I have always been enchanted by wild and unkempt spaces. There is so much to see and learn when you slow down long enough to observe and feel into the moment. No matter where I've lived, either as a child or now as whimsical would be adult, those wild spaces call to me, where poison ivy is often under foot.
On one particular day in High School Environmental Biology class, we were outside learning about how to identify poisonous plants and medicinal plants, one of which was poison Ivy. We each were required to draw a picture of the specimen. I was having a difficult time getting a close enough look and in my frustration I picked a leaf to trace. Many gasped at my brazenness but I was truly and inexplicably fearless, and I did NOT contract any symptoms of the itchy rash and blisters. From that day forward I declared myself immune.
Since then, I have had numerous symptom free encounters with poison ivy. Most Recently, My husband was helping me pull out some old bricks out of the weeds to use in our garden. I warned him in advance of the Poison Ivy but he threw caution to the wind and jumped in to help anyhow. At this point I had already made the Jewelweed soap so he felt sort of safe. I forgot to remind him that although Jewelweed can help treat and heal Poison Ivy Rash, you must use it directly after coming into contact with the plant to avoid a breakout altogether. He did not do this, instead he woke up to poison ivy broken out on his hands arms and neck. Again, I also took no precaution and was symptom free.
My husband Keith, has since been using the jewelweed soap in combination with a jewelweed tincture I keep stored for emergencies. Fortunately, Jewelweed really works and his rash has nearly fully healed.
I am the only person I know with this immunity. I find it fascinating and also kind of magical, as though it were a validation that I have a special connection to the Earth and natural world.
I have been studying natural and holistic healing since I was a teenager and I remember when I first identified Jewelweed; first in a book, and then in my yard and along the ditches toward the end of summer. I would cut down some of the Jewelweed and crush it in a mortar and pestle, and then stuff it in a jar topped with witch hazel. Witch Hazel has antiseptic, astringent, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Last Year, 2019, I had multiple requests for a soap that treats Poison Ivy. However, the plant was not in season yet, so as to easily identify it while driving by. So, once it was in season, I harvested a bunch and stored it in freezer bags until the day came that we were ready to make Jewelweed Soap! I think it is Awesome that we have had a chance to try it out and verify that it works. This soap will soon be posted for sale.
Just remember, to avoid symptoms altogether, it is best to use the Jewelweed soap immediately after coming into contact with the poison ivy plant and you should put any clothes you were wearing directly into the washer.
I recently participated in the 2021 River Raisin Festival in Blissfield, MI. This soap was a big hit and was nearly cleared out! That means I'll be making a new batch in the near future. 😉😎