Tis the season…that poison ivy blooms!

As summer winds down and the kids go back to school, there are changes also happening in the backyard.  The fall blooming plants are beginning to do their thing.  Some of this is good….some of this is bad!  Perhaps not as bad if you know how to identify it.  In the past, I’ve blogged about how to identify poison ivy  in your yard.  What was missing from those pictures is what the plant looks like in full bloom.  I’ve gotten close enough to the plant to snap a shot. 

Why is blooming bad? Well, blooming means more seeds which means this plant is going to procreate. ACK!! What do you do? Pull it out! (for heavens sake, don’t spray pesticides!…search for an environmental means like vinegar.)

First, you arm yourself with nature to help prevent yourself from getting a rash.  The plant jewel weed has been reputed to help prevent the spread of the poison ivy rash.  Some will tell you that it’s based on timing of when you wash after exposure.  Others will tell you it’s complete bunk.  Yet, if you read an herbal magazine or blog almost anywhere on the Internet, this jewel weed plant is still talked about.  If it doesn’t work, why is it still on the lips of many natural wise folk? I’ve actually been looking for the studies that repute that jewel weed works and have not been successful.

Why would a soapmaker take the time to identify the plant, infuse it in oils, create soap and or balms with it?  You be the judge. 😉  Here’s a quick link to Dr. Flower’s version of Jewel weed soap just in case you would like to try it.   Here’s what the jewel weed plant looks like in nature:

Happy Washing!

~Regina