There are three species of poison oak native to the United States. The range of Western Poison Oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum) extends along the west coast and inland up to an elevation of 5,000 feet. Rocky Mountain Poison Oak, (Toxicodendron rydbergii), is found throughout the western states and into Canada. A related species, Atlantic Poison Oak (Toxicodendron pubescens) grows in the southeastern U.S.
Poison Oak Rash is Caused by Urushiol
The resinous sap of poison oak contains a toxic oil, urushiol, which causes an allergic reaction in up to 90% of individuals who are exposed to it. Those who are not initially susceptible to the allergic reaction may become sensitive after repeated exposure. Contact dermatitis usually appears as an itchy rash or blisters. Some other species that contain urushiol include poison ivy, poison sumac, Ginkgo biloba, mangoes and cashews.
Recipe for Natural Herbal Remedy for Poison Oak Rash
All of the healing herbs used in this formula are dried. If starting with whole dried leaves, they should be crushed before using, but it is not necessary to grind them to a powder.
Ingredients:
- mugwort
- yerba santa
- horsetail
- white sage
- boiling water
- apple cider or white vinegar
- salt
To prepare the herbal remedy, follow these steps:
- Combine two tablespoons of each of the dried, crushed herbs in a glass container and pour two cups of boiling water over the mixture. Stir, and cover to prevent the aromatic oils from escaping. Let steep at least an hour, or until cool.
- Strain and press, and measure the volume of the liquid.
- Add half the volume of apple cider or white vinegar; i.e., if there is one cup of liquid, add half a cup of vinegar.
- Add one tablespoon of salt per each cup of liquid, and mix until dissolved.
Soak a cotton ball with the remedy, and apply to affected skin. (Do not get into eyes.) Let it dry, and repeat as often as necessary. If treatment is started immediately after exposure, this herbal remedy can prevent or lessen the severity of the rash. If the skin is already broken out, it speeds the drying and healing of the rash and helps to relieve itching. It may temporarily cause stinging if the skin is broken.
Overview of the Healing Herbs in the Poison Oak Remedy
All of these herbs commonly grow in the western United States, and have been traditionally used by Native peoples for many purposes.
- mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris)- Mugwort is one of several Artemisia species collectively known as Wormwood. It is aromatic and bitter, and has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.
- horsetail (Equisetum arvense)- Also known as Scouring Rush or Shavegrass, Horsetail contains high amounts of silica and tannins, and has drying and anti-inflammatory properties.
- yerba santa (Eriodictyon californicum)- Named Sacred or Holy Herb because of its many healing properties, yerba santa is also known as Mountain Balm and Bear Plant. It is a resinous herb that contains eriodictyol, an antioxidant flavonoid, and acts as an anti-inflammatory.
- white sage (Salvia apiana)- White sage is one of the many different Salvia species that are related to the mint family. Common garden sage, Salvia officinalis, is a popular herb used in cooking. White sage has astringent, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
The vinegar and salt in this remedy have drying and astringent properties to assist in the prevention and healing of the rash, and the relief of the itching.
Sources:
Moore, Michael. Medicinal Plants of the Mountain West. Santa Fe: Museum of New Mexico Press, 2003
Green, James. The Herbal Medicine-Maker's Handbook. Berkeley: Crossing Press, 2000
Wayne's Word http://waynesword.palomar.eduww0802.htm Accessed February 11, 2010
Pollen Library http://www.pollenlibrary.com/botany_researchers_maps.php Accessed February 11, 2010
ROK101
Terrie Schultz - Terrie Schultz holds a BS in Biochemistry and an MA in Cell and Molecular Biology. She worked for many years in the biomedical field in ...
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