leaf Salve
- Green Tea Melt and Pour Soap
- Peppermint Salt Scrub Bar
Keep track of your favorite essential oil recipes in our printable Essential Oil Recipe Journal. It has room for your recipes, inventory, notes, and so much more!
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How to Make Jewelweed Soap for Poison Ivy Relief
materials:
- ½ cup to 1 cup fresh jewelweed (fresh works best but you can also used dried jewelweed)
- ½ pound glycerin melt and pour soap base
- 10–15 drops essential oils (optional)
tools:
- Double boiler
- Knife
- Spoons
steps:
- Cut your melt and pour soap base into small cubes for easy melting.
- Chop the jewelweed leaves into smaller pieces and place them into a glass bowl with the soap base. Using a double boiler, gently infuse for several hours until the soap takes on a greenish hue.
- Strain out the jewelweed leaves (to prevent mold growth) and pour the infused soap into silicone molds. Let it set overnight, then unmold your jewelweed soap.
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