I'm sure many of you know this, and, coming onto winter like we are it won't be very useful, but you can store it away in your memory banks for next year!
Should you be exposed to poison ivy, there is nearly always one or both of these plant growing nearby...
To see pictures of jewel weed you can go here - http://plants.usda.gov/
Jewel Weed (impatiens capensis) - When in flower, this plant is very recognizable by it's pretty, unique flowers
Plantain (sorry, I don't know the latin name for this one!) grows everywhere! It's close to the ground and can have either fat or narrow leaves. All the leaves grow out from a hidden middle. It's leaves are distinctive in the three grooves that run nearly it's entire length. When it's in flower, it has a tall skinny stalk that may have tiny flowers on it growing from the center.
For either of these plants, pick several leaves, enough so you can make sure their juice covers all the ivy exposed skin. Bruise the leaves well and rub them thoroughly over the exposed area. The properties in both these plants stops the poison ivy in it's tracks!
Happy Hunting
Natalie
Team WiggleWorm
Poison Ivy cure!
8 messages in this thread |
Started on 2003-09-17
Poison Ivy cure!
From: Firesong (moonlove@mindspring.com) |
Date: 2003-09-17 17:34:32 UTC-04:00
Re: [LbNA] Poison Ivy cure!
From: (HANNAHKAT@aol.com) |
Date: 2003-09-17 18:08:13 UTC-04:00
For those in the southern New England area, Jewelweed (also called
Touch-me-not because of its seed pods that burst open when you touch them) is in bloom
now. The flower has an orchid look about it and its flowers are yellow with
tiny orangy-brown speckles, and the stems are rather succulent. If in doubt, dunk
the leaves into water and they will look silvery, thus the name Jewelweed.
Jewelweed is a much more effective preventative to getting the rash (once you
know you;ve touched poison ivy) than Plantain is. Plantain is great for the
itching of mosquito bites and the itchy rash of P/I but it won't prevent the
rash.
Don't forget also that you can get poison ivy any time of year - even after
the leaves have dropped.
Hoping no one is itching.
-Kim (rustypuff)
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Touch-me-not because of its seed pods that burst open when you touch them) is in bloom
now. The flower has an orchid look about it and its flowers are yellow with
tiny orangy-brown speckles, and the stems are rather succulent. If in doubt, dunk
the leaves into water and they will look silvery, thus the name Jewelweed.
Jewelweed is a much more effective preventative to getting the rash (once you
know you;ve touched poison ivy) than Plantain is. Plantain is great for the
itching of mosquito bites and the itchy rash of P/I but it won't prevent the
rash.
Don't forget also that you can get poison ivy any time of year - even after
the leaves have dropped.
Hoping no one is itching.
-Kim (rustypuff)
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: Poison Ivy cure!
From: mulbie (mulbie@yahoo.com) |
Date: 2003-09-18 14:06:04 UTC
Well all of this is way too late for me. I have driven The Yachtsman
crazy over the last 3 weeks with my itching, constant showers, poison
ivy creams, and requests to "please wash this stuff for me". Wow what
a mess. I know of at least 2 other people who have recently had bouts
with this pest despite being careful. I think I got my original
"spot" by transporting the oil from some contaminated shoes ---- there
doesn't seem to be anyplace this year that doesn't have some poison
ivy along the trails! I've tried all the cures (except the hot water
which I think would make it worse), and have to say that only two
products helped --- the very expensive Zanfel, which made the rash
disappear faster, but also may have spread it, and a product that I
only found at Walgreens this week --- dermarest --- which seemed to
completely dry it up. Ivarest stopped the itch, but had no curative
properties. I don't care what the experts say, the rash spreads on
your own body even without additional contact with the oil. Long
after the first blisters were gone, new spots kept appearing like
mosquito bites. You can't convince me otherwise, as these new spots
popped out for 3 weeks with no additional exposure. Whew, glad that's
over! -- please excuse my venting. Hope my two cents worth helps
someone else.
Mary Manatee
crazy over the last 3 weeks with my itching, constant showers, poison
ivy creams, and requests to "please wash this stuff for me". Wow what
a mess. I know of at least 2 other people who have recently had bouts
with this pest despite being careful. I think I got my original
"spot" by transporting the oil from some contaminated shoes ---- there
doesn't seem to be anyplace this year that doesn't have some poison
ivy along the trails! I've tried all the cures (except the hot water
which I think would make it worse), and have to say that only two
products helped --- the very expensive Zanfel, which made the rash
disappear faster, but also may have spread it, and a product that I
only found at Walgreens this week --- dermarest --- which seemed to
completely dry it up. Ivarest stopped the itch, but had no curative
properties. I don't care what the experts say, the rash spreads on
your own body even without additional contact with the oil. Long
after the first blisters were gone, new spots kept appearing like
mosquito bites. You can't convince me otherwise, as these new spots
popped out for 3 weeks with no additional exposure. Whew, glad that's
over! -- please excuse my venting. Hope my two cents worth helps
someone else.
Mary Manatee
Re: Poison Ivy cure!
From: abacus00 (abacus00@yahoo.com) |
Date: 2003-09-18 15:12:16 UTC
If Poison Ivy is making you miserable you may want to
consider a trip to the doctor. I've had to take my son
a couple times. After a shot of antihistimine the rash
quits spreading and the itching stops.
consider a trip to the doctor. I've had to take my son
a couple times. After a shot of antihistimine the rash
quits spreading and the itching stops.
Re: Poison Ivy cure!
From: trentlaudes (trentlaudes@excite.com) |
Date: 2003-09-19 00:57:57 UTC
Mulbie,
Thanks for any advice on handling Poison Oak (Ivy); I'm a magnet for
it, and have had two recent bouts brought on by letterboxing. I'll
try your ointments, and I do agree: this stuff spreads by itself for
no reason!! I went to the doctor for it and he just shrugged and
said apply some benadryl. No shots for me--rotten rat-weasel
doctors!!
-Buzzard P8 F60 and poison oak shy
--- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, "mulbie" wrote:
> Well all of this is way too late for me. I have driven The
Yachtsman
> crazy over the last 3 weeks with my itching, constant showers,
poison
> ivy creams, and requests to "please wash this stuff for me". Wow
what
> a mess. I know of at least 2 other people who have recently had
bouts
> with this pest despite being careful. I think I got my original
> "spot" by transporting the oil from some contaminated shoes ----
there
> doesn't seem to be anyplace this year that doesn't have some poison
> ivy along the trails! I've tried all the cures (except the hot
water
> which I think would make it worse), and have to say that only two
> products helped --- the very expensive Zanfel, which made the rash
> disappear faster, but also may have spread it, and a product that I
> only found at Walgreens this week --- dermarest --- which seemed to
> completely dry it up. Ivarest stopped the itch, but had no curative
> properties. I don't care what the experts say, the rash spreads on
> your own body even without additional contact with the oil. Long
> after the first blisters were gone, new spots kept appearing like
> mosquito bites. You can't convince me otherwise, as these new spots
> popped out for 3 weeks with no additional exposure. Whew, glad
that's
> over! -- please excuse my venting. Hope my two cents worth helps
> someone else.
>
> Mary Manatee
Thanks for any advice on handling Poison Oak (Ivy); I'm a magnet for
it, and have had two recent bouts brought on by letterboxing. I'll
try your ointments, and I do agree: this stuff spreads by itself for
no reason!! I went to the doctor for it and he just shrugged and
said apply some benadryl. No shots for me--rotten rat-weasel
doctors!!
-Buzzard P8 F60 and poison oak shy
--- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, "mulbie"
> Well all of this is way too late for me. I have driven The
Yachtsman
> crazy over the last 3 weeks with my itching, constant showers,
poison
> ivy creams, and requests to "please wash this stuff for me". Wow
what
> a mess. I know of at least 2 other people who have recently had
bouts
> with this pest despite being careful. I think I got my original
> "spot" by transporting the oil from some contaminated shoes ----
there
> doesn't seem to be anyplace this year that doesn't have some poison
> ivy along the trails! I've tried all the cures (except the hot
water
> which I think would make it worse), and have to say that only two
> products helped --- the very expensive Zanfel, which made the rash
> disappear faster, but also may have spread it, and a product that I
> only found at Walgreens this week --- dermarest --- which seemed to
> completely dry it up. Ivarest stopped the itch, but had no curative
> properties. I don't care what the experts say, the rash spreads on
> your own body even without additional contact with the oil. Long
> after the first blisters were gone, new spots kept appearing like
> mosquito bites. You can't convince me otherwise, as these new spots
> popped out for 3 weeks with no additional exposure. Whew, glad
that's
> over! -- please excuse my venting. Hope my two cents worth helps
> someone else.
>
> Mary Manatee
Re: Poison Ivy cure!
From: warrioringilead (warrioringilead@yahoo.com) |
Date: 2003-09-19 01:14:25 UTC
I can relate. I almost NEVER get poison ivy, even when in extended
periods of bare skin exposure. Not this year - oh, boy. I got one
little patch that somehow migrated to another small patch elsewhere
and it's been playing "tag, you're it" with various and sundry body
parts all summer. Fortunately, my doctor (who is accustomed to
seeing my scratched/bruised/battered letterboxing body) took pity on
my and gave me a prescription for Fluocinonide cream. It takes away
the itch, dries it up, but unfortunately leaves a purply mottled
blotch behind which lasts for weeks (or maybe it's just me - as I am
olive-skinned).
So buck up, there, Mary - you are *not* alone!
Warrior Woman
--- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, "mulbie" wrote:
Well all of this is way too late for me. I have driven The Yachtsman
crazy over the last 3 weeks with my itching, constant showers, poison
ivy creams, and requests to "please wash this stuff for me". Wow what
a mess. I know of at least 2 other people who have recently had bouts
with this pest despite being careful. I think I got my original
"spot" by transporting the oil from some contaminated shoes ---- there
doesn't seem to be anyplace this year that doesn't have some poison
ivy along the trails!
periods of bare skin exposure. Not this year - oh, boy. I got one
little patch that somehow migrated to another small patch elsewhere
and it's been playing "tag, you're it" with various and sundry body
parts all summer. Fortunately, my doctor (who is accustomed to
seeing my scratched/bruised/battered letterboxing body) took pity on
my and gave me a prescription for Fluocinonide cream. It takes away
the itch, dries it up, but unfortunately leaves a purply mottled
blotch behind which lasts for weeks (or maybe it's just me - as I am
olive-skinned).
So buck up, there, Mary - you are *not* alone!
Warrior Woman
--- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, "mulbie"
Well all of this is way too late for me. I have driven The Yachtsman
crazy over the last 3 weeks with my itching, constant showers, poison
ivy creams, and requests to "please wash this stuff for me". Wow what
a mess. I know of at least 2 other people who have recently had bouts
with this pest despite being careful. I think I got my original
"spot" by transporting the oil from some contaminated shoes ---- there
doesn't seem to be anyplace this year that doesn't have some poison
ivy along the trails!
Re: Poison Ivy cure!
From: Sir Balthazar (neovolatile@yahoo.com) |
Date: 2003-09-19 03:27:33 UTC
Poison Oak, which we have here on the Left Coast, is pernicious and
really dangerous stuff. It can grow up almost overnight. Boxes I have
placed in some areas that were clear now have poison oak growing all
over them.
There are shots that you can get which will make you immune to it.
The three shot series requires you not be recently suffering from it
at the time. It gives one at least one year of being symptom-free.
Another plant that may be used for first aid is mugwort. The leaves
are very sticky and, like tape, may pull the oils right off the skin.
Mugwort tends to grow near poison oak, proving once again that where
Nature gives a poison, it also gives a cure.
Equal parts of myrrh, goldenseal, and cayanne suspended in alcohol is
also good as a topical soothing and drying agent.
With all of that, I think the shots are the best deal if you can find
a doctor who will give them to you. They do burn a tad going in, but
sometimes it is very much worth it.
Sir B
really dangerous stuff. It can grow up almost overnight. Boxes I have
placed in some areas that were clear now have poison oak growing all
over them.
There are shots that you can get which will make you immune to it.
The three shot series requires you not be recently suffering from it
at the time. It gives one at least one year of being symptom-free.
Another plant that may be used for first aid is mugwort. The leaves
are very sticky and, like tape, may pull the oils right off the skin.
Mugwort tends to grow near poison oak, proving once again that where
Nature gives a poison, it also gives a cure.
Equal parts of myrrh, goldenseal, and cayanne suspended in alcohol is
also good as a topical soothing and drying agent.
With all of that, I think the shots are the best deal if you can find
a doctor who will give them to you. They do burn a tad going in, but
sometimes it is very much worth it.
Sir B
Re: [LbNA] Re: Poison Ivy cure!
From: M. Greene (rid25751@ride.ri.net) |
Date: 2003-09-19 14:19:26 UTC-04:00
You may also ask your doctor about a shot that will help protect your from a major reaction to the plant oil. I had this shot, given sometime in late winter or early spring, after a horrendous outbreak the previous year. I haven't asked about the shot in quite a few years, but wish I had. I have patches all over me this year, and don't know how the oil is still being spread. I was not in or near p-ivy in 2 weeks, yet new patches have come out. I know I have a slow metabolism, but sheesh. I wore long pants and a sweatshirt , and have patches of ivy rash in places that were covered. Some of those are pretty strange places, so that leads me to believe that a washcloth or the laundry has moved the plant oil all over the place.
Someone else mentioned Technu. It seems to work very well to clean the oil off your skin if you know that you have come in contact with it. I am highly sensitive to oak and ivy, and after accidentally putting my hand through a thick clump of it, I washed with Technu. No reaction.
Mary (RI)
----- Original Message -----
From: abacus00
To: letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Thursday, September 18, 2003 11:12 AM
Subject: [LbNA] Re: Poison Ivy cure!
If Poison Ivy is making you miserable you may want to
consider a trip to the doctor. I've had to take my son
a couple times. After a shot of antihistimine the rash
quits spreading and the itching stops.
Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Someone else mentioned Technu. It seems to work very well to clean the oil off your skin if you know that you have come in contact with it. I am highly sensitive to oak and ivy, and after accidentally putting my hand through a thick clump of it, I washed with Technu. No reaction.
Mary (RI)
----- Original Message -----
From: abacus00
To: letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Thursday, September 18, 2003 11:12 AM
Subject: [LbNA] Re: Poison Ivy cure!
If Poison Ivy is making you miserable you may want to
consider a trip to the doctor. I've had to take my son
a couple times. After a shot of antihistimine the rash
quits spreading and the itching stops.
Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]