Have you ever had a severe case of poison oak or ivy? Our family knows what that is like, because my son is highly allergic to it, and when he was growing up we went through some very unpleasant experiences. Well, alot of the suffering can be avoided now and we would like to share the good news with you.
Normally, 24-48 hours after coming in contact with the resin from poison oak or poison ivy, the recipient develops a rash that produces severe itching, burning pain, oozing, and crusting. The rash is usually distinguished by streaks of fluid-filled blisters on a red and inflamed skin that may persist for one to four weeks. Countless people believe that the handling of the blisters will only spread it. Although it sounds plausible—only the resin can generate a reaction.
According to the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, an extract of Grindelia, which is commonly known as Gumweed, outperformed many of the other commonly used holistic preparations in relieving symptoms of poison oak and ivy when it was applied directly to the rash. One case in particular was a 51 year old woman who came into contact with poison oak. She soon developed the characteristic redness, itching, oozing, heat and pain that come with the rash. Assorted herbal remedies such as: calendula, herbal creams, holy basil and jewelweed were applied, but were nominally helpful. The utilization of homeopathic remedies was likewise unproductive.
When a tincture of gumweed was applied directly to the rash, an instant improvement of the symptoms was observed. Additionally, the gumweed tincture was mixed with calendula cream and applied to the rash several times per day. The bottom line—the rash became smaller, drier and less itchy and hot within 48 hours, and entirely resolved within a two week period.
It is always a good idea to take precautionary steps when dealing with poison oak and ivy. If you learn how to identify these plants and where they grow, you can avoid any contact. If contamination has already occurred, washing the area immediately with a tough but safe soap and water can eliminate the resin. Any clothing that has been exposed should also be washed, as the resin can still generate a reaction.
As far as we are concerned, in view of the results of this study, gumweed would be a great nominee for the next bout with poison oak and should be a good candidate for more scientific research.
Source: Journal of Alternative and Complementray Medicine Aug 2005, Vol. 11, No. 4: 709-710