Essential Oils for Poison Ivy
Essential Oil Recipes for Poison Ivy
Anyone who has ever suffered a poison ivy outbreak can attest to the pain and torment it causes. If you know you’ve come in contact with poison ivy, make sure you launder your clothes promptly and bathe as soon as possible. If you still get an outbreak, even with precautions, never fear--there are some homemade aromatherapy remedies that can help to relieve the discomfort.
Essential Oil Poison Ivy Remedy
- 3 drops Lavender essential oil
- 3 drops Helichrysum oil
- 3 drops Roman Chamomile oil
- 3 drops Geranium oil
- 3 drops Cypress oil
- 1 drop Peppermint oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoon distilled water
- 2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or witch hazel
Mix well and apply externally as a wash over the rash. One tablespoon of this solution can be used in a bath with ½ cup Epsom salts and 4 cups of quick cooking oats. Use lukewarm water for the best results. In addition, a paste can be made by mixing 1 teaspoon of ground oats with the above mixture and applied to the rash as needed.
Cool and Calm the Itching
A cold compress will definitely relieve the hot, itchy rash of poison ivy. Fill a large container with 2 quarts of cold water and add 30 drops Roman chamomile and 30 drops Helichrysum essential oils. Stir well so the oils are dispersed throughout the water. Soak soft clean washcloths in the solution and lay over the affected area for as long as possible.
Aloe Aromatherapy Relief for Poison Ivy
Aloe vera also brings healing relief for poison ivy sufferers. Try this recipe:
- 4 ounces aloe vera gel
- 10 drops lavender essential oil
- 10 drops cypress oil
- 10 drops roman chamomile essential oil
Mix all ingredients well. This remedy is especially good for when the rash has started to dry and is still super itchy. Aloe helps with the healing; cypress assists with the drying; lavender and chamomile soothe the discomfort.
Note: Oil-based products are not recommended for treating poison ivy. After the rash has dried a little, regular lotion can be used to soothe the itch. Try a plain, unscented lotion with a few drops of the oils used in the recipes above mixed well to help heal the dried rash. In the last blog, we recommended using a couple of drops of peppermint in regular calamine lotion for poison ivy. This is a very quick and simple remedy since most folks have calamine lotion readily available.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational purposes only, and not intended to treat, prescribe, cure, or diagnose any disease or condition. This information is not intended as a substitute for consulting with your physician or other health care provider. Dreaming Earth Botanicals is not responsible for any adverse effects resulting from the use of any of the suggestions, preparations, or procedures discussed. All matters pertaining to your physical health should be supervised by a health care professional. Keep all aromatherapy products out of reach of children.