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A chance encounter with poison ivy while camping in the woods can cause itchy rashes and blisters on your skin. This occurs due to a naturally occurring toxin called urushiol present in the poison ivy plant.
Urushiol triggers an allergic reaction on coming in contact with your skin, causing itchy rashes.
Besides itching and painful blisters, you may get small, red swollen bumps with a burning sensation and inflammation in the affected area, sometimes followed by fever. If left untreated, poison ivy rash may spread to other areas on your body. However, there are many herbal remedies that combat poison ivy rash and promote healing.
Best Herbal Remedies For Poison Ivy
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar pulls out the poison from skin pores, preventing it from spreading to other areas of your body. Apply a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar directly on the rash. Do this many times in a day to get rid of the rash.
Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe Vera has been used since ancient times to heal several skin ailments. Aloe vera gel soothes intense itching, pain and inflammation caused by poison ivy rash.Scrape out some aloe gel from the inner flesh of the leaves. Apply directly over the area affected by poison ivy. You can also buy aloe vera gel at local drug stores.
Goldenseal Root
Make a paste of goldenseal root powder with a small quantity of hot water. Apply this paste on the affected skin to reduce inflammation and to avoid any chances of infection.This also prevents the rash from spreading to other parts of the body. You can consume goldenseal supplements to speed up the healing process.
Witch Hazel Solution
Apply a small amount of witch hazel solution on the rash. It provides relief from intense itching, inflammation and swelling. Witch hazel solution can be bought from almost all drug stores.
Lemon Juice And Turmeric
Make a paste of lemon juice and turmeric powder. Apply this directly on the rash. Allow it to dry. This herbal remedy shows amazing results in drying up weepy rashes. It also reduces itching and inflammation.
Neem
Neem leaves and neem oil have anti-septic and anti-inflammatory properties. Neem heals the skin and prevents infection of the blisters and rashes caused by poison ivy.It further heals open blisters and stops itching. Apply a paste of neem leaf powder or a teaspoon of neem oil on the rash for instant relief.
Echinacea Tincture
This herb is used as a paste or poultice to treat poison ivy rashes. Echinacea is a powerful antibiotic which prevents these rashes from getting infected. It strengthens the immune system to effectively deal with urushiol poisoning. Echinacea creams and ointments are available too. You can also make a poultice from echinacea tincture and powdered cosmetic clay. Apply this all over the poison ivy rashes.
Jewelweed
This herb contains chemicals that neutralize the effect of urushiol in poison ivy, responsible for skin-irritating rashes. As soon as you come in contact with poison ivy, cut off the stem of a jewelweed plant, slice it open and rub it directly on the affected area.This can easily prevent an allergic reaction from taking place. Otherwise, prepare an infusion of chopped jewelweed in boiling water. Cool and freeze this liquid into ice cubes. Rub these ice cubes on the affected areas for relief from itching and inflammation.
Consult a registered medical practitioner in case your symptoms persist for more than a week.
