"Leaves of Three, Let them Be!"
It is interesting that nature has it that where one poisonous plant grows its antidote is most likely growing nearby. For the sting of Nettles look for Jewelweed or Dock and for Poison Ivy look for Jewelweed (Impatiens spp.). Jewelweed is a hollow stemmed weed found in the eastern United States. Light green in color it reaches about 4 feet. The flowers are orange in color and shaped like little trumpets.
If you can find the Jewelweed plant break and crush the stems to make a poultice and rub over your skin.
However, if that isn't an option keep a bottle of this Jewelweed Vinegar Spray in your camping gear and in the medicine cabinet. The entire plant, roots and all, are infused in apple cider vinegar to draw out its beneficial properties.
If you discovered this listing in your search, then you are probably already aware of this beneficial plant.
Etsy's rules concerning alternative remedies prohibit explaining the listing or plant properties in any detail. For that, I apologize for the inconvenience, but if interested in further information of the benefits of these herbs and their uses, visit my website or go to the post below:
http://meadowmuffingardens.blogspot.com/2012/09/changes-in-etsy-policy.html
www.meadowmuffingardens.com
The addition of Lavender essential oil contributes its own and bug off wonders.
Vinegar is the base for this spray for three reasons; vinegar seems to draw out the "poison" from poison ivy, it makes for great herbal infusions, and it evaporates, therefore there is no need to worry about smelling like vinegar.
The itchy rash caused by poison ivy is from the potent urushiol oil which irritates sensitive skin. A person's sensitivity can vary from season to season or even change throughout a lifetime. The potent oils stay active on unwashed clothes and even dead plants for up to five years.
Thank you to Angelina for this great explanation of what is happening when exposed to plant allergens:
" It's an immune system response.The body's immune system is normally in the business of protecting us from bacteria, viruses, and other foreign invaders that can make us sick. But when urushiol from the poison ivy plant touches the skin, it instigates an immune response, called dermatitis, to what would otherwise be a harmless substance. Hay fever is another example of this type of response; in the case of hay fever, the immune system overreacts to pollen, or another plant-produced substance.
Here's how the poison ivy response occurs. Urushiol makes its way down through the skin, where it is metabolized, or broken down. Immune cells called T lymphocytes (or T-cells) recognize the urushiol derivatives as a foreign substance, or antigen. They send out inflammatory signals called cytokines, which bring in white blood cells. Under orders from the cytokines, these white blood cells turn into macrophages. The macrophages eat foreign substances, but in doing so they also damage normal tissue, resulting in the skin inflammation that occurs with poison ivy. "
The first thing to do after exposure to poison ivy is to wash the area with cold water while the pores are still closed. The miserable cycle starts when the irritation begins to itch and we scratch. Our body reacts to the urushiol oil by releasing histimine, which is what causes the itch. Scratching feels good for the moment but only aggravates things and since the urushiol is now on your fingernails it is likely to spread to other areas of your body that you touch. Be sure to change your clothes because you will continue to reinfect yourself if the oils are on your clothes.
If you even think you may have touched the plants, don't wait for signs of itching. Spray your forearms, lower legs, any areas that may have gotten against the leaves or hairy vines on trees. Should you be unaware of any exposure and the signs begin, spray the affected areas thoroughly. The spray will feel wonderful because the vinegar is so cooling being it is an astringent. But if you've already done damage by scratching the vinegar may burn a bit but it will take care of the itch.
Avoid contact with your eyes. If you have poison ivy on your face spray the Jewelweed vinegar onto a cotton ball and then wipe your face.
As far as the poison ivy itself, you could always get goats! It is said that Spanish and Angora goat breeds absolutely love poison ivy.
Here is an informative post all about Poison Ivy
http://meadowmuffingardens.blogspot.com/2013/04/leaves-of-three-and-stings-like-bee.html
Jewelweed Vinegar Poison Ivy Spray comes in a 4 oz. plastic spray bottle.
