The composition of poison ivy consists of the organic allergen urushiol. Urushiol is odorless, colorless, and sticky. The exposure to poison ivy creates a rush that typically appears as raised bands of red skin. At times the skin may also appear to be leaking and dreadfully itchy.
With the knowledge drawn from poison ivy victims, the rash may take a week to appear and last for up to a month. Though the inflammation is non-lingering, comfort and relief from the rash’s itchy feeling are not guaranteed, and that the point where essential oils for poison ivy comes in.
If you wonder about the oils you can use to alleviate the poison ivy effects, there are nine essential oils for poison ivy.
Table of Contents
1. Copaiba essential oil
Copaiba essential oil for poison ivy is an anti-inflammatory oil that contains beta-caryophyllene. The substance interacts with cannabinoid receptors on your skin. Therefore, oil functioning is combined, making it quite super effective. Should you choose to use copaiba, it will relieve the rash’s pain and reduce it. Additionally, copaiba is a gentle oil, making it suitable for all different skin types. It also soothes irritation and speeds up the process of healing.
2. Lavender essential oil
Apart from lavender being prominent with its relaxing properties, it also presents itself with outstanding healing properties. In incidents where your rash becomes inflamed and painful, lavender can always work miracles. The essential oil for poison ivy contains analgesic as well as anti-inflammation properties.
For poison ivy victims with sensitive skin, dilution of lavender can suffice. That makes it a versatile and all-rounder solution for poison ivy.
3. Peppermint oil
Peppermint oil provides cooling to ivy poisoning. It is considered to be natural menthol and functions as an analgesic for temporary pain alleviation. Moreover, the menthol properties can relieve irritation and the red spots caused by the skin’s allergenic inflammation.
Application of peppermint is easy; you have to add two drops of the peppermint oil to a cup of room temperature water. Thereafter, you soak in your cloth, ring out excess water, and apply it to the affected area. Peppermint can be used by anyone, whether with sensitive skin or not. Users claim to be an anesthetic that gives a soothing and cooling when applied on the rashes.
4. Juniper berry essential oil
The history of juniper on the skin that’s poisoned by ivy justifies its soothing skin capabilities. Basing on a 2015 study, juniper constitutes thujone. Thujone is an antiseptic, and its presence in essential oil for poison ivy helps prevent secondary infections from scratching, reduce swelling, and relieve itching by soothing the skin.
5. German Chamomile essential oil
You probably know that chamomile tea provides relaxation, but put that aside. Chamomile essential oil for poison ivy has outstanding soothing properties. It contains chamazulene, which counteractively acts against inflammation and helps in treating sores as well.
Concerning these facts, chamomile properties contribute to the quick healing of the rashes and reduced inflammation. Chamomile also calms down itching skin and offers a relaxed and calm feeling.
6. Tea tree essential oil
Absolutely when going for essential oils for poison ivy, you wouldn’t wish to get something that is not effective. In that case, you should opt for tea tree oil. It’s versatile, and since it has antimicrobial properties, it works as an antiseptic-that way, your safety against secondary infections that may result from scratching is ensured.
According to a 2013 review, dermatologists found that it can work as a treatment for Dermatitis. The study further unraveled that tea tree can suffice for quick healing of wounds rashes and relieve itching.
7. Eucalyptus essential oil
When used as an essential oil for poison ivy, Eucalyptus oil will clean your rush and get rid of the residual urushiol with its antiseptic qualities. That, in return, prevents irritation and also discomfort.
Furthermore, a 2013 research team found eucalyptus more effective in rehydrating the skin and protecting it from drying effects. Basing on these facts, should you choose to use eucalyptus as an essential oil for poison ivy, it will prevent you from having flaky skin at the end of your healing process.
8. Calendula
Calendula or the marigold is a yellow flower that has been used for centuries to cure skin irritation. Besides that, it can also work as prevention against inflammation and facilitate quick healing of wounds.
Additionally, calendula can also act as an antiseptic. Given that you choose to use calendula as an essential oil for ivy poisoning, secondary infections will be prevented, and you will realize quick healing from the rashes. On the other hand, it can soothe ulceration that results from rashes as its soothing effects on stomach ulcers have come out as positive.
9. Pine essential oil
Pine essential oil constitutes pine tar, which is commonly used as an ingredient for the soaps and skincare oils that treat poison ivy. In 2012, a scientific study substantiated the claims made on the wound-healing properties of essential pine oil. So, when using it as an essential oil for poison ivy, it will be wise if the timing is in line with skin convalescence.
Verdict
Even though poison ivy can be treated at home, conditions may, at times, get out of hand. Therefore, if you notice any signs of spreading rashes, swelling on the throat or even the face, and painful blisters, you should seek a doctor’s attention. These signs mean that you are susceptible to allergy or other kinds of infections.
In retrospect, poison ivy is easy to treat. All that’s required from you is to identify if your rashes are a result of poisoning. If positive, you can try the above essential oils for poison ivy and say bye-bye to discomfort. However, if the oils do not become efficacious, you should consider seeking medical attention.