Impatiens.
Botanical name:
The plants Impatiens pallida, Nuttall; and Impatiens capensis, Meerb., (Nat. Ord. Balsaminaceae). Moist shady places and rich soils in the United States.
Common Names: Balsam Jewel Weed, Balsam Weed, Jewel Weed, (1) Pale Touch-Me-Not, (2) Speckled Touch-Me-Not.
Preparation.—The bruised, fresh plant.
Action and Therapy.—External. Refrigerant and sedative. The fresh juice of the crushed Impatiens gives prompt relief in the dermatitis of rhus poisoning if used early. It also quickly relieves the intolerable stinging produced by nettles. As these plants usually grow contiguously the balsam can be procured and applied at once. The relief is almost magical. The bruised plants may also be used to relieve the pain of acute engorged hemorrhoids.
