Naturopathic Poison Ivy Remedies that Work!

Summer is a time for exploring lakes and ponds, which is where poison ivy likes to grow! Most kiddos are sensitive to poison ivy. Urushiol oil is the naturally-occurring plant compound that causes the poison ivy rash. Symptoms range from mild to severe redness, rash, itching, burning and/or oozing blisters. 

Using steroids like hydrocortisone cream may be tempting, but “quick fix” medications always come with a cost! For instance, steroids can thin and weaken the skin barrier, setting the scene for potential infection.Using hydrocortisone over a prolonged period can mean that some of the medicine is absorbed into your blood. If this happens, there's a very small chance it can cause serious side effects, such as adrenal gland problems, high blood sugar or even problems with eyesight. Hydrocortisone use can also cause skin blistering, burning, dryness and irritation - the very symptoms we are trying to treat!

The good news is, you can help your kiddo work through the symptoms quickly. There are several natural, kid-safe remedies that can provide fast and effective relief. Here’s the fastest way to work through even the toughest poison ivy cases:

Here are Naturopathic Poison Ivy Remedies that Work!

One of the most important things to do is wash skin with plenty of soap and water after contact with these plants.The quicker the toxic compound is removed from the skin, the less time it will have to react to cause irritation. Use a gentle, non-toxic soap like natural goat soap, plain castile soap and warm water.

Poultice the Itchy Areas

The next step is to apply either bentonite clay or activated charcoal topically to the affected areas: this will draw out any remaining toxin. To make a paste, add a small amount of water to the bentonite clay or the activated charcoal and mix until it forms a paste. Spread this on the areas that were exposed to the poison ivy.

Offer Homeopathic Remedies

There are several homeopathic remedies for poison ivy; these will help the body’s vital force to overcome and neutralize the toxins. Select one remedy that best fits the child’s symptoms:

• Rhus Tox: (main remedy) 3-5 doses taken daily for the first few days
• Croton tiglium: for rashes on the face
• Anacardium orientale: for rashes that have a blistery appearance

Remember not to touch homeopathic remedies with your hands and to offer them away from food or drink. (Both will remove potency from the remedy).

Consider Supportive Herbs

I like to use herbs that are helpful for clearing the toxins out of the bloodstream.  These include oregon grape, red clover, yellow dock and cleavers. With acute skin reactions, low dosage and high frequency works best.

For example, 10 to 20 drops of red clover tincture taken 6 to 8x a day.

Jewelweed

Jewelweed has a special affinity for neutralizing poison ivy.  Jewelweed soap or decoction can be applied to the skin to neutralize the poison ivy toxins. The key here is to apply it quickly enough. To use its medicinal properties to prevent a rash, you have to apply jewelweed to the affected areas before the immune system can recognize the urushiol oil. In other words, before the rash starts! Jewelweed is a leafy shrub with beautiful golden flowers that tends to grow near poison ivy. Nature always provides the antidote!

Further Support

To help clear inflammation from the body, there are a few supplements that can help. Consider Vitamin C (500mg 2 to 3x a day) to detoxify the body. Protease (an enzyme) can be used to neutralize the toxin’s proteins and help with systemic inflammation. Both can be taken as long as symptoms persist.

Itch Relief without Hydrocortisone

Miracle II Neutralizer Gel and  Itch Nix Gel are both available for purchase online. They really work well to alleviate severe itchiness! Drawing salve is another option if you have that on hand as it will soothe the skin and out toxins. Kitchen cabinet remedies include charcoal poultice and baking soda can all offer itch relief. Add water to either one to form a paste and spread it on the itchy skin for fast relief. Repeat as often as needed.

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Having a naturopathic first-aid kit on hand is invaluable when unexpected bumps, bruises and bug bites strike! You can build your kit inside of Fiercely Empowered Mama (FEM) and you’ll also have access to our high-demand vault of naturopathic remedies. Nothing beats the power of a good plan. Having access to information empowers you to know what to do in every situation.

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