Poison Ivy Remedies

Poison Ivy is one of the most common plants found in North America and affects thousands of Americans each year. When a person comes into contact with the plant, the weeds create an allergic reaction particularly on the skin. The severity of the condition depends on the nature of contact, the body parts exposed and the skin sensitivity.

The usual symptoms after skin contact are extreme redness, blisters, cracked skin and swelling. If left untreated, these symptoms can last from several days to weeks. For this reason treatment is required at the earliest. The plant secretes an oil, which is called urushiol. When the plant is disturbed or senses danger from any living being it releases this oil thus causing an allergic reaction.

However there’s no need to panic when you are affected by Poison Ivy or Urushiol. Some simple home remedies can go a long way to helping you prevent the adverse reactions of Poison Ivy. Firstly and most importantly wash the whole area of contact with any soap or cleaning agent as this will help to prevent the allergic reaction of Urushiol. Use Aloe Vera, it is an excellent way to ease the pain, blisters and swelling caused by Poison Ivy. It has special anti-bacterial and allergic properties, which help to cure the effects of Urushiol. Alcohol is also great as a topical application on the affected area as it contains certain antiseptic agents, which help in reducing the pain and prevents the spreading of the infection.

Another great home remedy is a mixture of oats, bleach and water. Prepare this mixture into a thick paste and apply it all over the area. Oats and bleach help fight the poison and quickens the healing process. Drink and eat juices and foods high in Vitamin C as these will help to fight the infection and heal the rash and inflammation caused by the poison Ivy. One should also eat foods rich in zinc as it helps in repairing the damaged and blistered skin. Simple ingredients from your kitchen like Honey and baking soda have great medicinal value and studies have now concluded they have anti-allergic chemicals, which are useful for many ailments in the body.

Unfortunately with our complete dependence and reliance on the latest science and technology we tend to forget simple home remedies. Many times these inexpensive and widely available ingredients can prove to be a life saver.