Homemade Remedies for Poison Ivy

Poison Ivy is the most common allergy in the United States, according to the Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac Information Center. Urushiol oil is the potent oil in poison ivy, and only one nanogram is needed to cause a rash. Severe reactions may require medical attention. However, some home remedies are believed to help treat more minor reactions.

Soap And Water

• If urushiol oil is on your hand and you touch another part of your body with your hand, the poison ivy can spread to that part of the body. Moreover, urushiol oil remains active on any surface (clothes, skin, shoes, etc.) for up to five years if it is not washed off. Thus, the best home remedy for preventing the spread of poison ivy is soap and water. As soon as you come in contact with poison ivy, wash the affected area with soap and water. Be sure to also wash your clothes and any other object that the urushiol oil may have spread to.

Coffee

• According to the Editors of Consumer Guide, Appalachian folk medicine prescribes that you pour cold coffee on the rash. Coffee contains chlorogenic acid, which is an anti-inflammatory. Though many people subscribe to this remedy, it has not been the focus of any scientific studies.

Aloe Vera

• Using the juice from an aloe vera plant can help treat the symptoms of poison ivy. To extract the juice from an aloe vera plant, cut the leaf in two and wipe the cut edges over the rash. If you do not want to cut up an aloe vera plant, use one of the many lotions contain high amounts of aloe vera. You can also buy aloe vera at health-food stores.

Warning

• Some severe reactions require immediate medical attention. In particular, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention note that individuals who ingest allergens (usually by burning the poisonous plant and breathing in the fumes) should immediately seek medical help. (See cdc.gov/niosh/topics/plants/)