Natural Remedies for Poison Ivy

Written by Institute for Natural Medicine Staff

Medically Reviewed by Signe Poquette, ND

Published August 13, 2025
Last Updated August 13, 2025

The poison ivy plant grows abundantly in forested areas throughout the United States. Although an itchy, red, and quick-spreading rash is the typical reaction upon contact, some individuals are unaffected by touching the plant. Most people can manage the rash at home and heal completely in one to three weeks. But certain cases become severe. Of the 10 to 50 million estimated reports of poison ivy each year, more than 40,000 result in emergency room visits.¹^,²

All parts of the poison ivy plant, along with poison oak and poison sumac, contain urushiol oil. When urushiol oil touches the skin, an outbreak of red bumps usually follows, often in streak-like patterns. Symptoms include intense itching, redness, swelling, pain, and, in severe cases, fluid-filled blisters.²

The rash itself is not contagious, but urushiol oil spreads easily year round and stubbornly lingers on surfaces. The oil is so sticky that a rash may result from contact with clothing, garden tools, and even your pet.

What to do if you touch poison ivy

The best way to avoid a poison ivy rash is to steer clear of the plant itself. With its signature cluster of three oak-like leaves, poison ivy is relatively easy to identify. The middle leaf is typically longer than the others and changes color with the seasons: green in spring and summer, red in fall.

If you accidentally brush against poison ivy, carefully remove and wash clothing that may have come in contact with the plant. Clean skin with soap and warm water, paying special attention to the areas around and under fingernails, as they are commonly missed.³ Try not to scratch blisters. Lingering bacteria on fingers and hands can cause infection.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, be sure to seek immediate care.⁴

Difficulty breathing or swallowing
Fever
Rash that covers most of the body
Rash around one or both eyes, mouth, or genitals
Facial swelling, especially around eyes
Increasingly intense itching that interferes with sleep

Lotions, creams, and prescription treatments

For mild cases, applying calamine lotion or hydrocortisone can temporarily relieve itchiness and irritation.⁴

A doctor may prescribe an oral antibiotic or a steroid skin cream for serious rashes, primarily if blistering occurs. Severe reactions can be treated with oral corticosteroids or intramuscular steroids.²

Steroid skin creams are generally safe when used for a short time; however, side effects are linked to prolonged use.⁵ High-dose oral corticosteroids taken over an extended period may affect blood sugar, immunity, and bone, eye, and heart health.⁶

Natural remedies for a poison ivy rash

hand holding dried calendula flowers over bowl

Natural therapies for poison ivy target inflammation first, then work to strengthen and modulate the immune system. Recommended topical treatments have minimal side effects and risks.

“Naturopathic dermatology treats the root cause of skin issues, with a focus on education and prevention rather than just masking the symptoms,” says dermatology expert Carrie Phillips, ND, founder of Blue Spark Health in Lakebay, Washington. “We support healing naturally by using herbs, homeopathy, and natural topical soothers.”

“Herbal medicine may include burdock⁷ and dandelion⁸ for detox support and echinacea or astragalus⁹ if immune support is needed,” notes Dr. Phillips. “Homeopathy may include Rhus toxicodendron,¹⁰ Apis, or Anacardium, based on the individual presentation.”

Jewelweed, which has antimicrobial and antifungal properties, is another potential herbal treatment for poison ivy.⁹^,¹¹ Current therapeutic findings are mixed, with the plant quickly clearing symptoms for some but having no effect for others.

“Topical soothers include aloe vera, oatmeal baths, wet compresses, calendula,¹² and bentonite clay,”¹³ adds Dr. Phillips.

An oatmeal bath can calm the skin and reduce itching. Oats have skin-soothing phenolic compounds called avenanthramides, with natural anti-inflammatory properties.¹⁴^,¹⁵

To prepare an oatmeal bath, add colloidal oatmeal (finely ground oats) to a tub of warm water. You can buy colloidal oatmeal or make your own by grinding whole oats in a food processor until they form a fine powder. Soak for 15 to 20 minutes, then gently pat the skin dry to avoid further irritation.

Witch hazel, derived from the Hamamelis virginiana shrub, is a natural astringent with anti-inflammatory properties. Its leaves and bark contain tannins, polyphenolic compounds that may help reduce redness, swelling, and irritation.⁹^,¹⁶

Tea tree oil and baking soda may also provide general relief from itching. Make a paste by mixing three parts baking soda with one part water and applying it directly to the rash.¹⁷

Footnotes

1
Butt M, Flamm A, Marks JG, Flamm A. Poison ivy dermatitis treatment patterns and utilization: a retrospective claims-based analysis. West J Emerg Med. 2022;23(4):481-488. https://doi.org/10.5811/westjem.2022.March.55516
2
Weinberg L, Malani PN. Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac. JAMA. 2024;331(21). https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2818663
3
Lofgran T, Mahabal GD. Toxicodendron toxicity. 2023;May 16. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557866
4
American Academy of Dermatology Association. Poison ivy, oak, and sumac: how to treat the rash. Accessed June 19, 2025. https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/itchy-skin/poison-ivy/treat-rash
5
Coondoo A, Phiske M, Verma S, Lahiri K. Side-effects of topical steroids: a long overdue revisit. Indian Dermatol Online J. 2014;5(4):416-425. https://doi.org/10.4103/2229-5178.142483
6
Hodgens A, Sharman T. Corticosteroids. StatPearls. 2023;May 1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554612
7
Yosri N, Alsharif SM, Xiao J, et al. Arctium lappa (burdock): insights from ethnopharmacology potential, chemical constituents, clinical studies, pharmacological utility and nanomedicine. Biomed Pharmacother. 2023 Feb;158:114104. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2022.114104
8
Herrera Vielma F, Quiñones San Martin M, Muñoz-Carrasco N, Berrocal-Navarrete F, González DR, Zúñiga-Hernández J. The role of dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) in liver health and hepatoprotective properties. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2025 Jul 1;18(7):990. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18070990
9
Shenefelt PD. Herbal treatment for dermatologic disorders. In: Benzie IFF, Wachtel-Galor S, eds. Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2nd ed. Boca Raton (FL): CRC Press/Taylor & Francis; 2011. https://ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92761
10
Signore RJ. Prevention of poison ivy dermatitis with oral homeopathic Rhus toxicodendron. Dermatol Online J. 2017;23(1). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28329482
11
Rastegar S, Heydarirad G, Aryanian Z, et al. Effects of herbal medicines on the prevention and treatment of contact dermatitis: a systematic review. Iran J Public Health. 2022 Jun;51(6):1210-1222. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9659524
12
Gonçalves S, Fernandes L, Caramelo A, Martins M, Rodrigues T, Matos RS. Soothing the itch: the role of medicinal plants in alleviating pruritus in palliative care. Plants (Basel). 2024 Dec 16;13(24):3515. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13243515
13
Moosavi M. Bentonite clay as a natural remedy: a brief review. Iran J Public Health. 2017 Sep;46(9):1176-1183.
14
Perrelli A, Goitre L, Salzano AM, Moglia A, Scaloni A, Retta SF. Biological activities, health benefits, and therapeutic properties of avenanthramides: from skin protection to prevention and treatment of cerebrovascular diseases. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2018;2018:6015351. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/6015351
15
Allais B, Friedman A. Colloidal oatmeal part I: history, basic science, mechanism of action, and clinical efficacy in the treatment of atopic dermatitis. J Drugs Dermatol. 2020;19(10):s4-s7. https://jddonline.com/articles/article-colloidal-oatmeal-part-i-history-basic-science-mechanism-of-action-and-clinical-efficacy-in-S1545961620S00s4X
16
Piazza S, Martinelli G, Vrhovsek U, et al. Anti-inflammatory and anti-acne effects of Hamamelis virginiana bark in human keratinocytes. Antioxidants (Basel). 2022;11(6):1119. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox11061119
17
Dugué C, Baiyasi M, Jackson S, et al. Baking soda and the skin: a review of baking soda in dermatology. Integr Derm. 2024 Aug 29. https://www.jintegrativederm.org/article/122501-baking-soda-and-the-skin-a-review-of-baking-soda-in-dermatology

This article is provided by

The Institute for Natural Medicine, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. INM’s mission is to transform health care in the United States by increasing public awareness of natural medicine and access to naturopathic doctors. Naturopathic medicine, with its person-centered principles and practices, has the potential to reverse the tide of chronic illness overwhelming healthcare systems and to empower people to achieve and maintain optimal lifelong health. INM strives to fulfil this mission through the following initiatives:

Education – Reveal the unique benefits and outcomes of evidence-based natural medicine
Access – Connect patients to licensed naturopathic doctors
Research – Expand quality research on this complex and comprehensive system of medicine

About The Author(s)

Writer

Institute for Natural Medicine Staff

Our dedicated content team of professional staff writers represents decades of experience covering essential natural health topics in an accessible, evidence-based, and engaging way. Guided by a shared passion for holistic well-being, each and every one of our writers strives to empower our readers to take charge of their health.

Supported by a rigorous fact-checking and medical editing process from licensed naturopathic doctors that examines the latest in peer-reviewed research, our team brings their in-depth knowledge of natural health practices into every piece of content we produce. We strive to be the gold standard for evidence-based natural medicine, providing trustworthy information and inspiring narratives to help you live your best health, naturally.

Explore Skin Health Articles

Explore

Consumer

Education

Awareness, Advocacy, &

Action

Professional Education &

Research

Natural Remedies for Poison Ivy

In this article:

What to do if you touch poison ivy

Lotions, creams, and prescription treatments

Natural remedies for a poison ivy rash