Poison Ivy Remedies ~ 'Tis the Season

Yes, as many of us know ~ or will know :-/ ~ 'tis the season for poison ivy. That innocent little green plant next to the walking or hiking trail or climbing up the tree next to your flower garden that you brush up against as you do your weeding ~ can cause a rash that will torment you to no end . . . AND possibly spread to your family members. Yikes!

Here are some trustworthy remedies that you might want to consider ~

1) Clay & witch hazel paste:
~1 c. green clay
~witch hazel
~2 TB sea salt (finely ground)
~Peppermint essential oil

a) Use just enough witch hazel w/your clay to make a paste. Mix in the salt with about 10-15 drops of peppermint oil; enough oil to be a cool relief on your skin.

b) Spread over rash area & let dry completely. Rinse off w/a washcloth saturated w/witch hazel. Rub GENTLY.

2) Raw Local Honey. Some people believe that while eating at least 1-2 TB of raw, local honey is good for your allergies, it's also good for pro-actively increasing your tolerance against local poison ivy.

3) Oatmeal. Warm to almost hot, cooked a little thicker than normal. Some folks will even add about 1/4-1/2 c. baking soda in w/it. Apply the paste directly on the rash, gently rinse off in a warm shower.

4) Desitin diaper rash ointment. Cools but does not aid so much in healing. Decide which you want the most ~ quick relief or getting rid of the rash.

5) Banana peel. Rub the inside of the peel over the rash at least 3 times per day until rash is gone. Aids in easing the pain & in healing the rash.

6) Buttermilk. Apply directly to the rash &/or pour a cup into a hot bath before bedtime. It is said to calm the itch long enough for a good night's sleep.

7) Cucumber. Simply slice & apply by gently rubbing over the rash, let dry & do not wash off. Apply as often as needed.

8) Burt's Bees Poison Ivy Soap. If you don't want to use any of the home remedies, this is one of the most popular items on the shelves in the health & beauty section of health food stores. Works amazingly well.

Watch out for the pretty leaves if you aren't sure what they are!

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><