I was out doing some yard work the other day. My husband always warns me about Poison Ivy, but I always brush it off with a “whatever, don’t worry”

Well I should pay more attention. Had I not thoroughly washed my arms and hands with cold soapy water and doused them with grain alcohol, this could have been much worse.

I ended up with a small rash area on my leg which has spread to my forearm through day to day contact.

Before it spread too much, I came up with this remedy. It is helping me. I hope it will help you also. You should also become familiar with these plants and proper ways to deal with them. *Please do not use toxic herbicides as some articles recommend.

“STOP THE SPREAD, STOP THE ITCH“

***DO NOT APPLY TO THE FACE OR TO SENSITIVE MUCOUS MEMBRANES.
***DO NOT USE ON CHILDREN

1 liquid ounce of Witch Hazel
10 drops Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia)
8 drops Sweet Marjoram (Origanum majorana)
5 drops Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)
5 drops Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea)
2 drops Peppermint (Mentha x piperita)

Pour one ounce of Witch Hazel into a glass or PET plastic bottle. I used one with a dropper but if you need to cover a larger area with the solution, you can use a spray bottle top.

Add your essential oils.
Shake well before using.|
Apply by dabbing onto affected area with clean cotton balls or cotton swabs. USE DIFFERENT COTTON BALLS OR SWABS ON EACH AREA TO PREVENT CROSS SPREADING

If possible cover with a non stick bandage during the night and when clothing will come in contact with and irritate the area.

Apply two to three times daily. Witch Hazel is very astringent and will dry the rash and surrounding skin. I chose essential oils that have analgesic, antihistamic, cooling, and skin nourishing properties. This is a 5% dilution. Do not use for more than a week. Do not use on young children, or if you are pregnant or nursing.

*As always you should consult with your medical professional before trying anything new. Seek medical attention if there is no improvement or spreading worsens.