Dear Bob Liebert,

Help! My reaction to poison ivy is spreading!

I recently came into contact with poison ivy. It started on my feet and very quickly travelled through my whole system. While it hasn't gotten to my eyes or ears, that has happened before. Right now it is spreading from my feet. The rash has appeared on my hands (between my fingers) and on my arms. I believe I can also feel the rash coming out on my back.

I don't want to have to go get steroids again because this makes my already existing candida condition worse.

I would appreciate any help or suggestions you have. I have a feeling that some kind of internal program is needed -- especially since the poison ivy is internal and traveling through my bloodstream.

Thank you in advance for your kind help,
Eliza

Dear Friend,

We have had people get good results using Jewelweed extract (an old Ozark remedy!) internally for systemic poison ivy infection. Of course it is much better to begin it when the ivy infection first shows up, but would be worth trying and having on hand for your next bout. The Jewel weed can be used externally as well; we have a very good external treatment that contains Jewelweed with Sassafrass, Grindelia, Plantain called Ivy Aid.

You can buy these herbs and many more in the Formula and Single Herb sections of the Teeter Creek Herb website. Herbs that don't appear in the Formula or Single Herb lists can usually be requested in the "Message" section at the bottom of the order page.

The information expressed is the personal observations of Herbalist Bob Liebert based on his personal experience and his studies of folk and traditional herbalism. These observations are not meant to be a substitute for qualified medical diagnosis and treatment. Uses of many of the herbs have not been scientifically verified.