Poison Oak and poison ivy is a childhood memory that I remember all to well. It is truely miserable. Not only can you get this nasty itch from touching the plant, you can also get it from touching clothes, pets, sporting equipment, car seats, tools, or anything else that has been in contact with the plant. Usually within 6 to 72 hours, the skin may burn, itch, and look red. In my case, it was all three almost instantly. 

Since this is a year long problem I wanted to share with you some herbal remedies for both poison ivy and poison oak. 

Most of the herbs that I have found that work come from applying topically and are made from teas of the following plants: burdock leaf and root, calendula, goldenseal root, grindelia, myrrh, plantain leaf, and white oak bark. All of these herbs have blood-purifying and soothing properties. 

So how do you make it? Let's start with tea for topical application. 

- Put 1 cup of any of the herbs listed above or a combination of them in a half-gallon jar. Fill the jar with boiling water or hot apple cider vinegar. Cover and let stand 12 hours. Strain the tea and apply the liquid by patting it on gently to the affected areas. 

Once you have poison ivy or poison oak (love your heart) you need to cleanse your system by drinking teas three times a day. This can be burdock root, dandelion root, nettle herb, or red clover blossom. 

Don't know what poison oak and poison ivy looks like you say? Click here. 

** Information on the traditional uses and properties of herbs are provided on this site is for educational use only, and is not intended as medical advice. Every attempt has been made for accuracy, but none is guaranteed. Many traditional uses and properties of herbs have not been validated by the FDA. If you have any serious health concerns, you should always check with your health care practitioner before self-administering herbs. **

Remember: DO NOT SCRATCH!