Holistic Treatments for Poison Ivy

I don't know if you have Poison Ivy where you live, but we have an overabundance of it in Rural Alabama where I live. It doesn't look that threatening. It's a rather innocent-looking vine with five serrated leaves arranged in bunches along its clinging length. But its clear sap is the nemesis of many a hiker or brush-clearer around these parts.

Most of the time you don't even realize you have any on you until it's too late. First you get the itch. Then these raised blisters filled with fluid appear. And they really itch. And you really want to scratch. But if you pop any of the blisters, the fluid inside will spread the poison ivy rash to where ever else it touches. Sheer misery ensues.

The best defense is a good offense. If you've been out in the woods, take those clothes off when you get back inside, take a bath or shower, and put on fresh clothes. If you can't do that, at least wash any exposed skin with soap and water. Don't forget your face and the back of your neck and ears.

If you do get the rash, here are some holistic remedies to try.

There is a Homeopathic Remedy for Poison Ivy called Rhus Tox. It is also good for other itching, blistering skin eruptions. If you are prone to poison ivy outbreaks, you should keep some of this on hand.

Aloe Vera is also very good for the rash. This houseplant is easy to grow. Just break off one of the fleshy leaves and spread the gel on the affected area.

Burdock Root is also effective. Crumple a handful of fresh leaves and press them onto the itchy area.

And sassafras plants have natural antiseptic properties. If you take the leaves of this plant, boil them, and then cool the liquid, you can soak a cloth in it and apply the cloth to the rash. The sassafras water will ease the pain of the blisters.

Of course you'll have to know a little botany to recognize the last two plants or look them up so you'll know what they look like. But the first two remedies are readily available. Everyone should have an aloe vera plant in their home. The gel is great for burns, skin irritations, cuts, bruises; you name it, aloe vera can help it.

So the next time that itchy feeling comes over you and you see the first tell-tale sign of a blister, grab the aloe vera.

Wishing you good health,

Liz