Plumbata
Well-Known Member
I don't really react to toxicodendron exposure, but won't try rolling around in the stuff either. Ripping out roots barehanded and whatnot has never been a problem, but I haven't tried pushing my luck by rubbing my eyes and whatnot afterward. At worst i have mild redness that is gone within 24 hours, and that's after heavy exposure. Anyway, a good "cure" while out in the woods is locating "Jewelweed" (Touch-Me-Not) stalks, crushing the watery stems and liberally rubbing the juices all over the areas exposed. Extracts of the plant are used in some commercially available preparations. It often grows in large patches next to creeks or in wet/waterlogged areas. Conveniently, such places are also where we often find ourselves digging dumps. Here is the "Impatiens capensis" variety, often called Spotted Jewelweed, with spotted orange flowers. This is the variety of "Jewelweed" most commonly referred to as a natural remedy for poison ivy, oak, and sumac:
(from http://www.amazilia.net/images/Plants/Flowering_Plants/Impatiens_capensis.htm) And here is the closely related and arguably interchangeable "Impatiens pallida" Pale Jewelweed, with yellow flowers:
(From: http://highvirginiaoutdoors.blogspot.com/2011_09_01_archive.html) I hear it can provide relief from bug bites and stinging nettles too. It can't hurt, whatever the case.