favorite poison ivy remedies?

It's the sap that does it. Jewelweed is a very fleshy plant. I just take a handfull of stalk, crush it, and rub it on. That's been the most effective technique for me.

There are various methods of making an extract or tincture with it, but I don't find them as effective as a handfull of fresh plant.

Zanfel sounds interesting - never heard of it. Maybe next time I'll look into it. I'm too far gone now - I'm nothing but giant open sores - no top layer of skin left to put ointment on, like a burn victim. I don't even itch, just hurt. I take Benadryl just to help me get a little sleep.

I guess I'm just going to have to focus on prevention, like Tecnu beforehand and washing with old-fashioned soap. I've never made homemade soap before, but I'll look into that. I DON'T want to go through this again! The only remedy posted here that gives me pause is the Natra-Bio drops. The idea of swallowing anything with poison ivy in it scares me to death!

Thanks for all the replies, guys.

I try to make sure and wash the oil off with lye soap if I think I've been around it. Even if I'm not sure it was there I wash. If I still break out, pine salve works wonders.

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I believe in God's willingness to heal.

Cyngbaeld's Keep Heritage Farm, breeding a variety of historical birds and LaMancha goats. (It is pronounced King Bold.)

Favorite....not really any!

I used to just be able to breat poisen ivy and get it!! My dad used to sit me in front of a fan a pour vinegar on me. Dried it out pretty fast. BUT! Now I HATE the smell of vinegar, it makes my skin crawl and makes me nausous(sp?)!!!

My in-laws love cucumber in vinegar.......they think I am crazy when I refuse to sit at the table until they remove the bowl!!