The Best Home Remedies for Poison Ivy

The first thing you need to know about poison ivy is how to identify it and AVOID it. When it comes to poison ivy, prevention is the best cure. The old rule "leaves of three, let it be" is a good adage to live by. However, obviously not everything with three leaves is poison ivy.

Poison ivy is an erect shrub or a climbing vine. It can grow up to 10 feet and can climb fences, walls and trees.

This green plant has 3 divided, alternate leaves, with a center leaflet on a longer stalk. Along the stem you might find white, waxy berries.

Did you know that you can even get poison ivy from pet fur or from the smell of the burning plant. So do be very careful if you are near this plant.

If you do make contact with poison ivy, try these home remedies for poison ivy and find relief.

• For relief, cool the poison ivy rash with ice cubes. Or, make a cold milk compress for quick relief. The lactic acid in milk will help remove dead skin cells, which speeds healing.⁵
• Homeopathy works! Try Hive Away which is a combination of homeopathic ingredients that relieve the itching and welts associated with poison ivy and other skin rashes. Hive Away for Relief of Skin Allergies
• If you prefer an herbal, already prepared remedy, try Itch Dr. It contains aloe, witch hazel, marigold, nettles, tea tree oil, lavender oil and vitamin E oil. Get more info on Itch Dr. to soothe symptoms of itching and irritated skin.
• Some people find that heat helps. Take a hot shower or aim a hair dryer at the rash. Of course, be careful not to burn yourself.¹
• I'm sure you've heard of oatmeal as a home remedy for poison ivy. Oatmeal baths seem to be one of the most common home remedies. Grind dry oatmeal in a blender or food processor.⁵ Then, wrap the oatmeal in a handkerchief and tie this over the faucet. Let the running water run through the oatmeal before going into the tub. Try to stay in the tub for 20-30 minutes at least, and do this before bed to prevent middle of the night itching.²
• Peppermint Oil is one of the nicest smelling home remedies for poison ivy. Mix peppermint essential oil with cosmetic clay and apply to the itchy skin. Dissolve 1/2 tsp salt in 1/2 cup water, add cosmetic clay until you have a thin paste. Then add 25 drops of peppermint essential oil. Apply to the affected skin.² Learn more about the mint plant.

• Take St. John's Wort internally as it is a mild sedative and helps calm the nervous system.² Follow package directions and learn more about benefits of St Johns Wort.

• Make a baking soda paste with 1 part baking soda to 3 parts water and put on the itch.⁵
• Jewelweed is a great home remedy for poison ivy. Crush the stems and leaves of jewelweed and rub over the affected skin. This is one of the home remedies for poison ivy that works best if done soon after exposure. You may be more familiar with some of the other names of jewelweed...impatiens or touch-me-not. This bushy herb is frequently found growing near poison ivy.² However, do be careful and don't rub any plant on your skin unless you are SURE you have correctly identified it AND you are confident the plants have not been sprayed with chemicals.
• Plantain is one of the most popular home remedies for poison ivy. Crush plantain leaves and rub on the affected area. You can also buy dried plantain, make a tea, strain out the herb and apply the liquid to the rash.¹
• Apply aloe vera juice to the poison ivy. Aloe vera will stop itching and promote healing.¹ Learn more about medicinal uses of aloe vera.
• Mix apple cider vinegar in a 1:1 ratio with water and apply to the rash. The apple cider vinegar will provide relief and speed healing.¹. This is one of the cheapest home remedies for poison ivy, as many people keep vinegar on hand. Learn more about apple cider vinegar and honey.
• Mix Epsom salts with water to make a paste and apply to the rash, or take Epsom salt baths, which will help with detox.¹
• Combine powdered goldenseal with hot water and use as a skin wash. Goldenseal is both anti-inflammatory and anti-infective.¹ Learn more about the benefits of goldenseal
.
• Rub lemon juice or vitamin C powder on the rash. You can buy Vitamin C powder , dissolve in water and apply directly to rash or add Vitamin C powder to bath water. Another tip is to mix Vitamin C powder with Aloe Vera Juice and spray on the rash.¹ Learn more about the benefits of lemon juice, Vitamin C and medicinal uses of aloe vera.
• Rub vitamin E oil on the rash.¹ Vitamin E oil is one of the better known home remedies for poison ivy. Learn more about what does vitamin E do..
• Here is a tasty home remedy for poison ivy. Cut a watermelon and rub the rind and flesh on the rash. Watermelon is high in lycopene and glutathione. Both of these antioxidants help repair skin.¹
• Pack the rash with Betonite Clay which will draw out the poison and heal the skin.¹
• Calendula Ointment is excellent for poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac and other skin rashes.¹ There are many commercially available forms of calendula cream, but I like California Baby Calendula Cream. Learn more about the calendula flower.
  

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