Poison Ivy

A few days ago my neighbor came over with his kids(4,5 and 13). I noticed his eldest boy had a nasty rash on his neck. I asked him about it and they said he's had it for a month and it's popping up all over his body. They took him to a doctor who diagnosed it as psoriasis(sp?) and gave him cortizone cream, which has had little effect.

I new it was poison ivy right away because I work for Parks Canada, trimming trails and see the workers getting it ALL the time.

I walked across the street and pick a couple stalks of jewelweed(touch-me-not) a very common plant around these parts. I had him crush the leaves and stems in his hand(they are very juicy) and rub it directly onto the rashes. I then threw the kettle on and we sat and talked a little more. By the time the kettle boiled, he had already started feeling the soothing effects of the plant. I took the pot off and threw in two big handfulls of Jewelweed, and let it steep for a half hour or so before straining it. When they left I gave him a couple waterbottles full of the strained "tea" and told him to freeze it in icecube trays.... and apply it 3-4 times a day for the next while. I just received a call from him(4days later) saying that the rashes are completely healed and only new pink skin is visible. They are very happy and couldn't believe that a plant could have such healing powers. Natures cure.

This plant also protects from the oils of poison ivy, posion oak, poison sumac and stinging nettles. Good to keep onhand... and very pretty to have in a garden, too.

Rick

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"Arrogance, I'm above that sort of thing."