5 All-Natural Home Remedies for Poison Ivy
Home remedies are cheap and incredibly accessible. For example, as your time outdoors increases, so too are the chances that you will encounter poison ivy. Your kids, who may be less careful than you, are even more susceptible to the painful and uncomfortable wrath of the poisonous leaves. Luckily, your refrigerator and pantry are at your service.
The rash you get from poison ivy comes from an oil found in its leaves. This oil is called uroshiol, and it causes an itchy, blistering rash that shows its face on your skin 12 to 72 hours after you come into contact with it. While poison ivy is not contagious, it is uncomfortable enough to affect your day-to-day routine. Instead of reaching for over-the-counter topical treatments or medications, stick to home remedies for poison ivy that are as simple as they are effective.
5 all-natural home remedies for poison ivy
1. Cucumber Slices
Place slices of cucumber on the affected area and immediately feel the difference. Cucumbers calm the rash down and help to alleviate the burning pain associated with poison ivy. Make sure your cucumber is fresh out of the refrigerator for even more cooling results.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
Kill the poison with apple cider vinegar! It is a natural antibacterial agent and can soothe the irritation caused by poisonous plants. Combine apple cider vinegar with equal parts water and pour into a spray bottle. Spray onto the affected area and let the apple cider vinegar draw out the toxins.
3. Oatmeal
Soothe the itch with oatmeal. Grind 1 cup of oatmeal in a blender and pour it into a cheesecloth. Knot the end closed and then tie it around the faucet of your bathtub. Position it so that as the water runs, it flows through the oatmeal bag. Fill the tum with lukewarm water and then soak in it for 30 minutes.
4. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is an effective treatment for all kinds of skin disorders, including poison ivy. It is soothing and moisturizing, and it will have your skin feeling better in no time. Apply the gel directly to the skin and wait as it works its magic.
5. Lemon Juice
Oils can carry loads of bacteria, which can inflame and further irritate your poison ivy patch. Lemon juice acts as an astringent, cutting through oil and leaving your skin effectively cleansed. It also naturally fights bacteria. Apply lemon juice to the affected area as soon as possible in order to avoid the plant’s oils from getting into your skin.
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Photo Credit: Sam Fraser-Smith
