Spring has definitely arrived in Michigan and it is oh-so nice to hear the birds chirping and watch the woods start to come alive again. However, one of the not so welcoming plants, poison ivy, will soon be thriving and maybe with some luck we’ll successfully avoid it.
Just in case though, I saved a neat article from Better Homes and Gardens in June of last year which has natural remedies should you come into contact with poison ivy, oak, or sumac this spring or summer. Here’s what you can do for some relief until the rash goes away:
- Mix 1 tbsp baking soda with 1 tsp water and apply to the rash. Once dry, rinse off with warm water. This should help relieve swelling and itching.
- Cook a small serving of plain oatmeal and allow it to cool. Apply to the rash and once dry, rinse off with warm water. This will help to dry the rash for itch relief.
- Rub an ice cube gently on the rash to cool tissues and lessen inflammation.
- Soak in a bath with epsom salts to pull moisture from rash and decrease swelling.
- Apply aloe vera gel (even directly from the plant) to help cool the rash and relieve itching.
If you are looking for even more creative ideas (such as applying apple cider vinegar, banana peel, or a mix of baking soda and vinegar) check out Earth Clinic.
