Many backyard gardeners treat jewelweed (also known as touch-me-not) like a pesky weed, mostly because it has a reputation for being toxic. But if you’re wondering whether jewelweed is actually poisonous, the answer is a bit of a “yes and no.” It really comes down to which part of the plant you’re looking at—some parts carry toxins, while others are actually tasty treats!
The No-Go Zones: Leaves and Stems
The stems and leaves of the jewelweed plant contain glycosides, which are compounds that don’t play nice with our digestive systems. If you happen to ingest these parts, you might deal with some pretty unpleasant side effects, including:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Stomach cramps
The Good Stuff: Flowers and Seeds
On the flip side, the flowers and seeds are a totally different story. Not only are they non-toxic, but they’re actually delicious! Adding jewelweed blossoms to a wild herb salad is a great way to level up your presentation. They have a subtle, sweet flavor and a texture so delicate they practically melt in your mouth. The seeds are another hidden gem—they have a mild, nutty flavor that makes them a perfect crunchy topping for all sorts of dishes.
A Non-Traditional but Effective Remedy
Beyond the kitchen, jewelweed has some pretty cool medicinal properties. While you won’t find it in most traditional old-school herbalism books, it’s known for being a natural diuretic, laxative, and antibacterial agent. It’s also great for topical use! Many gardeners swear by jewelweed for soothing insect bites, reducing inflammation, treating hemorrhoids, or even cleaning out minor wounds.
