This poison ivy tincture recipe is a simple use of herbs to combat the rash produced by poison ivy or poison oak exposure.
About Poison Ivy and Poison Oak
Poison ivy and poison oak contain an oil called urushiol. When this oil comes into contact with skin, it can cause an allergic reaction, resulting in a rash. The rash is not contagious and is not spread from person to person if the blisters are not leaking.
Urushiol can adhere to almost anything, including clothing, gardening tools, and pet fur. When someone touches a contaminated item and then touches their skin, the oil can transfer to the skin and cause a reaction. A rash can develop within a few hours or a few days after exposure. Redness, itching, and blistering are common, and in some cases the rash can be severe and cover large areas of skin.
After washing the affected area with soap and water, the application of this tincture will aid in the healing process as well as the anti-itch factor.
What Are the Herbs Used for the Poison Ivy and Poison Oak Tincture
Witch Hazel: anti-inflammatory and astringent, draws water out of tissues, drying
Mugwort: (MOXA), warming, helps promote blood circulation
Comfrey root: (Knit Bone) cooling and astringent, known for healing wounds and sores due to the plant containing Allantoin. Allantoin increases cell proliferation.
Plantain Leaf: cooling and anti-inflammatory, one of the most common plants in the world, good for stings and bites
White oak bark: antiseptic and hemostatic, prevents growth of harmful microorganisms and decreases blood flow
Recipe for Poison Ivy and Poison Oak Tincture
Equal Parts Witch Hazel, Mugwort, Comfrey Root, Plantain Leaf, and White Oak Bark.
Menstruum: 80 proof or 50% alcohol or higher for dried herbs, 120 proof or 60% alcohol or higher for fresh herbs. Alternatives to alcohol include glycerin or apple cider vinegar (may take longer to produce).
Instructions: Add equal parts of herbs to a clean glass jar. Cover herbs with menstruum until ½ inch of liquid is covering herbs. Let it sit in a cool dark place and shake regularly for about 2-6 weeks. The color of the menstruum will change to a dark green brown when it is ready. After the time has passed, decant liquid off into a new clean jar or brown glass bottle. Label and store tincture in a cool dark place.
For Use: test a small amount on clean unharmed skin using a clean cotton cloth. If no issues, apply to rash as needed with a dropper or clean cotton cloth. If tincture is too strong, dilute with water 1 tbsp at a time until desired strength. Do not drink tincture. This tincture is for topical use only.
*Disclaimer. Please seed am medical professional if you have any questions or concerns about adding herbs to your diet or medical routine.
Watch the Video on How to Make the Poison Ivy Tincture it on the Boonstead’s YouTube Channel.
Poison Ivy Tincture
Ingredients
Equal Parts
- Witch Hazel
- Mugwort
- Comfrey Root
- Plantain Leaf
- White Oak Bark
Menstrum (Liquid)
- 80 Proof or 50% Alcohol or Higher enough to cover all the herbs in liquid by 1/2 an inch
Instructions
- Add equal parts of all the herbs into a clean glass jar.
- Cover herbs with menstrum (liquid) until about 1/2 an inch of liquid is covering the herbs.
- Seal jar with lid and ring and store in a cool dark place for 2 to 6 weeks. Turn and shake the jar every couple of days.
- Once liquid has turned to a dark green-brown color, decant liquid into a new clean jar or brown dropper bottle.
- Label with name and date and store in a cool dark place away from sunlight.
For Use
- Test a small amount on clean unharmed skin using a clean cloth or dropper.
- If no issues, apply tincture to rash as needed with dropper or clean cotton cloth. If tincture is too strong. dilute with water 1 tbsp at a time until desired strength.
- DO NOT DRINK OR INGEST. This tincture is for topical use only.