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Poison Ivy and other obnoxious itches

Poison Ivy and other obnoxious itches

Posted by Blue Ridge Botanicals on Jul 16th 2018

Summer is here in full force. Baseball, swimming, boating, camp, cookouts and lemonade. But to every Yin there is a Yang. Poison Ivy, mosquitos, chiggers and heat rash. Lucky for me I have a yard full of the best itch reliever around, Jewel Weed.

The quickest way to use it is to pick a plant with a good size stem and slice the stem in half. The inside is very gelatinous and will easily spread on your itch or sting. You can also squeeze some juice out of the leaves and spread the mush on your bite. It should also be used this way for exposure to poison ivy and will help to keep it in check.

My interest today is to make a frozen potion to put on poison ivy and other rashes. The ice cold, itch relieving formula is welcome relief in a hot, summer day.

Pick some of the jewel weed and wash it like you would a salad green. Then Chop up a few stems and leaves and cover with water. Boil for about 5 minutes, until the liquid turns dark orange. 

Strain out the solids and pour the liquid into an ice cube tray. Or use any small container you have on hand. I have been saving those plastic containers that salad dressing comes in with a take-out salad. (I could not bear to throw something plastic away after just one use). They are a good size and come with a lid. 

When the itch starts just pop a cube out of the freezer and rub it on. It dries quickly and leaves nothing gooey or oily. And the relief lasts for hours.

Happy Summer.