Poison ivy may trigger allergies in some people. Many people have experienced adverse effects of coming in contact with this plant. A thorough understanding of how to handle these allergies can help.
Poison ivy grows in multiple parts of US. It is known to grow either as a vine or as a shrub. The way this plant grows depends mainly on the geography and specific characteristics of the location.
When this plant is smoked or consumed, it can lead to dire consequences. It has also been observed that coming in contact with this plant can cause multiple allergies including rashes, discoloration of skin, inflammation and itchiness. In very acute instances, side effects such as hives have also been observed.
When you experience such allergic symptoms, you can take anti-inflammatory drugs. However, a few essential oils provide with needful remedies for allergies poison ivy causes. These oils include:
#1. Myrrh oil
Myrrh is extracted from sap of the tree. The oil has unique antiseptic properties. It derives these strengths from terpenoids, which are renowned anti-inflammatory substances. This oil is known for its properties to moisten your skin (by hydrating it) and alleviate pains. It is often used by adding upto 8 drops to a bath. Soaking your body in the bath is found to produce good results.
#2. Geranium oil
This oil can help refresh your immunity and can control pain as well as itchiness. It is very strong to be used in an undiluted manner. Hence, it is blended with carrier oils – for example, coconut oil. For a tablespoon of carrier oil, 4 to 5 droplets of geranium oil are added for optimal results. You may need to gently rub the mixture onto the affected area for effective action.
#3. Rose oil
This oil can decrease the effects of allergic reactions and hence is widely used for its therapeutic properties. It is also used for its ability to control pain. While applying this oil, it is blended with suitable carrier oils – such as peppermint oil – and rubbed gently on your skin for needful remedy.
#4. Lavender oil
This oil is popular for its rehab strengths; it is used to heal and restore by defending your skin. It is also endowed with properties to enhance the functioning of skin cells. The analgesic strengths of lavender oil can help reduce discomforts associated with rashes. This is a mild oil and hence need not be added with other carrier oils. Instead, it can be rubbed directly (3 to 4 drops) on your skin for healing purpose. You are advised to apply it a few times till the adverse effects on your skin disappear.
#5. Cypress oil
This oil is endowed with antiseptic properties. These capabilities enable healing of rashes and reduction of pain associated with allergies. It is known for its strength; you are hence recommended to mix it with carrier oils. Commonly used carrier oils include coconut oil, gel extracted from aloe vera, etc.
#6. Eucalyptus oil
It has substances – such as menthol – that can heal. These substances help in eliminating pain experienced during allergies. Like lavender oil, this oil can also be applied directly onto your skin. But, before applying, test its strength by rubbing a droplet and check if you develop any toxic side effects. If you find it pleasant, you do not require carrier oils for diluting eucalyptus oil.
#7. Helichrysum oil
It is known for its anti-inflammatory properties as well as restorative strengths. Helichrysum oil can soothe your skin and alleviate pain from the affected areas. As helichrysum oil is relatively strong, mix it with a tablespoon of coconut oil and dilute it before use. You can gently rub the resultant mix on your skin. You may have to repeat it twice every day.
#8. Tea tree oil
This oil has a few unique capabilities to decrease swelling and reduce pain. In general, it can heal your skin and protect it against possible rupture. Tea tree oil is mixed with another base like jojoba oil or olive oil to make it milder. The blend is rubbed on the affected areas for optimal results.
#9. Peppermint oil
Peppermint oil is endowed with menthol and antioxidants; these properties enable it to heal inflammation and itchiness. This oil is commonly used without blending it with carrier oils. However, if you have a light skin, you are advised to mix it with suitable base oil. It is a widely popular oil among all the other essential oils listed here. As an added advantage, the aroma of this oil is a great cure for dizziness and being lightheaded.
#10. Neem oil
Neem oil is blessed with anti-inflammatory properties as well as antiseptic strengths. It is usually diluted with a carrier oil and is applied at least twice each day for quicker healing.
#11. Frankincense oil
It is a potent oil endowed with antimicrobial properties and anti-inflammatory strengths. These powers are derived from terpenes present in it. It is also known for its ability to protect cells that are not damaged.
Apart from these, oregano oil is also popular for its curative properties. Almost all of these oils are extracted from plants. The process of making these oils involves preparing a concentrated solution from the sap or other portions of respective plants. This is the reason why even a few drops of these essential oils are adequate to offer needful remedy.
You are advised to ensure the essential oil you have chosen is free from any additives. These additives are artificially blended to enhance the thickness or aroma of the essential oil. It is very important to choose oils that are completely free from any such artificial additives.
You are also advised to test if the essential oil is having any toxicity or if your skin is developing any side effects upon using them. It is hence recommended to apply a drop of this oil on healthy part of your skin. If the healthy patch of skin is not developing adverse effects, you can be assured of its safety; it can then be used on rashes or affected surfaces of your skin.
Education: Master’s in Public Health (MPH) from the University of Michigan. Experience: Over 8 years of experience writing for health and wellness websites, including WebMD and Healthline, specializing in women’s health and nutrition.
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