I can not believe how wonderful the poison ivy is growing this year! At my boys' scout camp, they are sending kids home in droves, due to the high rate of infection. They even have to mow the lawns, but this only keeps the ivy short and super concentrated. It is miserable.
There is herbal relief. Jewelweed, (I. capensis) or Western Jewelweed (Impatiens noli-tangere) is usually found in the same or nearby location as poison ivy. It is also known as Touch Me Not, due to the super cool way that the flowers explode when touched. Kids LOVE this, and it is a great way to show them the remedy they might someday need.
The only downside, is that the fresh juice is what works. I have seen soaps and lotions with jewelweed juice in them, but have not heard of much success in using them. Bringing a bar of soap with you and washing thoroughly CAN remove the offending oil, making your outbreak less severe and sometimes keeping it from occurring, but when hiking or camping, this is not always practical. It is effective, however. If you are out in the woods and do run into poison ivy, simply grab some jewelweed and rub it all into a juicy mess, all over the area that is affected. Another way to use jewelweed when you are not right near the plant, is to harvest and macerate (blend up), then freeze the juice.
This is one of those herbal tips that I hope you never need. If you do however, let us know how well it worked for you.
Comments
I made a “tea” of jewelweed, boiling it for 10 minutes or more and then wiping the tea on any infected area. It also worked as a preventative to wipe down with the tea before heading out into known poison ivy territory. For the past few years, for some reason, the jewelweed hasn’t been as effective for me, but I’ve made a “tea” of white birch twigs and leaves that works just as well to dry up the lesions and quell the itch.
Penny-
Thank you for sharing your experience! Your directions were clear and hopefully someone will get some relief from your technique as well.
Warmly,
Amy
Dear Amy,
Followed by your information; do you know still many of the villages in my locality particularly guys using natural material called soap kaai in order to accomplish the need of soap.
Dear Penny,
You can also use coffee powder to stop bleeding once you get injured at any part of body.
Mumbai Property, Real Estate in Mumbai.
Nitin-
Now, that is fascinating! I am always amazed at how little I really do know about the herbs of the world. Thanks so much for sharing, and welcome!
Amy