Best home remedies and natural treatments for poison ivy

NaturalNews) As summer approaches, most people spend more time outdoors; and with that comes the chance of developing a poison ivy allergy. Oils from these devilish weeds are highly noxious, causing a long list of poison ivy allergy symptoms. Contact with a poison ivy plant can produce a red, swollen rash, blisters, pain, and unbearable itching. In addition there may be intense burning, inflammation, and fever. For those unlucky enough to have a poison ivy rash in their eyes, mouths or on their genitals, the torment can be nearly intolerable.

Fortunately, nature has not only cursed us with these weeds, but also provided a list of home remedies for allergic reactions to poison ivy, oak, and sumac.


Homeopathic remedies for allergic reaction to poison ivy
Rhus Toxicodendron: Rhus tox is made from poison ivy and one of the best remedies not only for treating the rash but for prophylactic use in its prevention. The person needing Rhus tox will have a poison ivy allergy with a rash that itches intensely, and is made better with hot applications such as a hot compress or bath. The person may be extremely restless and have accompanying joint or muscle pain. Speak to a homeopath about taking Rhus tox in low doses throughout the season to prevent a poison ivy outbreak.

Anacardium orientale: The rash has fluid-filled blisters that itch intensely, but hot applications make the itching worse.

Apis: Helpful for a poison ivy allergy that appears as large, blotchy hives. They may be bright pink, swollen, sting, and burn. Discomfort is alleviated by cold applications.

Belladona: This remedy is often helpful when the rash appears suddenly, is bright red and very hot, and accompanied by a fever.

Kali Sulphuricm: The poison ivy rash will be yellow and pus-filled with terrible itching and a tendency to become infected.

Sulfur: Poison ivy allergy is worse during bathing or when first getting into a warm bed. It's often a dry rash with crusts. The itching is unbearable and the person will scratch until the skin bleeds.

Graphites: Similar to sulfur, this poison ivy rash also crusts over; but oozes a sticky, golden fluid. Itching is worse at night and in a warm bed.

Urtica Urens: The rash is blotchy, stings and burns intensely. Cold applications make the symptoms worse as does scratching. Poison ivy allergy is often accompanied by rheumatism and joint pain.

Croton Tiglium: Skin feels tight, itching and scratching is painful. Much oozing from blisters that form especially on the face and genitals.


Home remedies for allergic reactions
Baking soda: An excellent home remedy to relieve itching from poison ivy allergy. Add 1/2 cup to a bath or make a paste with water or apple cider vinegar and apply to the rash.

Oatmeal: Apply a paste of cooked oatmeal to the rash to help draw the toxins and relieve the itching.

Himalayan crystal salt: A paste of salt and water will help draw toxins and fluids from the poison ivy rash, drying the skin and soothing the itching. Soak in a warm salt bath.

Goldenseal: Mix a paste of goldenseal powder and water or apple cider vinegar and apply to the rash to protect against infections. Works well for poison oak and sumac as well.

Pascalite clay: A form of bentonite clay, Pascalite pulls toxins and fluids from the rash, drying and relieving itching. Apply a paste made with water and cover with plastic wrap to keep it moist.

Aloe vera gel: Use aloe vera gel from the inner flesh of the leaves topically to relieve pain and itching