The Jewel Weed Stem should be crushed and the liquid rubbed into the skin contacted by the Poison Ivy and symptoms will not appear or will be much less troublesome.
Jewel Weed usually grows near water or in shallow ponds. It is often found in areas where Poison Ivy grows.
Jewel Weed totally neutralizes the Poison Ivy's oily antigen called Urushiol, and you will no longer spread it by scratching or rubbing. The Urushiol oil may be carried on the fur of pets, clothing, shoes, toys, tools, or other objects and then transferred to the skin. Approximately 24 to 36 hrs after a sensitized person is exposed to the Urushiol, a blistery, itching rash develops. Usually within 15 minutes of contact, the Urushiol binds to skin proteins. If it is washed off with soap and water before that time, a reaction may be prevented. After the antigen is fixed, however, it cannot be washed off or transferred to other areas. Scratching or oozing blister fluid cannot spread the antigen to other areas of the body or to other persons.
Jewel Weed is still quite helpful even if you have developed scabs, though you need to work — Rub — it in longer, and it takes time for the blisters to heal.
Take it from a guy — an Eagle Scout no less — who got carried away and made love in a Poison Ivy patch, — (with a woman who wasn't reactive) — this stuff really works and it works very fast, especially if you use it immediately.
Based on my personal experiences, tinctures made from the plant are only about 20% as effective as the fresh juice, and take much longer to work.
Jewel Weed is an effective natural herbal remedy not only for poison ivy, but also for poison oak, okra spines, stinging nettle, and other irritating plants; as well as bug bites and razor burn. Jewel Weed, is also used for acne, heat rash, ringworm and many other skin disorders.
A poultice made from the plant is an old folk remedy and is used for bruises, burns, cuts, eczema, insect bites, sores, sprains, warts, and ringworm.
Mother Nature almost always has a solution for things that can irritate us.
It should be chewed or crushed well and rubbed into affected area for several minutes. Plantain is considered an eatable plant.
This plant too, works quite well for many bits, though you need to rub it into the affected area for a longer period of time, than you need to do with Jewel Weed. This too neutralizes the toxins and will often prevent allergic reactions.
If you live in an area where there are "Killer Bees," I advise growing some of this in your garden. Use your blender to obtain a large quantity of liquid, pull out any stingers, and rub it in very well. This could save your life or the life of your pet.
