Despite common thinking which suggests susceptibility to the three-leafed plant is an allergic reaction, research proposes that a secret weapon against poison ivy is taking calcium supplements... both for prevention and treatment.
Contracting Poison Ivy
Typically, people get poison ivy in the summer, as they weed flower beds, hike in the woods, and mow their lawns. They may not even recall touching the plant, but later find red marks on their skin where they’ve spread poison ivy oils by simply scratching an itch. When susceptible people make contact with the oils secreted by the leaves, they break out with an intensely itchy rash that is characterized by little vesicles (bubbles) arranged in a linear fashion along the skin’s surface.
These little bubbles swell and ooze a clear, sticky fluid. Surrounding areas can become red and swollen. The rash and other symptoms of poison ivy can last from several days to up to two months in susceptible people who have had significant exposure.
Treating Poison Ivy
The conventional treatment of poison ivy is wet dressing with Domeboro to relieve the itching and inflammation, and oral Prednisone given over seven to 10 days to suppress the systemic response.
Dr. Robert F. DeMaria of Drugless Healthcare Solutions prescribes calcium lactate and L-lysine to improve calcium absorption as a preventive measure. In order to clear up the rash and edema associated with poison ivy, DeMaria and other holistic health practitioners prescribe Antronex and Drenamin from Standard Process Labs rather than antihistamines and cortisones or corticosteroids.
Thomas Cowan, MD, author of The Fourfold Path to Healing, prescribes calcium in the form of calcium lactate (1500 mg) once a day, or an intravenous preparation made from calcium carbonate (oyster shell) and Cortex Quercus (oak bark).
Understanding the Calcium Connection
Cowan explains, “The role of calcium in the treatment of this or any other rash is that nature often uses calcium to encapsulate living things such as trees (bark) and oysters (shell). Throughout nature, calcium as a salt forms borders or boundaries.” When infected with poison ivy, skin cell boundaries become blurry, indistinct, oozy and swollen. These calcium preparations restore a healthy border.
To block histamine release and relieve itching and anxiety, Cowan also suggests taking either Quercitin (a form of bioflavanoids) or vitamin C (250 mg six times a day), acerola tablets or Valerian herbal tincture (20-40 drops every two to four hours).
These natural remedies to poison ivy are effective alternatives to steroids and antihistamines. But even better than natural treatment is drugless prevention. Wearing long sleeves, closed-toe shoes and long pants are logical first steps.
Taking calcium supplements is a reasonable course of action for those who need a stronger shield of defense against the threat of getting poison ivy. Stronger bones and teeth are an added-value benefit!
Estelle Rodis-Brown - Estelle is a freelance writer and public relations specialist, with a focus in aviation, air shows, outdoor recreation, fitness, green ...
