Household Cures for Poison Ivy

Poison ivy is a plant that is causes what is considered to be one of the most common allergies in North America. Urushiol, the oil on poison ivy leaves, will cause an allergic reaction--in the form of an itchy rash--in many people. Urushiol is so potent that only one billionth of a gram is needed to cause a rash. Fortunately, a poison ivy rash can be easily managed and cured at the home with a few basic steps.

Homemade Mixtures

Mix baking soda and vinegar into a paste and apply it to the area affected by the poison ivy. Scrub for area with a dry cloth then let it dry. Once it is dry, rinse it off with cool water.

You can also mix cornstarch and water into a paste and spread it over the itchy areas.

Another solution includes mixing salt and water, and rubbing it into the rash. When the itch returns, use it again. It may sting for the first bit, but it will relieve the itch.

Yet another good mixture for relief is apple cider vinegar and water.

Plants and Herbs

There are many different plants and herbs that help to deal with poison ivy. Aloe is great for reducing blistering but also quickens the healing of the rashes; catnip has anti-inflammatory properties in its juice that can be taken from the leaves; and plantain, which can even be found in the yard, reduces itch and stops the spread of the rash.

Goldenseal can be used to treat poison ivy. Mix a teaspoon of its powdered form with a pint of water and spread it over the affected area. You can also drink it in a tea form or take it by the capsule.

Jewelweed can be rubbed on the area to reduce itch and dry the blisters. This can be done several times a day, but too much will irritate the skin.

Oatmeal

While oatmeal is normally a breakfast item, it can also be a fantastic treatment for poison ivy. One way to use oatmeal is to mix it with boiling water; wait for it to cool down to a point when it is just warm and then spread it on the affected skin.

If most of your body is affected by the rash, put three-quarters of the box of oatmeal into the bathtub and pour hot water in it to make it about waist high; then get in and soak. You can also put oatmeal in a sock and swirl it around the tub water. Soak in the water, but when coming out, don't dry yourself. This will leave a coating on the skin that will reduce the symptoms.