Poison ivy and poison oak are a hot mess. And it’s not the type of hot mess you see on Project Runway! It’s the kind that is red and itchy. Poison ivy is more abundant east of the Rocky Mountains, with poison oak growing west. Both plants are very similar, with poison oak having more lobed leaves, similar to that of an oak tree. The toxic principle in both is called urushiol. It is one of the most potent external toxins on earth. Usually within 6 to 72 hours, the skin may burn, itch, and look red. Small blisters that look similar to fleabites will appear first. Later, a crust may form.
Not only can you get this nasty itch from touching the plant, you can also get it from touching clothes, pets, sporting equipment, car seats, tools, or anything else that has been in contact with the plant. People with delicate or fair skin who are very sun sensitive are considered the most susceptible. A number of home remedies can help comfort and speed healing of “the awful itch.”
WHEN TO SEE YOUR M.D.
Seek medical attention for cases of poison ivy or poison oak occurring near the eyes, mouth, genitals, covering more than half the body, or causing a high fever.
HERBAL REMEDIES FOR POISON IVY AND POISON OAK
Herbs that have shown the most success as far as bringing relief when applied topically are made from teas of the following plants: burdock leaf and root, calendula, goldenseal root, grindelia, myrrh, plantain leaf, and white oak bark. They all have blood-purifying and soothing properties.
To make a tea for topical application, put 1 cup (30 g) of any of these herbs or a combination of them in a half-gallon (1.9 L) canning jar. Fill the jar with boiling water or hot apple cider vinegar. Cover and let stand 12 hours. Strain the tea and apply the liquid by patting it on gently to the afflicted area.
Another excellent herb for topical use is jewelweed (Impatiens spp.), which is rich in natural tannins. However, rather than making a tea of this plant, the fresh juice is preferable. (You can simply run the fresh herb through a juicer.) Since jewelweed is available only during the summer months, and poison ivy is around longer, you can freeze the jewelweed juice into ice cubes and store them in plastic bags in the freezer. Apply the juice or frozen cubes directly to the skin.
Thrifty Cures!
Once you have poison ivy or poison oak, cleanse your system by drinking teas three times daily of burdock root, dandelion root, nettle herb, and red clover blossom. You can also make a poultice of green clay and apple cider vinegar and apply to the itchy area.
HOMEOPATHIC HELP FOR POISON IVY AND POISON OAK
Many people find that homeopathy can help them better resist poison ivy. Homeopathic Rhus tox (which is actually made from poison ivy) 12x or 30c potency (homeopathy is measured in x or c doses), where 3 pills are taken every 2 hours, can be used before or after exposure.
KEEP IN MIND
If you do get poison ivy, avoid washing with a washcloth as this will cause it to spread. You may find that bathing helps to bring some relief. Add 1 cup (235 ml) of apple cider vinegar, oatmeal (80 g), or baking soda (221 g) to the bath.
Skip This!
Avoid citrus and tomato products during a poison ivy or poison oak outbreak as these foods can exacerbate the rash due to their high acid content. Also avoid foods in the Brassicaceae family such as cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and mustard greens. They are so cleansing that they will cause the rash to spread during an outbreak.
Keep your nails short and change and wash clothing daily. Try to avoid sweating or getting too much sun.
Learn to identify the plant and avoid it. Wear gloves and clothing that covers you well before going out in infested areas. If you think you have contacted poison ivy or poison oak, remove and launder your clothing. Wash your body within 10 to 30 minutes. It is important to use an alkaline soap without an oil base to avoid spreading the urushiol.
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Burning poison ivy or poison oak can cause dangerous smoke that irritates the eyes and lungs. Don’t do it!
GOOD TO GROW!
A folk remedy for poison ivy and poison oak prevention is to rub fresh artemesia leaves on exposed skin when going out. It grows wild in many parts of the country.
Cures from Grandma’s Kitchen
Make a paste of water or apple cider vinegar mixed with baking soda, oatmeal, or Epsom salts. Aloe vera juice, tofu, and watermelon rind all provide cooling relief. One pint (475 ml) of buttermilk to which 1 tablespoon (18 ml) of sea salt has been added is also helpful.
This Herbal Remedies For Poison Ivy & Poison Oak article is taken from :
The Country Almanac of Home Remedies - Brigitte Mars
