The Ole Woodsman

Poison Ivy and its Natural Remedy
Most people know the ditty "leaves of three, let them be." Did you know that even in Autumn and winter after all the leaves have gone, poison ivy can still produce a rash?
The remaining stems and especially the roots carry Urushiol, the toxic oil that causes the poison ivy. Beware touching any tree climbing vine that appears hairy. This vine grasps the bark with these hairs and is the only vine which has filaments. Grapevine, a common vine has sheddy bark. All other benign vines are smooth. This tree and the Spotted Touch Me Not are located to the right of the water storage area, in the back of that small field. Poison ivy rash can take up to 2 weeks to emerge and in that time the oil can spread to many parts of skin. Urushiol even remains on clothing after washing.		Furry Poison Ivy - The only vine with fur!
Jewelweed or Spotted Touch Me Not is the remedy	Another important fact about poison ivy is that in many cases beginning in the early spring and until the first frost the cure and preventative for this miserable condition often grows right nearby- Jewelweed or Spotted Touch Me Not. This plant grows on the damp forest floor from 2- 5 feet high, often in large clumps.
		Prevention on contact is important. The succulent stems are easily broken and released of their juices when rubbed on the skin. It will also help decrease the symptoms once the rash has appeared. Interestingly new salves and soaps with this substance are now available on the internet. The native Indians and herbalists have long known of this cure.
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