Poisonous Plants and Natural Defense

Leaves of three – leave them be! This is the time of the year to be on the look out for Poison Ivy and Oak. While these shrubs do not bother some people many find they make summertime miserable. The oil from the shiny leaves or stems or just burning the roots can cause ugly, itchy blisters on the skin that can spread by scratching, using a washcloth or by taking baths.

Jewelweed (Impatiens biflora) has a few other common names such as Wild Balsam, Spotted Touch-Me-Not, Slipperweed, Silverweed, Wild Lad’s Slipper, Speckled Jewels and Quick-in-the-Hand. It is not commercially available from any major company as it is mostly considered a weed. The brilliance of Mother Nature shines through as Jewelweed typically grows next to Poison Ivy/Oak. The old ones would grab a bunch, scruntch it up and rub it on hands and legs as a preventative. Science supports this as the oils and compounds in Jewelweed serve as a preventative and antidote. Trouble is you have to be Daniel Boone to find the herb. Until now!

A wise good ol’ boy from down in Marshall started experimenting on his family with a homemade soap with Jewelweed infused. You see his family; living out in the hills would suffer the misery every year from clearing fence posts and brush. He remembered something about Jewelweed and started adding it to his lye soap. Worked like a charm, so he began making it for sale. Wash before you go out and after you come back in says he in his instructions. Like I said works like a charm.

Poison Ivy/Oak often can be avoided but sometimes exposure happens by accident. In addition to the Jewelweed soap, suggestions for dealing with exposure include the homeopathic Rhus Tox. Internally, quercetin works well to reduce itch while topically certain natural lotions help. Remember, applying an ice pack will reduce itching, too. If the exposure is severe or in a delicate part of the body, prompt medical care is a very good thing. Wash by taking cool showers never by bathing.

In good health,

Dr. Fain