Thursday, November 1, 2012

OBAMNEY-- who's better? Obama vs. Romney the unbiased facts



Obama vs. Romney: the unbiased facts

OBAMA
ROMNEY
National Debt
worse
better
Environment, Global Warming, and clean energy
better: the Recovery Act, Executive Order 135142, set vehicle mileage standards, funded energy efficiency and alternative energy projects. However, the President has not done much for the environment despite his rhetoric and claims that he is making the environment a priority. He let cap and trade die and he has not significantly  “slowed the rise of the oceans” or “healed the planet”. 3
terrible: “President Obama promised to slow the rise of the oceans and to heal the planet. My promise is to help you and your family.”1
Health Care
Pros: uninsured people get health care, insurance companies can’t withhold health care
Cons: people have less control over their health care, they have to pay more if they don’t participate (in the form of a tax). This tax is $95 (or 1% of income, whichever is higher) in 2014. It increases to $325 (or 2% of income) in 2015, and $695 (or 2.5% of income) in 2016. 4
Cons: health care costs stay high, uninsured people don’t get health care
Pros: people have greater freedom of choice over their doctor, some argue quality of health care will be better without a government monopoly4
Abortion
Pro-choice (a woman has a right to choose whether to get an abortion or not). 6
Pro-life (abortion should be illegal). But, in the past he was pro-choice. Maybe he changed his position to get nominated as the Republican candidate. He did say that his past belief was wrong though, so maybe he just changed his mind 5, 6
Gay rights
better: he opposes the Defense of Marriage Act, which defines marriage as being between one man and one woman. He is pro-gay-rights. However, he is willing to leave the issue of gay marriage up to the states, so as President he isn’t going to aggressively push legalizing gay marriage on a federal level.7
worse: Romney is against gay marriage and he does not approve of GLTB couples having kids. Quote: “Some (gays) are actually having children born to them. It’s not right on paper, it’s not right in fact… every child deserves a mother and father.” 8
Economy
Obama has helped our economy over the short-term, but in the long-term he could make things worse. Also, his way of improving the economy has created massive debt. 9
Romney is focused on improving the economy. He aims to reduce debt, spend less, cut health care spending, and reduce taxes for businesses. We don’t know if Romney will be great for the economy, but voters seem to think so! Romney’s five-part plan: #1) Cut spending to reduce debt #2) Cut taxes for business (especially small businesses) and reduce environmental regulations that restrict business #3) Slowly reduce federal gov’t involvement in health care programs (repeal Obamacare) #4) take advantage of our national oil, coal, and gas (alternative energy is not mentioned) resources to become energy independent. #5) take a strong military stance, forging trade agreements that benefit us and not being afraid to get ourselves involved militarily
Religion
Obama is a Christian, but he is not very religious.
Romney is a Mormon with a strong religious background. The Mormon church of the 70’s used to be known for discrimination and for opposing equal rights for women, but that does not necessarily reflect on the present-day Mormon church nor does it reflect on Mitt Romney11. Romney supports the recognition of God during school ceremonies such as graduation and he is against the teaching of contraception in public schools (he believes in abstinence-only sex education). He does not support teaching creationism or prayer in public schools10.
African-American rights
better
Romney is perfectly fine and no one could find any fault with him when it comes to African-American rights, but I think Obama wins on this one just by virtue of being himself! :)
Hispanic rights/ Hispanic issues
better. Obama unwaveringly supports the Dream Act, which would prevent deportation of children who were born in America to illegal parents. Obama has not made it easier to immigrate to the United States legally, but he has not enforced border laws against illegal immigration. 12
worse—Romney supports harsh enforcement of border laws to prevent illegal immigration and he is unlikely to do anything to enable legal immigration. He supports deportment of illegal aliens. He does not support the Dream Act. 12
Military
Obama is anti-war. He did help get us out of Iraq and kill Osama bin Laden. Obama did cut funding on the military during his term. 13
Romney supports spending money on the military; he supports being harder on our enemies, such as Iran and Cuba; he is more pro-war. 13
Taxes on poor and middle class
better—Obama is strongly against taxing the poor and he has instated tax cuts that save middle class Americans $3,600 dollars annually. Obama is definitely better when it comes to taxes on the poor, and it remains to be seen whether Romney will match or exceed him on reducing middle class taxes. 14
worse—Romney’s economic plan involves cutting taxes for everyone, but it also involves closing loopholes in the tax code that save some people significant amounts of money. In addition, Romney has said he will do whatever it takes—including taxing the middle class—to reduce the federal deficit. Some have argued that Romney’s policies will result in raised taxes for the middle class, while others say that the economic benefits will counterbalance this. 14
Taxes on rich (income of more than $200,000- $300,000 a year)
worse—despite his message of lowering taxes, Obama seems to think this doesn’t apply to the rich and has been heaping tax burdens on them. 15
better—Romney seems to favor a more across-the-board approach. If taxes are lowered, they are lowered for everyone, including the rich. 16
Education
Obama is focusing on providing student loans, which can be hard to pay off. Still, Obama is definitely focusing on education and he is much more likely to spend money on education than Romney.  17
Romney does not support federal financial aid for students. He believes students should come up with the money for college tuition on their own or through their parents, and if they borrow money they should expect to have to pay it back. However, in the past, Romney presided over improved education in Michigan, which was good. The top 25% students in Michigan got free college tuition. Romney also plans to reform the No Child Left Behind policy and help students stuck in bad schools have more choices. 17



 Bibliography:




Friday, March 16, 2012

Jewelweed Materia Medica

BOTANICAL NAME: Impatiens capensis synonym Impatiens biflora, and Impatiens pallida

COMMON NAME(S): Jewelweed, Spotted Touch-Me-Not, Pale Touch-Me-Not


PARTS USED: Leaves, stems

ENERGETICS AND TASTE:

ACTIONS AND PROPERTIES: Jewelweed is anti-inflammatory, antihistamine and antifungal. Jewelweed reduces inflammation and itching, combats skin allergic reactions including rashes and hives, and treats fungal infections of the skin (Duke, Brill, Thieret, Meuninck). Jewelweed is antidote (PFAF Plant Database).

CONSTITUENTS: Jewelweed contains 2 methoxy-1, 4 naphthoquinone—an anti-inflammatory and fungicide that’s an active ingredient of Preparation H (used for hemorrhoids) (Brill). A component in the leaves, lawsone, explains reported antihistamine and anti-inflammatory activities. Lawsone binds to the same molecular sites on the skin as urushiol, the oil on Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, and Poison Sumac. If applied quickly after contact with a poison palnt, lawsone beats the urushiol to those sites, in effect locking it out so you don’t get the rash (Duke).

DESCRIPTION: There are two species of Jewelweed with identical medicinal properties: Spotted Touch-Me-Not (Impatiens capensis) and Pale Touch-Me-Not (Impatiens pallida). The flowers of Spotted Touch-Me-Not appear orange and spotted, with red, yellow, or white spots, whereas the flowers of Pale Touch-Me- are yellow with reddish spots (Brill, Duke). Spotted Touch-Me-Not has 1-inch flowers while Pale Touch-Me-Not has 1.5 inch flowers, and Spotted Touch-Me-Not is 2-5 feet while Pale Touch-Me-Not is 3-6 feet. Jewelweed in general is usually 3-5 feet. Jewelweed flowers from July to October; some say Jewelweed begins flowering as early as June. Both species of Jewelweed are tall and leafy, with succulent semi-transparent stems. The emerald green leaves are oval and may appear almost smooth or very slightly lobed at the edges, but really are very finely toothed (Thieret, Peterson).

HABITAT: Jewelweed is found in wet, shady, or partially sunny areas; Jewelweed favors partial shade. Jewelweed is found in limestone (basic) or neutral soils, often on mountainsides (Duke, Peterson, Thieret). You can find Jewelweed in wetlands, woods, meadows, lowlands, fens, swamps, and floodplains, and along the edges of streams, ponds, lakes, springs, floodplains, and bogs (Duke, Brill, Thieret). The main thing to remember is that Jewelweed needs moisture, and is usually found growing right next to or almost in water (Lewis, Herb FAQ). You can grow or find Jewelweed in woodland gardens with sunny edges, in dappled shade, and in bog gardens. Jewelweed avoids acid soils, is usually found on calcareous soils, and is capable of growing in semi-shade or no shade (PFAF Plant Database). Jewelweed can often be found growing near stinging nettles or Poison Ivy (Brill, Herb FAQ, Elias, Meuninck). Jewelweed grows well in heavy clay soils, but prefers a moist well-drained humus rich soil in a cool shady site. Plants self-sow in areas where minimum winter temperatures go no lower than -15 degrees Celsius or 5 degrees Fahrenheit; Jewelweed is hardy to about -5 degrees Celsius or 23 degrees Fahrenheit. Jewelweed is supposedly capable of succeeding in any reasonably good soil (PFAF Plant Database).

HARVESTING/PROPAGATION:
Location: See Habitat
Propagation: Jewelweed is an annual that often occurs in dense stands (Thieret, Meuninck). To plant, gather Jewelweed seeds in fall and spread in a low-lying area of your garden (Meuninck). The seed capsules are sensitive to touch and will explode when touched, making seed collection difficult but fun. To grow from seed, sow in spring in a greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer (PFAF Plant Database). For more information on where to plant, see Habitat. Jewelweed is aggressive and will spread. Jewelweed can be grown together with stinging nettle (Meuninck). Jewelweed flowers from July through October, sometimes starting as early as June. In the wild, Pale Touch-Me-Not is less common than Spotted Touch-Me-Not (Thieret). Jewelweed grows from 2 to 6 feet tall, but is mostly between 3 and 5 feet tall (Thieret, Brill, Peterson). The water-repellant leaves are 1 to 4 ½ inches long. You can find Jewelweed growing in the wild from early spring through fall (Brill). Jewelweed grows rapidly in ideal environs, but usually doesn't reach significant size until mid-summer (Herb FAQ). For more information on Jewelweed growing conditions and habitat, see Habitat.
Pests and Pollinators: Jewelweed provides good cover and nesting sites for field sparrows (Meuninck). Bees and butterflies are important pollinators and this species is especially adapted to hummingbird visitation (Thieret, PFAF Plant Database). Hummingbirds, butterflies, and moths pollinate the flowers (Brill). The plant is also self-pollinating (Brill, PFAF Plant Database). Deer will eat Jewelweed (Runyon). Horses will not eat Jewelweed (Lewis).
Harvesting: You can find Jewelweed growing in the wild from early spring through fall (Brill). Jewelweed grows rapidly in ideal environs, but usually doesn't reach significant size until mid-summer. Gather the leaves and stems. Take only the top third of plants well before flowering (Jewelweed begins flowering in June or July), thereby giving the plants a chance to flowers and produce seeds. Or, since Jewelweed grows in dense clumps, “thin” the Jewelweed patch by selectively harvesting only a few plants. Jewelweed is an annual so if you take the entire plant, it will not grow back next year. Use Jewelweed immediately after harvesting, as in hot, sunny weather it will wilt and lose its juiciness within five to ten minutes. Jewelweed juice and Jewelweed tea or decoction spoil rapidly at room temperature, so refrigerate as soon as possible. One large four-foot plant should provide enough juice for the largest rash on one person (Herb FAQ, Lewis).
Storing: You can store Jewelweed for quick access and to be able to access the plant’s medicinal qualities in the winter and early spring when Jewelweed is not growing. Store Jewelweed as a fresh plant in the refrigerator or freezer (Lewis). If you refrigerate immediately after harvesting, the fresh plant lasts up to a week in a sealed container in the refrigerator (Brill). You can boil Jewelweed or make a tea of Jewelweed, strain OR squeeze out the juice from the leaves and the stems and store this skin wash/juice in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze it in ice cube trays for months (Lewis). You can make Jewelweed into an ointment or oil infusion—refrigerated, Jewelweed ointment will last for months (Brill). Some people tincture Jewelweed in alcohol, but this is not recommended (see Contraindication/Cautions). Steve “Wildman” Brill has soaked fresh Jewelweed in commercial witch hazel extract for a few weeks, and the extract of the two herbs works well and doesn’t perish.

SOLUBILITY: Jewelweed is soluble in water, oil, fat, and alcohol (Brill, Brown, Herb FAQ), though making or using an alcohol extract or tincture isn’t recommended (see Contraindication/Cautions).

PREPARATION AND DOSAGE:
Jewelweed Poultice: Pick Jewelweed and use right away. Fresh Jewelweed works best (Herb FAQ, Lewis). The crushed stems and leaves can be wiped onto the skin or poulticed to the affected area (Brown).
Jewelweed Juice: The juice from the stems and leaves can be squeezed out and applied to the skin (Lewis). One recipe recommends liquefying the plants in a blender at the highest speed possible. Filter the juice out through a cloth, common strainer, or fruit press. Use immediately or refrigerate—this stuff spoils rapidly at room temperature. Don’t refrigerate for more than 5 days without freezing. One large four-foot plant should be adequate for the largest rash on one person (Herb FAQ). Jewelweed juice can be stored in a jar or vial and refrigerated for a few days for quick access (Brown). Freeze the juice into ice cube trays to store long-term (Duke). Apply Jewelweed juice as ice cubes, with a paint brush, with cotton balls, whatever (Herb FAQ, Lewis). According to one source, “Apply the juice to the infected area with a common paint brush; I’ve found one to two inch size works best. Blow-dry the area as you apply it with a hair dryer on low heat… after several coats of 'paint,' an orange-colored "skin" will develop. This "skin" will protect uninfected areas against the poison ivy allergen” (Herb FAQ). The fresh juice can be used as a fungicide; the juice can be concentrated by boiling it (PFAF Plant Database).
Jewelweed Skin Wash: Jewelweed stems, with leaves still attached, can be boiled to make a skin wash. The stronger you want the medication, the more plant material you use. (Lewis). According to one recipe for Jewelweed skin wash: Take one or more parts Jewelweed and twenty parts water. Boil in non-metal container, add Jewelweed, boil for 15 minutes, strain and store in jar in fridge. Or pour boiling water into a pot full of A LOT of Jewelweed, and let it simmer for 30 minutes, then blend in a blender to extract additional juices, then strain (Herb FAQ). Use immediately, or freeze the skin wash in an ice cube tray to store. Apply the skin wash as ice cubes, with a paint brush, with cotton balls, or whatever (Lewis, Herb FAQ).
Jewelweed ointment: Mixing Jewelweed juice with tallow makes a good Poison-Ivy, Poison-Oak, or Poison-Sumac ointment for extremely itchy areas (Brown). You can also make Jewelweed ointment by simmering a small amount of Jewelweed in light vegetable oil (any vegetable oil except olive oil, which burns) ten to fifteen minutes. Use only a small handful of Jewelweed stems per quart of oil, or bubbles of Jewelweed juice will form in the ointment and go moldy. Strain out the herb, add a handful of beeswax to thicken it, and heat until melted. Take out a spoonful and let it cool to test the thickness, and add more oil or beeswax as needed. Add the contents of one oil-soluble Vitamin E capsule, a natural preservative, and let it cool. Refrigerated, it lasts for months (Brill). King’s American Dispensatory of 1898 recommends an ointment of the plants heated in lard to be applied on hemorrhoids (Angier).
Jewelweed tincture: Making or using a Jewelweed tincture or alcohol extract, taken internally or applied to the skin, is not recommended (see Contraindication/Cautions).
Jewelweed bee sting mud: Make mud for removing bee stingers by mixing Jewelweed juice with mud (Brown).
Combinations: For preparation and dosage information for combinations of Jewelweed and other plants, see Combinations.

CONSIDERATIONS/HISTORY/FOLKLORE/MYTHOLOGY:
In modern times, the whole herb is infused as an appetite stimulant and diuretic; naturopaths administer it to treat dyspepsia (acid indigestion). This treatment isn’t necessarily advisable because Jewelweed, as well as the water Jewelweed is boiled in, contain oxalate crystals that are toxic when ingested (Meuninck). Jewelweed is a scientifically proven antifungal (Duke, Thieret). A 1957 study by a physician found Jewelweed effective (in 2-3 days) in treating 108 of 115 patients suffering from Poison Ivy rash. A component in the leaves, lawsone, explains reported antihistamine and anti-inflammatory activities. Lawsone binds to the same molecular sites on the skin as urushiol, the oil on Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, and Poison Sumac. If applied quickly after contact with a poison palnt, lawsone beats the urushiol to those sites, in effect locking it out so you don’t get the rash. Lawsone is also an anti-stinging-nettle-hive treatment (Duke). Jewelweed contains an anti-inflammatory and fungicidal compound that’s an active ingredient of Preparation H (used for hemorrhoids) (Brill).
Using Jewelweed on Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, and Poison Sumac is a well-known folk remedy. Some folk swear by the leaf tea as a Poison Ivy rash preventative; others rub on frozen tea (in the form of ice cubes) as a remedy. Jewelweed poultice is a folk remedy for bruises, burns, cuts, eczema, insect bites, sores, sprains, warts, and ringworm (Duke, Brill). Jewelweed tea or decoction was drunk as a diuretic to treat edema or jaundice or kidney problems (Angier, PFAF Plant Database); however, using Jewelweed internally is not recommended (See Contraindication/Cautions).

PLANT SPIRIT/FLOWER ESSENCE/and/or HOMEOPATHIC INFORMATION:

COMBINATIONS: Make an insecticide by mixing Jewelweed juice fifty-fifty with the tannic acid boilings of cedar bark or another plant with a high tannic acid content; wiped on the legs, face, and arms, it seems to keep ticks away (Brown). Steve “Wildman” Brill has soaked fresh Jewelweed in commercial witch hazel extract for a few weeks, and the extract of the two herbs works well and doesn’t perish. The Creek Indians used a tea of smashed spicebush berries and Jewelweed as a bath for congestive heart failure (Meuninck). According to one source, “Take sweetfern, jewelweed, witch hazel, and rubbing alcohol. Blend in a blender until it's green and mushed, let it sit for two weeks, strain it, and viola—a marvelous liniment for Poison Ivy” (Herb FAQ). Note: making or using alcohol extracts of Jewelweed internally or externally is not recommended (see Contraindication/Cautions).

INDICATIONS (including specific):
Primary Uses: Jewelweed is the best treatment for Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, or Poison Sumac rash. Jewelweed is also used to treat Nettles sting. Jewelweed can be applied before the rash has appeared as a preventative, or as an after-the-fact treatment; the plant juices reduce itching and inflammation (Lewis, Meuninck). Finally, Jewelweed is a scientifically proven antifungal, used to treat fungus infections such as ringworm or athlete’s foot. (Duke, Thieret). A 1957 study by a physician found Jewelweed effective (in 2-3 days) in treating 108 of 115 patients suffering from Poison Ivy rash (Duke).
Secondary Uses: Use Jewelweed on all kinds of skin maladies, especially itchy ones. Wipe the fresh crushed stems and leaves onto affected areas from bee stings, insect stings, sunburn, abrasions, and blisters (Brown). Jewelweed juice is good for warts, bruises, minor burns, cuts, eczema/acne, sores, and skin irritation. Apply broken stem to fresh mosquito bites for 15 to 20 minutes to stop itching and make the bite disappear; or apply to relieve bee or wasp stings. For older bites, it works only temporarily (Brill). Apply Jewelweed squeezings to acne and blemishes with good results. Boil Jewelweed stems and leaves and use the water to clean out minor cuts and prevent infection when they can’t be washed with natural soap and water. Make an insecticide from Jewelweed juice (see Combinations). Make a mud for removing bee stingers using Jewelweed—not only does it soothe the sore and remove the stinger, but it cuts down on the burning (Brown). Jewelweed may even be helpful as a wash for skin inflammations on pets (Meuninck). Jewelweed juice and Jewelweed ointment have been used to treat hemorrhoids; Jewelweed contains a compound that is the active ingredient of Preparation H, a drug used for hemorrhoids (PFAF Plant Database, Brill, Angier). Jewelweed is used to treat hives (especially stinging-nettle-caused hives) because it contains a compound, lawsone, that is a first-rate remedy for hives, poison ivy, poison sumac, poison oak, and nettles.

SYSTEMS/ORGANS/TISSUES: The skin

ETHNOBOTANICAL:
1) POISON IVY, NETTLES, RASHES, OR HIVES:
·      Poison Ivy: The Indians treat already-developed poison-ivy rash by rubbing Jewelweed’s broken stem on the rash until it draws some blood. The rash then dries out, a scab forms, and healing occurs (Brill). Be careful! You don’t want to get Poison Ivy oil into the bloodstream! This can result in a nasty case of internal Poison Ivy (Lewis). The Cherokee rubbed Jewelweed on Poison Ivy. The Iroquois rubbed the smashed stalks and juice of -----Impatiens pallida on Poison Ivy blisters. The Potawatomi used fresh Impatiens capensis juice as a wash on poison ivy rash (Moerman).
·      Nettles: The Meskwaki and Potawatomi used fresh Impatiens capensis juice for nettle stings, applied as a wash or rubbed on (Moerman).
·      Rashes: The Omaha poulticed Jewelweed’s crushed stems and leaves, while the Cherokee poulticed the bruised stems of Impatiens capensis, to the skin for rash (Moerman).
·      Hives: Native Americans used Jewelweed for treating hives (Meuninck). The Cherokee used Jewelweed root tea to treat babies with hives (Moerman).
2)   OTHER EXTERNAL USES:
·      Cuts, Bruises, Burns, Sores, Sprains, and Soreness: The crushed flowers of Jewelweed were used on bruises, cuts, and burns (Meuninck). The Mohegan crushed the buds of Impatiens capensis and poulticed them to burns, cuts, and bruises, or mixed the buds with rum and used as an ointment for burns, cuts, or bruises; the Penobscot and Nanticoke also used this ointment for burns, cuts, and bruises. The Nanticoke applied Impatiens capensis tea and leaf poultice to burns. The Ojibwa rubbed the juice of Impatiens pallida, while the Meskwaki poulticed fresh Impatiens capensis, on sores. The Iroquois poulticed smashed stems of Impatiens capensis to sore or raw eyelids. Decoctions or teas of whole Impatiens capensis plant were used as a liniment for sprains, bruises, and soreness by the Potawatomi. The Shinnecock made a Impatiens capensis skin salve made of the buds and Vaseline.
·      Other external uses: The Creek Indians used a tea of smashed spicebush berries and Jewelweed as a bath for congestive heart failure (Meuninck). The Cherokee rubbed the crushed leaves of Jewelweed on “child’s sour stomach”. The Iroquois rubbed the smashed stalks and juice of Impatiens pallida on mosquito bites. The Iroquois applied a poultice of mashed Impatiens pallida plants to women’s breast injury. The Omaha poulticed the crushed stems and leaves of Jewelweed to the skin for eczema. The Cherokee poulticed bruised stems of Impatiens capensis to various skin troubles. The Iroquois used a decoction of Impatiens capensis plants as a wash for liver spots. The Ojibwa rubbed the juice of the fresh Impatiens capensis plant on the head for headache. The Creek made a decoction of Jewelweed and used it as a wash for edema. The Shinnecock made a Impatiens capensis skin salve made of the buds and Vaseline.
3)   INTERNAL USES (NOT RECOMMENDED; see Contraindication/cautions)
·      As a diuretic, for kidney problems, edema, and jaundice: The Iroquois used Impatiens capensis as a diuretic, drinking the root tea to increase urination and drinking the plant decoction for kidney problems, edema, and stricture or difficult urination. The Malecite used the leaf tea of Impatiens capensis for jaundice. The Micmac used Impatiens capensis for jaundice. Using Jewelweed internally is not recommended; see Contraindication/cautions.
·      Other internal uses: Native Americans used Jewelweed for treating dyspepsia (acid indigestion) and measles (Meuninck). The Cherokee drank Jewelweed leaf tea for measles. The Iroquois drank a cold tea of Jewelweed plants for fevers. The Potawatomi drank a tea of the whole Impatiens capensis plant for stomach cramps. Tea of whole Impatiens capensis plant was taken for chest cold by the Potawatomi. Using Jewelweed internally is not recommended; see Contraindication/cautions.

CONTRAINDICATION/CAUTIONS: Don’t worry; there are no poisonous lookalikes (Brill). Using Jewelweed internally is not recommended. Jewelweed contains calcium oxalate crystals that are toxic when ingested (Elias, Lewis, PFAF Plant Database). You may also be poisoned by Jewelweed’s high selenium content (Brill). Especially people with a tendency to rheumatism, arthritis, gout, kidney stones and hyperacidity should never use Jewelweed internally. Jewelweed is considered to be dangerous and 'wholly questionable' when used internally (PFAF Plant Database). Jewelweed tinctures are only used with the most severe cases of Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, Poison Sumac, Nettles, or fungal infection. Be extremely careful in applying an alcohol extract or tincture of Jewelweed on anybody. Steven Foster reported three extremely severe skin reactions from such applications, in each case landing the person in hospital. Euell Gibbons also referred to the possibility of allergic reaction to Jewelweed tinctures. Don’t take Jewelweed tincture when pregnant or nursing. Do not take Jewelweed tincture internally longer than 2-4 days. Other methods of application, such as a fresh poultice or ice cubes of frozen Jewelweed juice, don’t have these risks (Herb FAQ). Euell Gibbons reported that the Jewelweed tincture he extracted in alcohol went moldy (Brill). If you think the plant might have bacteria on its leaves, such as if the plant is growing in or near water that might be infested with bacteria, it is best not to apply the fresh poultice of the plant or the uncooked juices to open cuts or wounds to prevent infection (Angier).

REFERENCES:

REFERENCES:
Books:
“Tom Brown’s Field Guide to Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants” by Brown, Tom, “Harvesting Nature’s Bounty” by Duffy, Kevin F., “The Green Pharmacy”, by Duke, James A., “Guide to Eastern/Central Medicinal Wild Plants” by Duke, James A. and Steven Foster, “Edible Wild Plants A North American Field Guide” by Elias, Thomas S. and Peter A. Dykeman, “Medicinal Plants of North America: A Field Guide (Falcon Guide)” by Meuninck, Jim, “Native American Ethnobotany”, by Moerman, Daniel E, “Edible Wild Plants: Eastern/Central North America”, by Peterson, Lee Allen, “The Essential Wild Food Survival Guide” by Runyon, Linda, “National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Wildflowers” by Thieret, John W. and William A. Niering and Nancy C. Olmstead

People:
Lewis, Olivia

Websites:
Plants For A Future (PFAF) Plant Database: http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Impatiens+capensis

Lacking the following references:
“Stalking the Healthful Herbs”, and “Stalking the Good Life”, by Gibbons, Euell; and “The Book of Swamp And Bog” by Eastman, John