2007-06-01 08:43:56 · 5 answers · asked by John C 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Botany
For some reason it sticks in my head that Jewelweed contains silica which can be troublesome to the digestive track. I know it works well with Poison Ivy, but I am unsure about digesting it.
2007-06-02 10:38:42 · answer #1 · answered by Sean B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Personally, I wouldn't. I don't know that it's harmful but with plant saps, it's always safer to _not_ ingest them, unless you know for a fact that they're safe (and even then I'd be very leery of doing it). Many plants have defensive chemicals in their sap that may reduce their chance of being chewed on or eaten. Some of these chemicals can be pretty potent. I've always used Jewelweed as a mosquito or poison ivy topical application (with more emotional than measurable benefits, though), and I've never heard of any stories of bad effects, but then I've never talked with anyone who's ever chewed on any, either.
2007-06-01 22:41:37 · answer #2 · answered by John R 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think so, I've done the poison ivy thing also. I had poison ivy very badly on my face and my eyes one time, and had jewelweed growing in the front yard. I mashed it up and made a sticky goo for my face and smeared it on. If it got in my eyes and around my nose and didn't do any harm, I can't imagine that drinking it would cause any problems either.
2007-06-01 20:36:42 · answer #3 · answered by Jennifer 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, I used to eat it all the time in my country. It's pretty good. You should try it. Just make sure you ask someone else because the ones in my country might have been different.
2007-06-01 18:10:38 · answer #4 · answered by Maedeh 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know you can put it on your skin for poison ivy.
2007-06-01 18:38:25 · answer #5 · answered by michael971 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋