Natural Detox Salve

Spring is coming, and with it, all things green and beautiful.

However, not everything is wonderful. Namely, poison ivy. Poison ivy can cause a nasty rash from an allergic reaction to an oily resin called urushiol (u-ROO-she-ol). Signs and symptoms of a poison ivy rash include:

• Redness
• Itching
• Swelling
• Blisters
• Difficulty breathing, if you’ve inhaled the smoke from burning poison ivy

The rash most often looks like a straight line,

but can be different, depending on how your skin comes into contact with the plant. You can also transfer the oil to other body parts, and the reaction usually develops in 12-48 hours. This reaction can last 2-3 weeks and can cause painful blisters.

When you come into contact with a plant, you will want to wash your hands/body/clothing as quickly as possible to minimize the spread.

However, if a rash develops, you can use this salve to help draw out the oils and soothe your skin.

The herbs in this have very specific properties that will aid in your skin healing.

Chickweed, Stellaria medica is commonly used for drawing out toxins on skin wounds. Plaintain, Plantago Ianceolata is commonly used for it’s anti-inflammatory and astringent properties. Calendula,Calendula officinalis has anti inflammatory and wound healing benefits. Helchrysium essential oil,Helichrysum angustifolia has amazing anti-inflammatory and cell regenerating properties. Jojoba oil has some anti-inflammatory properties as well.

To make this salve, you will need:

• 6 grams dried chickweed
• 3 grams dried plantain
• 6 grams dried calendula
• 15 drops helichrysum essential oil
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup jojoba oil (available here)
• 3 Tablespoons beeswax (available here)

 

Begin by measuring out the dried herbs by weight.

Using weight vs. “cups” or “teaspoons” gives a far more accurate picture of what you are using. If you need a cheap scale, this is the one I use. Place all the herbs together in an oven safe dish, and cover with the olive and jojoba oils.

Put into a 200 degree oven for 2 hours to infuse. Remove and allow to cool slightly. Strain the herbs out and toss into the garbage. Add the beewax and place back in the oven to melt completely. Allow to cool for 10 minutes, then add the essential oils and stir gently to mix through.

Label and date your salve with the ingredients used (so you don’t forget)

and store in a cool, dry place tightly covered. To use, gently apply a thin layer to rash covered areas as needed up to 4 times a day. Use within 6 months.