Hi All

I have my 1st bout of Poison Oak for the season (I usually get Ivy, but was told what I have looks like Oak).

I have tried several remedies, but it seems to be taking longer to clear up this go round, so I thought I'd get suggestions from you lovely knowflakes.

I usually use Black Walnut Extract that we make. It dries it up pretty quick and takes the itch away, but it's not drying it up very quickly this time.

Have heard to pop the bubbles and put bleach on it, salt & vinegar, baking soda, a paste of baking soda & vinegar, rub the inside of a banana peel on it and try jewel weed. I just got some jewel weed today, so it's too soon to tell. Will be applying it when I get home from work today. Most people say to pop the bubbles 1st before using any of the above mentioned remidies. Most have soothed the itch, but it's still not drying up very quickly and it keeps spreading (it started out on my hand/wrist and now I have it in other places).

I know I have already mentioned a lot here, but if you know of any others, I'd be happy to hear them. Also, is there anything you can do to stop from getting it (I get it mostly from our animals)? I heard eat the plant to build your immunity to it, but I don't know about that!?!

Oh poor you!

Hi Kel

So sorry about the poison oak.

The best remedy as far as I know, is a Homeopathic Remedy called Rhus Tox. Take 30c potentcy upon waking, and one hour before each meal. At least three times a day. Oh MY

Please do not break the blisters or use a belt sander to scratch , it will only hurt.

Rhus Tox is a wonderful proventative measure to hopefully assure you wont get this again. The first sign of warm weather take 1m potency ( you must purchase that potency, cant take 30 of the 30's, in Homeopathic Medicine 30c is 30 c no matter how many you swallow ) in the AM for two days. It helps most folks keep the blisters away all summer. A doctor ( chiros too ) can order the 1m potency on line.

Another product to have on hand is oatmeal. Please use regular not instant. Cook the oatmeal and let it cool. Apply as a thick paste to the affected area. This will give some relief.

Unfortunately once youve got it, youve got it.

If you are out and about and feel youve touched a poisonous plant, please use a hand sanitizer product immediately on the area. This will wash away the oils that will cause the rash. I carry one when I'm hiking.

There is also a Plant called Jewel Weed, it usually grows in the same area as the poisonous plant. Crush the leaves and rub them on the affected area. Really works, but identifying the plant is difficult as it looks like many other plants.

Mugwart is also a good remedy for plant poisons, it is made into soap by natural soap cos, also easily found on the net. Please, please do not eat the plant, that was a funny one. You could become very ill.

Good Luck Kel
The photos of your trip were lovely.

I am so sorry that you dont feel well.

Disclaimer
Never take this womans advice on anything, she is a quack.

Adodili

Thank you so much Adodili

My girlfriend stopped by the office today to give me some Jewel weed. She told me to open up the stem and rub the inside on it. She also said to break up the leaves and mix it with milk then put it on once I got home (haven't done that yet).

Thanks for the advise on the Rhus Tox,I remember reading about it online the other day, but wasn't sure how well it worked. Hey, if it prevents future out breaks I'm all over it! We'll be at Whole Foods on Friday, so I'll have to see if they have it. I want to get started on it right away.

I get it a few times a year, so I'm game!

I forgot about the Oatmeal, I've read that and done Aveeno baths before. I also heard about the soap, but didn't know what the special ingredient was. The inside of the Banana peel did take the itch away. Baking soda and vinegar paste did too. I did poke holes in the blisters, clean them off and do the Jewel weed and paste on top. Seems to be starting to dry up more.

I do the sanitizer (or rubbing alcohol) when out in nature too. Unfortunately I forgot what poison oak looked like when I was picking weeds in the cracks of my driveway.

Thanks again

Oh, and thanks for the compliment on my pictures.

Did you see the bear pic's yet? I put them up after you posted on this thread.

bump for the bumps