Make Your Own Natural Poison Ivy/Oak/Sumac Remedy

It's that time of year.  You know when you're doing yard work or enjoying a hike in the woods and you unknowingly (or sometimes knowingly) come into contact  with the irritating poison trio.  Depending on the sensitivity of your skin and the amount of exposure, you may be in for a nasty rash caused by the oily resin of these plants known as urushiol.  The itchiness and irritation can be brutal and can last for weeks.  Lots of doctors will prescribe topical creams and steroids but there are plenty of natural alternatives to try.

My favorite remedy is so simple and you can easily make it yourself.

1/4 cup green clay (we are selling this on our website while supplies last)

2 tsp sea salt

5 drops peppermint essential oil (available at Whole Foods, CVS and vitacost.com)

witch hazel to form a paste (available at any drugstore, or use water)

 

We have green clay from Portugal but any green clay is fine.  We also are using sea salt from the Dead Sea.

Add the sea salt to the green clay.

Mix the sea salt and the green clay together.

Slowly add witch hazel to the green clay and sea salt mixture.  We use alcohol free witch hazel hydrosol but you can use the version sold in drugstores that is 86% witch hazel and 14% alcohol.

Add enough witch hazel to form a paste and stir well to make sure all the clay and salt are combined.

Using your finger or small spatula, scoop a small amount of the paste out of the container.  The paste should be wet but not runny.

Apply the paste to the affected area.  Allow to dry for 10 minutes while clay turns a lighter color and begins to crack.  Using a moist towel, carefully pat the area to remove the clay mixture.  Do not rub aggressively as this may worsen your condition.

This itch remedy may be applied as often as necessary AND can also be used for insect bites. It can be used on children but I recommend not adding peppermint essential oil if the child is under age 6.

Store any extra poison ivy remedy in a plastic container.

I hope this helps you as much as it has helped me, my friends, neighbors and customers.  Remember, we do have green clay available on our website while supplies last under the Bath & Body tab.