Many of us remember playing in nearby parks, forests, and fields as kids. Our days of adventuring are remembered for the presence of friends, laughter, and new discoveries. Amongst those memories however, is the unpleasant reminder of poison ivy exposure. Our hikes through meadows and fields led us to some unfriendly plants that left us itchy for days. Hoping to prevent future rashes, our parents taught us the common mnemonic rhyme “leaflets three; let it be,” to aid in poison ivy identification. While the rhyme is a helpful reminder on what poison ivy looks like, it does not provide much relief when you find yourself already standing in a the middle of an ivy patch, skin burning. Poison ivy, or Toxicodendron radicans, produces urushiol, which it secretes through its sap. Urushiol is an oily organic compound that causes a blistering rash on the skin. The same chemical is found in Poison oak and Poison sumac. Poison Ivy blisters can last for three weeks, and are itchy and painful. Blisters that split open are prone to infection.

Natural poison ivy remedy:

Step one: Using a cotton ball, gently dab lemon juice or apple cider vinegar on the infected area. This will help eliminate the plant oils from your skin and neutralize the poison.

Step two: Get temporary relief with cucumbers and banana peels. Both fruits will cool down the inflamed area. Lay sliced cucumbers or the wet side of a banana peel against the infected area.

Step three: Take a warm oatmeal bath. Natural avenanthramides and phenols in oatmeal are anti-inflammatory and relieve itching while helping to reduce skin inflammation. Avoid rubbing the rash dry after your bath, as friction from rubbing may cause the blisters to crack.

Step four: Vitamin E oil and Aloe vera gel support the healing of skin abrasions. Use a cotton ball or cloth to dab them on the infected area. Emu oil is beneficial to the skin in many ways, and will help the infected area heal.

Be prepared! If you know you are going to be spending a lot of time outside, plan ahead. The best remedy for any ailment is preventing it in the first place. Hanna’s Rhus Tox Poison Ivy Vibropathic may build your body’s resistance to poison ivy and decrease sensitivity. Keep a tube of  Bach’s Rescue Remedy Cream in your first aid kit so that you are always prepared.

Read more about natural poison ivy treatment, or learn what products are best to keep in your natural first aid kit.