DANGER! Don't Go Near This Plant!

Poison Ivy!  It’s there to get us…so learn now to identify it…and stay away.

Don’t pull it out…don’t burn it…and whatever you do…don’t use a weed-eater to cut it down.  The weed-eater will result in the poison ivy spraying all over you.  The local hospital will have a room for you in the ER.

This happened to me once!  We were clearing a vacant lot…and I wasn’t aware of my husband weed-eating  the poison ivy.   I happened to be downwind…and the spray got into my eyes…and it was the most terrible experience I can remember.  Always be careful of poison ivy.

Burning it simply vaporizes the poison….then you will breathe it into your body.  Not fun!

What to do? The herb Jewelweed is effective if you have access to it…and can identify the plant.

If you know you’ve been exposed, take a cold shower or wash off with the garden hose.  Hot water will open your pores and let the poison oils in. Once the itch has started – do not scratch.

Home remedies are fine unless you have a really serious case of poison ivy.  Here are a few things you might try:

• Once the itching has started, a hot shower might settle it down for awhile.
• Try a baking soda or epsom salt paste applied to the affected area.
• Wipe the area with Listerine.
• Or mix equal parts buttermilk and white vinegar…then sprinkle with salt.

I personally use an herbal ointment from Dr. Christopher…called Stings and Bites.  It’s made from Plantain…and helps relieve itching.  Use it liberally and it will help in almost all cases.  You can most likely find a plantain plant in your yard.  All you have to do is take a few leaves…crush them…and rub it on the affected area.  Or if you prefer a ready made mixture… Call me (615-428-8500) and I’ll be happy to send this awesome ointment to you.  I always keep it handy for any kind of stings, bites or itching.

Remember that the poison ivy oils will stay on your clothing, shoes and tools…for a very long time.  If the clothing is old….just throw it away.  Otherwise – wash 2 or 3 times.

For all of life's little problems - Try Bach Rescue Remedy

Bach Rescue Remedy!  I won’t be without it.  I use the drops for any emotional upset.  Just a few drops under the tongue calms and brings emotions under control…without drugs!

Bach Rescue Remedy Cream or Gel is great for bruises or injury to the skin.  Just rub it on..and forget it.  True story…during a home renovation, I was at a cabinet shop to choose cabinet doors and hardware for my kitchen.  I accidentally dropped a cabinet door (corner edge down)….right on my foot.  The pain was incredible…and I didn’t have my Rescue Cream with me.  But I did have a few drops left in a bottle in my purse.  So, I put the drops in my hand and rubbed the liquid onto the injury.  It stopped hurting almost immediately….but the best part was that I didn’t even have any bruising from the accident. 

You can also get this wonderful remedy in a spray…or even a product to help you sleep.    Be sure to keep a bottle with you at all times.  You never know when there might be an accident or when you might receive some bad news.  You will be able to get through life’s problems better if  you can stay calm…and Rescue Remedy will most certainly help you!

Keep Aloe Vera handy for cuts and wounds.

Aloe Vera – Nature’s Miracle!  Don’t be without it.  It’s easy to keep in a liquid or gel form for cuts and wounds.  Or simply grow an aloe vera plant in your home.  When an emergency happens….just break off a piece and use the healing power of the gel inside.

It can be used for acid reflux by drinking a bit of aloe vera juice before bedtime.  It does a great job of balancing stomach acid

It’s anti-viral and anti-bacterial.  Use it for acne and other skin disorders.  Aloe Vera can be used to remedy constipation.

This amazing plant has been used for centuries and the many uses are well documented.  Always keep it on hand!

Don’t let a mosquito bite ruin your day!

 The easiest way to deal with any kind of insect bite is to keep a small jar of Dr. Christopher’s “Stings & Bites” salve on hand.  I keep it at home and also in my car because you never know when you will need it.

 This herbal formula contains Plantain…which is a wonderful herb to neutralize any bite or sting.  Actually, you can find this “weed” in your yard in the summer time.  You can break off a leaf and rub in on the wound…but it’s much easier to just use the salve.

 I’ve used this salve for many, many years…and just won’t be without it.  The sooner you but it on a wound, the quicker the relief will be.