Jewelweed, nature's remedy in your back yard.

Many people are familiar with this plant, it can be found in forests, parks, yards, cities; this hearty little plant hides in it a great secret. 

But first some facts about it... 
It's scientific name is "Impatiens capensis" but it also goes by "touch-me not" due to its seed pods.
In the late summer it grows seed pods that, when disturbed, burst open sending seeds flying. A fun stop on a walk with little ones, and it insures more jewelweed plants in the future! 

Now what you might not know...
Jewelweed has many safe and natural uses when you find yourself in the woods. 

Have you stumbled through stinging nettles? Then you know how painful and uncomfortable that can be. A solution? 
Break open a juicy jewelweed stem off the plant and down the center of the stem and rub the juicy center on the sting. You will find the pain soon dissipates.
It also works to soothe the itch of poison ivy and poison oak as well as insect bites.

Next time you're out, take a second look at these helpful plants and 'pop' a seed pod or two!