Plant Remedies for Poison Ivy

Anyone who has ever come in contact with poison ivy knows about the itching, burning and stinging rash that comes along with it. You want fast relief, but over-the-counter creams, salves and soaps don't always work and can irritate the rash further. Natural remedies that come from other plants can be more effective in healing poison ivy and soothing the irritation.

What is Poison Ivy

• Poison ivy is a common plant found in most parts of the United States. It grows in two forms, one of which is low to the ground, while the other is a vine that can often be found tangling around trees. Poison ivy can be identified by its three-leaved stems.
  Most people are allergic to poison ivy. The plant contains an oil called urushiol, which causes a rash when it comes in contact with skin. The oil can contaminate skin by direct contact or by contact with shoes, clothing, pets or even smoke from burning the poison ivy plant.
  A poison ivy rash usually begins within one to two days of contact. The affected area becomes red, swollen and itchy. Red blisters begin to form. The rash may also burn. It's very important to avoid scratching the blisters, as this can spread the rash and allow it to become infected.
  If possible, wash the affected area as soon as you come in contact with poison ivy to keep the rash from forming. The following natural remedies can be used, as well.

Jewelweed

• Jewelweed, also called the touch-me-not plant for its flowers that contain seeds that pop when touched, is known for its skin-healing properties. The leaves and juice from the stem of the jewelwood plant have been used for years by herbalists and homeopathic users to cure poison ivy, poison oak and sumac. Jewelweed works by counteracting the chemicals and enzymes in poison ivy.
  Jewelweed grows in the eastern part of North America and blooms May through October. It is most often found in moist forest areas or near creek beds, usually near poison ivy itself or stinging nettle. Jewelweed can be identified by its smooth orange-and-red-spotted trumpet-shaped flowers. Once you learn to identify jewelwood, it is easy to find. Jewelwood can also be grown in gardens and can be special-ordered from some nurseries.
  Use jewelwood by slicing open the stem and rubbing the juice on the skin. Or you can crush the leaves and rub them on the skin. This will ease irritation and may prevent a rash from forming if done directly after skin comes in contact with poison ivy.
  You can also mix 1/4 cup of water, 1/4 cup of aloe stems or juice and 1/2 cup of chopped jewelweed stems and leaves. Mix all in blender. Add a bag of comphry tea and bring to a slow boil. Strain and put in spray bottle; spray on poison ivy rash as needed to soothe irritation and dry up rash.

Spotted Wintergreen

• Spotted wintergreen is a plant that has been used for years to heal skin irritations. It is also called rheumatism root, rat's vein and dragon's tongue. The plant gets its name from the white spots along the veins of the leaves, which may include pink or white flowers. Spotted wintergreen can be found in shady areas of a forest and blooms from June to August in most of eastern North America. This plant can be picked and dried in the shade to prevent loss of the helpful oil contained in the leaves. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry area.
  A tea to treat poison ivy can be made from spotted wintergreen leaves by mixing 1 cup of boiling water with 1 tsp. of dried wintergreen leaves. Allow this mixture to steep for 15 minutes and drink. This can be taken up to three times a day for effective relief.