Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Impatiens, particularly Impatiens balsamina and related species, have a long history of traditional use as a topical remedy for soothing skin irritations, including those caused by insect bites and poison ivy. In various folk medicine traditions, the fresh juice or poultice made from the stems and leaves has been applied to the skin with the belief that it relieves itching and inflammation. Some ethnobotanical sources also mention its use as a preventative measure, supposedly acting as a mild insect repellent when applied to exposed skin. However, the primary traditional use is for treating the effects of insect bites rather than repelling insects themselves.

Scientific evidence supporting the use of impatiens as an effective insect repellent is minimal. There are a few laboratory studies investigating its phytochemical content, which includes compounds like flavonoids, saponins, and naphthoquinones, but there is little to no direct research demonstrating efficacy for repelling insects. The evidence for its use is therefore largely anecdotal and rooted in traditional practices rather than validated scientific research.

In summary, while impatiens has been used traditionally to soothe insect bites and sometimes mentioned in folk remedies as a mild repellent, there is insufficient scientific evidence to rate its effectiveness highly for this purpose. Its use as an insect repellent is primarily supported by tradition rather than robust clinical studies.

More about impatiens
More about Insect Repellant

Other ingredients used for Insect Repellant

Other health conditions supported by impatiens

Products containing impatiens