Three Herbal Remedies to Get Relief from Poison Ivy

Poison ivy or poison oaks are some of the most painful and itchy skin conditions that can befall one unlucky person. Itchy, blistering, weepy rashes that erupt on the skin once it has come into contact with poison ivy or poison oak characterize this condition. In truth, the symptoms of poison ivy are really just an allergic reaction to the urushiol in the plants.

Urushiol is an oily resin that can be found in the roots, stems and leaves of the poison ivy or poison oak plants. When poison ivy strikes, most people reach for their bottle of calamine lotion or cortisone cream, but most people don't know that there are a lot of easy home remedies that you can prepare and use at home that are effective and inexpensive to produce. Here are a few suggestions to help you find the right herbs to help control the maddening itch and irritation of poison ivy.

Evening Primrose oil: Evening primrose oil is loaded with essential fatty acids that can help keep the inflammatory process of poison ivy controlled. Evening primrose oil is thought to contain properties that help control the inflammatory process while helping skin cells repair faster. Most herbalists recommend taking 1,500 milligrams of evening primrose oil four times a day until your skin shows notable signs of improvement. According to many naturopaths, using evening primrose oils can help make poison ivy or poison oak more bearable.

Jewelweed: This aptly named plant is indeed a jewel, or at least one of your greatest allies against poison ivy. Jewelweed grows in moist grounds, and it usually grows near poison ivy plants. It can most commonly be found growing in shady wetlands, and it can be found from Canada to Georgia, and as far west as Missouri to Oklahoma. Its long translucent stems and its trumpet-shaped, hanging flowers that are usually bright yellow or orange in color can identify the plant. You can think of jewelweed as Mother Nature's natural antidote to poison ivy. To harvest jewelweed, make sure to gather the stems and leaves after the dew has dropped from the plant. This is usually in late morning, around 10:00 or 11:00 AM. If you live in an area where jewelweed is not readily available for harvest, you can also purchase jewelweed seeds to grow in your garden, or you may be able to purchase a plant at your local nursery.

Once you have access to the jewelweed plant, here is an easy herbal remedy that can bring much relief to poison ivy or poison oak. Cut the jewelweed plant into one or two inch pieces. Put the pieces into a plastic bag, and then use a rolling pin to flatten them out. Place the crushed pieces of the jewelweed plant into a pot, and then seep them in hot water. Let the water boil and simmer. You will know your mixture is ready to be cooled when half reduces the water and it begins to take on an amber hue. When the mixture looks like it is ready, let it cool. Strain the pieces of jewelweed from the water, and then pour the remaining amber liquid into an ice cube tray. Freeze the liquid, and use the jewelweed ice cubes on inflamed, irritated or itchy skin.