When it comes to that dreaded little plant we know as poison ivy, the best advice I can give you is to just straight up stay away.
But sometimes that just isn’t in the cards. The warmth of the season has us outdoors at every possible moment, wandering and exploring every crevice of our world. And sometimes… those crevices happen to be filled with poison ivy – even if we don’t know it.
Those of us who’ve experienced the red, itchy rashes this plant causes will likely agree that the first instinct is to run out to the closest drugstore and purchase the most powerful itch relief cream we can get our hands on. Not anymore, though. We’re all about being natural. Right, my friends? Lucky for us, there are plenty of natural remedies for treating exposure to poison ivy.
Apple cider vinegar. The uses for this secret weapon seem to be never-ending! Apple cider vinegar has the magical power to extract toxins from an area of interest. In this instance, it’ll help suck the urushiol (the poison in poison ivy) right out of your pores! Just be sure you use an organic kind that contains “the mother.” Soak a cotton ball in ACV and apply directly to your skin for best results. (See more uses & benefits of apple cider vinegar!)
Aloe. The affects of poison ivy are somewhat similar to those of a sunburn – redness, itchiness, and a burning sensation – so why not reach for the number one natural sunburn remedy? Aloe Vera gel is a great remedy for poison ivy. You can find an organic bottled version in gel form at most health food stores, or better yet – apply the gel straight from the plant itself!
Cucumber. Like aloe, cucumber is known in the beauty world for its incredible cooling and soothing properties. Cut one up into thin slices and lay over the affected area for instant relief.
Banana. If you’re fresh out of cucumber, go for a banana instead! Rubbing the inside of a banana peel over the affected area is said to produce a cooling affect to help soothe your skin right away.
Oatmeal. Oatmeal is a go-to ingredient in the world of beauty due to its natural soothing properties. Make yourself a calming oatmeal bath for extra relaxation, or apply it right to your skin for immediate relief.
Baking soda. Yet another common ingredient in natural beauty, baking soda is here to save the day once more. Create a paste by mixing some with water, and rub into the affected area to help relieve poison-ivy-induced itching and irritation.
Pascalite clay. This is a form of bentonite clay, which helps extract toxins and fluids from the skin. Combine the clay with water to create a paste, and apply directly to the skin for 15-20 minutes. Then rinse with lukewarm water.
Now, hopefully you’ll never have to use this information, but if you ever find yourself in contact with poison ivy, you know what to do! If you have any natural remedies to add to the list, please share!
Follow Brigette on Instagram, and have a look at her blog Hummusbird!
Jewel weed is the natural cure to poison ivy and grows near the plant or in wet usually shaded areas.
Sweet Fern has been used here in Maine for over 300 years to cure rashes caused by poison ivy oak and sumac. A strong infusion of tea applied to the rash stops itching on contact, stops oozing and dries the rash within a few days. A web search of “SWEET FERN” will tell you how to find it in the wild or on line or go to http://www.sweetreliefforpoisonivy.com.
i tried almost all of these and nothing really worked. If U realize home remedies are not helping, get to the doctor SOON after U get this. U need a steroid shot and possibly a script. I haven’t gotten poison ivy since I was a child until now and lemme tell u OMG I never want it again! Lol Good Luck!