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Astro
05-21-2013, 17:10
Any recommendations on the best way to get rid of Poison Ivy?

johnnybgood
05-21-2013, 17:22
I've heard Burts Bees Poison Ivy soap works well. Taking a hot shower using this and applying cortisone 10

jeffmeh
05-21-2013, 18:02
If you are exposed or think you have been, a lukewarm shower with something that will remove the oil is recommended. Believe it or not, I use MeanGreen (http://www.meangreen.com/) which is reputed to be the product that inspired Zanfel. Even after skin reaction, this seems to help, and at least removes any residual oil. Hot showers are not recommended before removing the oil, as they open pores and can spread the oil into the pores. Wash all clothing and gear also.

Topical cortisone and oral antihistamines can relieve some discomfort while healing. Different people react differently, even at different points in their lives. I am cursed to get it bad enough that if I do not catch it immediately and do the MeanGreen wash, I will likely end up on oral steroids to get rid of it.

Ktaadn
05-21-2013, 19:13
Any recommendations on the best way to get rid of Poison Ivy?
Winter....

Pedaling Fool
05-21-2013, 21:01
Geez, what incredible timing!

Just today I was attempting to ID what I believed is poison ivy. I've never really paid much attention to it, despite countless warnings by other hikers, "Hey dude, watch out for all the poison ivy 'bout a mile up the trail..." I never paid attention and never had the RASH, so I've just assumed I was not susceptible.

However, I do remember hearing the best way to ID it, i.e. Leaves of three, leave it be. But not all leaves of three are poison ivy, see here: http://www.electricant.net/projects/poisonivy/

Today I was hacking a bush and saw "leaves of three", so I decided to read up on poison ivy and in that process I've read about people that claim to eat the stuff to develop an immunity. I wouldn't recommend that. However, what I'd consider doing is small doses on the skin and see if you can develop immunity, but that's just the way I roll, if it hurts do it more, that's what I do...:D

BTW, I rubbed the stuff all over my arms and legs and still don't feel a rash, so I guess I am not susceptible to the oils. :banana



Here's some pics I took today:


http://i1128.photobucket.com/albums/m484/76gunner/Posion%20Ivy/013_zpsed61d6c3.jpg (http://s1128.photobucket.com/user/76gunner/media/Posion%20Ivy/013_zpsed61d6c3.jpg.html)


http://i1128.photobucket.com/albums/m484/76gunner/Posion%20Ivy/010_zpsc106a220.jpg (http://s1128.photobucket.com/user/76gunner/media/Posion%20Ivy/010_zpsc106a220.jpg.html)


http://i1128.photobucket.com/albums/m484/76gunner/Posion%20Ivy/007_zpsca7bd1cd.jpg (http://s1128.photobucket.com/user/76gunner/media/Posion%20Ivy/007_zpsca7bd1cd.jpg.html)


http://i1128.photobucket.com/albums/m484/76gunner/Posion%20Ivy/001_zpsb1a33c89.jpg (http://s1128.photobucket.com/user/76gunner/media/Posion%20Ivy/001_zpsb1a33c89.jpg.html)[/QUOTE]

moldy
05-21-2013, 21:52
There is only one thing that actually works. Prednisone. If the doc can start you with a shot then the pills where you take 6 the first day 5 the second etc. down to that last pill. All other products are whistling Dixie.

Freedom Walker
05-21-2013, 21:55
BTW, I rubbed the stuff all over my arms and legs and still don't feel a rash, so I guess I am not susceptible to the oils. :banana


Come back in a couple of days and tell us how you did. I don't have a reaction for a day or two myself. Hope you do okay.

DavidNH
05-21-2013, 22:29
so no thumbs up on calomine lotion? that was the go to remedy when I was a kid

WingedMonkey
05-21-2013, 22:30
BTW, I rubbed the stuff all over my arms and legs and still don't feel a rash, so I guess I am not susceptible to the oils. :banana


Come back in a couple of days and tell us how you did. I don't have a reaction for a day or two myself. Hope you do okay.

Let's hope he washed his hands before taking a wiz.

Astro
05-21-2013, 22:42
Geez, what incredible timing!

Just today I was attempting to ID what I believed is poison ivy. I've never really paid much attention to it, despite countless warnings by other hikers, "Hey dude, watch out for all the poison ivy 'bout a mile up the trail..." I never paid attention and never had the RASH, so I've just assumed I was not susceptible.

However, I do remember hearing the best way to ID it, i.e. Leaves of three, leave it be. But not all leaves of three are poison ivy, see here: http://www.electricant.net/projects/poisonivy/

Today I was hacking a bush and saw "leaves of three", so I decided to read up on poison ivy and in that process I've read about people that claim to eat the stuff to develop an immunity. I wouldn't recommend that. However, what I'd consider doing is small doses on the skin and see if you can develop immunity, but that's just the way I roll, if it hurts do it more, that's what I do...:D

BTW, I rubbed the stuff all over my arms and legs and still don't feel a rash, so I guess I am not susceptible to the oils. :banana

[/QUOTE]

For 51 years I thought I was immune too, but I guess that changed this past week.

Penguinman
05-21-2013, 22:50
Tecnu lotion & scrub most pharmacies carry it. Can't beat it

hobby
05-21-2013, 22:56
Any recommendations on the best way to get rid of Poison Ivy?

"your gonna need an ocean---of calamine lotion" so the song says!

The reaction to poison ivy takes 10 to 14 days to resolve--no matter what you do...

Calamine, cortisone topical, benadryl, etc will help with the symptoms, until enough time has past (10 to 14 days)

Oral or injectible cortisone will also suppress the symptoms. If the cortisone wears off before 10 to 14 day, the itching and rash will reappear.

Best to recognize and avoid it.. Second best is to wash with warm soap and water within an hour or exposure...Also wash clothes, gloves, garden tools, etc that have been exposed.
Third best remedy is to scratch.

Astro
05-21-2013, 23:06
"your gonna need an ocean---of calamine lotion" so the song says!

The reaction to poison ivy takes 10 to 14 days to resolve--no matter what you do...

Calamine, cortisone topical, benadryl, etc will help with the symptoms, until enough time has past (10 to 14 days)

Oral or injectible cortisone will also suppress the symptoms. If the cortisone wears off before 10 to 14 day, the itching and rash will reappear.

Best to recognize and avoid it.. Second best is to wash with warm soap and water within an hour or exposure...Also wash clothes, gloves, garden tools, etc that have been exposed.
Third best remedy is to scratch.

Thanks everyone for the feedback.
Hobby, unfortunately I believe I have the 3rd remedy (probably why spreading). :(

rocketsocks
05-21-2013, 23:14
We use to rub jewel weed on it...can't say that the best way though.

http://www.bio.brandeis.edu/fieldbio/Sylvain/jewel_weed.html

hobby
05-21-2013, 23:22
actually, scratching will not spread it. The reaction is to the oils in the plant. If you have washed, the scratching of the oozing sores does not spread the reaction.
It may seem that way, due to delayed response to initial spreading of the oils on your skin. Different areas of skin respond to the oils in various time frames. If you have washed the oil from your skin (and don't re expose yourself from clothes, tools, or even your pet).. you cant spread it. Treat the symptoms, wait 2 weeks, and you will be fine.

"Let's hope he washed his hands before taking a wiz.' <----been there,done that! not a pretty sight

jeffmeh
05-22-2013, 05:20
There is only one thing that actually works. Prednisone. If the doc can start you with a shot then the pills where you take 6 the first day 5 the second etc. down to that last pill. All other products are whistling Dixie.

Moldy, this may be the case once all of the urushiol (the oil in the plant that causes the reaction) has been removed, but the first step is removing it to limit the skin contact. That can make an enormous difference in the initial exposure.

If the exposure is severe enough, then prednisone is the only thing that really makes a difference in terms of clearing the rash more quickly, at least for me. Some of the other products can make one more comfortable, though.

Dogwood
05-22-2013, 08:43
Being in the Horticultural/Landscaping industry I've had it REALLY BAD about 3 times. I don't get it anymore though even if I pick it up with bare hands and rub it on my body. I do think people build up an immunity to it. Decades ago before I developed an immunity to it( I used to get during the summer just by looking at it) interestingly enough I had three Brazilians working for me, an Uncle and his two nephews. The Uncle and one nephew would pull it off trees and out of the ground bare handed and bare chested in shorts during when the Urushiol oils were peaking during sweaty(their pores were maximally open) 90* days. They would even chew on it. They did this for two days straight one time hacking at it and filling up a 6 cubic yd dumpster. They had no signs of a reaction to the Urushiol oils. Thje other nephew(brother) was highly allergic to it. When the leaves of poison ivy look shiny and reddish the oils are high. Don't get near it.

If you catch it right away you can wash the oils off you and gear with Technu or something similar. There are one or two supposedly natural concoctions to try too. Calamine doesn't do crap in my opinion but make you pink. But when you have it bad or it's spreading the most effective shortest duration remedy is to get a max dosage cortisone shot. If you have no adverse reaction to cortisone that's how I would go in a heartbeat. Don't fool around with it when you are hiking in summer. It can spread easily as a hiker. In about 2 days you'll be good. Dried up and happy. The doc can give something to stop the itch too along with the cortisone shot. The Prednisone pills take longer to work but they do the job too. When you got it bad the shot is the way to go. Be aware of drug interactions and side affects with both cortisone and Prednisone. The doc will ask before they go either route.

BTW, even after washing all my clothing and bathing and dousing myself in Technu I gave it to two different GFs after having been intimate. Nether were with me when I contracted the allergic reaction. You can spread it to others.

Dogwood
05-22-2013, 08:51
Jewelweed(Impatiens capensis), the native member of the Impatiens genus that you'll find along the AT in abundance takes the sting and itch out of not only Poison Ivy allergic reactions but also Stinging Nettle. It has small orange-reddish flowers and a leaf of it in water turns sivery like a jewel. Native Indians used it for several things medicinally but also as a fishing lure to attract fish.

moldy
05-22-2013, 08:51
The problem with poison ivy and poison oak is that the oil that rubs off the plant on to your skin is not a real poison. Most people's autoimmune system thinks it is a poison and reacts to kill it. Perhaps in the distant past many thousands of years ago there was such a poison plant or animal that we needed defense against that looked like poison ivy to our system and we evolved triggers for our autoimmune system. Once that system activates and goes after the oil it is in a mode of "shoot first and ask questions later". In that battle most of the havoc is created when innocent skin cells get into the line of fire. Once it's in your body and you have a bad reaction the only thing that actually works is to shut down your autoimmune system which can be done with a strong dose of steroids like prednisone. Sure, step one is avoid the plant, step two is, if you get into it wash as soon as possible. Once you skin breaks out, go to step three, see the doc, you don't need to suffer for a week or more and risk secondary infections.

Dogwood
05-22-2013, 08:56
Oh another note. I was exposed to Poison Ivy by walking through a ankle high field of it barefooted in shorts along the Delaware RIver. After 2 days with no sign of a allergic reaction I thought I was in the clear. As someone else said only after about 3-4 days did I develop a rash. I got it bad that time.

Ewok11
05-22-2013, 08:59
My grandma always put clorox on it. I won't directly advocate such an approach but I will say it always worked for her and on us as children.

Dogwood
05-22-2013, 09:11
Bleach on skin that's experienced a Poison Ivy allergic reaction can result in scarring. I was an idiot. I did that and still have the scars on one leg to prove it.

moldy
05-22-2013, 09:25
Don't put bleach on your skin. Ever. It will have no effect on poison ivy. Try howling at the full moon. It's safer and will have the same result as bleach.

WingedMonkey
05-22-2013, 09:28
Tecnu lotion & scrub most pharmacies carry it. Can't beat it

Tecnu cleanser works well to get the urushiol off of skin, if you do it early enough. When you look at the ingredients label, the first ingredient is deodorized mineral spirits.

tiptoe
05-22-2013, 10:06
+1 on Technu. It really does work. Rub it over all affected parts as soon as you can, then rinse.

perrymk
05-22-2013, 10:18
I am susceptible to poison ivy and it seems to have gotten worse with age. Here is some of what I do.

Tecnu
The cleanser (soap) I use to help prevent poison ivy. Rinse with cold water in the shower, apply technu over entire body, wait 2 minutes (count if you don't have a watch), rinse again. Repeat but only wait 1 minute. Then shower as usual, a little warm is OK but not hot. The object is to keep the pores closed and wash the urushiol off the skin.

Zanfel
The treatment I use if a rash develops. Relieves itching and shortens rash duration.
Zanfel is available at grocery store pharmacies or online. I sometimes find it on eBay for half the grocery store or other vendor’s price.

Calamine
Buy the liquid calamine lotion, not the cream. Let the pink part settle and pour off much of the water. This makes the calamine (pink part) thicker and makes it adhere better to the skin. Good for relieving itching and drying out the rash.
Available at most pharmacies including grocery stores.

Sumactin $40 for a 4 oz spray bottle.
Spray on itch relief. I get it online.

Antihistamine
I find an antihistamine helps with swelling.

Laundry
Wash items separate from non-contaminated items. Wash towels and bed sheets daily. Obviously, don't share towels or bed sheets (sleep alone).

jeffmeh
05-22-2013, 12:10
Regarding contagion, you can transmit the urushiol to others if you haven't successfully removed it. The weeping blisters are ugly, but not contagious.

Pedaling Fool
05-22-2013, 15:03
I'm probably splitting hairs here, but PI is not contagious. It would be like saying that pollen is contagious because someone went outside got covered in pollen, brought it inside and infected a room full of allergy-prone individuals. Now if the rash caused others to get sick, then you can say it's a contagion...



BTW, I went back out there and found another varient of the PI.

http://i1128.photobucket.com/albums/m484/76gunner/Posion%20Ivy/001_zpsfc2c9612.jpg (http://s1128.photobucket.com/user/76gunner/media/Posion%20Ivy/001_zpsfc2c9612.jpg.html)




That's the part sticking out from the brush, which comes from deep in my wildlife sanctuary:D, so I'll just have to live with it. This is where it goes and only wildlife goes in there.



http://i1128.photobucket.com/albums/m484/76gunner/Miscellaneous%20Garden%202013/006_zps28dbb5a3.jpg (http://s1128.photobucket.com/user/76gunner/media/Miscellaneous%20Garden%202013/006_zps28dbb5a3.jpg.html)



http://i1128.photobucket.com/albums/m484/76gunner/Miscellaneous%20Garden%202013/012_zps0b6b50d7.jpg (http://s1128.photobucket.com/user/76gunner/media/Miscellaneous%20Garden%202013/012_zps0b6b50d7.jpg.html)



http://i1128.photobucket.com/albums/m484/76gunner/Miscellaneous%20Garden%202013/018_zps6c5d2165.jpg (http://s1128.photobucket.com/user/76gunner/media/Miscellaneous%20Garden%202013/018_zps6c5d2165.jpg.html)


http://i1128.photobucket.com/albums/m484/76gunner/Miscellaneous%20Garden%202013/015_zps3c180c52.jpg (http://s1128.photobucket.com/user/76gunner/media/Miscellaneous%20Garden%202013/015_zps3c180c52.jpg.html)

jeffmeh
05-22-2013, 15:18
I'm probably splitting hairs here, but PI is not contagious. It would be like saying that pollen is contagious because someone went outside got covered in pollen, brought it inside and infected a room full of allergy-prone individuals. Now if the rash caused others to get sick, then you can say it's a contagion...


Yes, you are splitting hairs. :)

As I said, the urushiol can be transmitted from person (or object) to person. If I shook hands with the plant, and then with a person, the urushiol would cause a reaction if the person were reactive. The sores from the rash, even the weeping liquid, will not transmit the urushiol from one person to the next.

The Solemates
05-22-2013, 18:06
I get the stuff regularly....like 3-4 times a year. I react badly to it, but I've gotten were it doesnt bother me that much. Weird immune response I know. I guess Ive just learned to live with it.

There are 2 solutions to getting rid of it that I have found work best. None of the topical ointments really do anything for me. The best thing I have learned to do is to

1) literally burn (scald) it in a hot shower. I get it so hot it is very painful and do this 2-3 times over 2-3 days, but it really helps.
2) prolonged exposure to salt water at the beach (combined with abrasive sand and sun too) helps.

rocketsocks
05-22-2013, 18:14
I get the stuff regularly....like 3-4 times a year. I react badly to it, but I've gotten were it doesnt bother me that much. Weird immune response I know. I guess Ive just learned to live with it.

There are 2 solutions to getting rid of it that I have found work best. None of the topical ointments really do anything for me. The best thing I have learned to do is to

1) literally burn (scald) it in a hot shower. I get it so hot it is very painful and do this 2-3 times over 2-3 days, but it really helps.
2) prolonged exposure to salt water at the beach (combined with abrasive sand and sun too) helps.Your a bad ass dude! I don't believe i could knowingly stick my arm in scalding water...a second time!

Theosus
05-23-2013, 07:20
2) prolonged exposure to salt water at the beach (combined with abrasive sand and sun too) helps.

"Oh know! I'm getting poison Ivy Again! Time to head to the beach for the weekend!"
Sounds like a GREAT remedy!

SouthernPride
05-23-2013, 07:47
I wouldnt know, I'm not allergic. I slept in it once during boy scouts about 30 something years ago and had the most God awful reaction. Had sores everywhere, and I do mean everywhere. Since that day, I can touch it, cut it....no reaction. Guess my immune system said uh uh we got something for this crap. But everyone is correct, its the oil you have to get off, and not just your skin, it remains in the clothes too. Just remember..leaves of 3 let it be, berries white run in fright!

T-Rx
05-23-2013, 09:27
Yes, you are splitting hairs. :)

As I said, the urushiol can be transmitted from person (or object) to person. If I shook hands with the plant, and then with a person, the urushiol would cause a reaction if the person were reactive. The sores from the rash, even the weeping liquid, will not transmit the urushiol from one person to the next.

Well said jeffmeh. It is a misconception that the weeping liquid will spread the rash from one person to another or to different areas of the body. It is contact with the urishiol that causes a reaction.

Likes2travel
05-23-2013, 09:53
Probably not doctor recommended, but works great for me wth Poison Oak. Lacquer Thinner applied to a cloth and then rubbed over the spots where you are broken out. Burns slightly but after 3,4 treatments, its over with.

Ktaadn
05-24-2013, 00:14
Don't put bleach on your skin. Ever. It will have no effect on poison ivy. Try howling at the full moon. It's safer and will have the same result as bleach.
Dumping bleach on your skin is probably not a good idea but I always thought that swimming in a highly chlorinated pool helped when I was a kid.

haven't had it in over 20 years though. Maybe I'm immune now.

keepinitsimple
05-24-2013, 07:21
Tecnu is good stuff, so are RX steroids. To the comment about winter. The oil from vines can penetrate clothing, the hairs on the vines are deadly all year round by my experience. A good dose of an oral antihistamine will help you sleep and stop you from scratching at night good luck

Silent Stroll
05-24-2013, 10:19
My best cure is not scratching at it. I get it very easy even after a horrible event in childhood when I used it as toilet paper.
My best advice for not spreading it is Do not touch your shoes. Wash them down on the outsides.
As for bleach. The common misconception is to place a bleach wetted cloth on the exposed area for awhile. It's incredibly stupid. It will burn your skin. I tried to talk a friend out of doing it once. I lost. His reward was a patch scar on his arm that is 2 years old and going.

Adriana
05-24-2013, 22:30
There is only one thing that actually works. Prednisone. If the doc can start you with a shot then the pills where you take 6 the first day 5 the second etc. down to that last pill. All other products are whistling Dixie.
I agree on prednisone for a really severe case.

Clobetasole propionate is a prescription steriod cream that is very effective. Dawn detergent is a good alternative to Zanfel.

shelb
05-27-2013, 23:28
"Let's hope he washed his hands before taking a wiz.' <----been there,done that! not a pretty sight

I knew one kid who wiped his @$$ with it!

MyName1sMud
05-28-2013, 10:31
I'm one of the lucky few who don't get that stuff.

:)

Sir-Packs-Alot
05-28-2013, 11:44
I don't have anything to add to all the "treatment" info already posted - but as per the "identification" - I would like to add something. The "leaves of three - let it be" axiom is the BEST way to go. Even for very experienced outdoors people - the identification of poison ivy is more complicated than most people realize. Despite what you may think you know - poison ivy and poison oak are actually the exact same species of plant. When that plant grows in certain soil, water, alkalanity, mineral, sunlight conditions - it can come up looking like ivy (the pictures posted earlier in this thread). If it grows in OTHER conditions - it can come up with "oak" type leaves. BUT - the key here - is that it can come up looking like a VARIETY of leaf shapes in between these two as well - so the identification is far from clear cut. "Leaves of three - let it be". Also - As for those greyish "hairy" poison ivy vines that climb up trees and look lifeless without leaves (winter or not) ? ...DON'T touch them either. You can get the rash from these as well. Not everyone has an allergic reaction to the unseen oils (urshoil) that rub onto you from the plant. BUT one last thing is - with most allergies - an allergist can try to "de-sensitize" you to something you are allergic to by gradually increasing your exposure to it. BUT - With Poison ivy / oak .... the more you are exposed - the more likely you will be to start having an allergic reaction to it. (Many times you will hear folks say they could "roll around in it" as a kid - but have a bad reaction now as an adult)

volleypc
05-28-2013, 15:11
Any recommendations on the best way to get rid of Poison Ivy? I have suffered with PI most of my life. For whatever reason I am just really sensitive to it. The thing I have found that works the best by far is Jack Daniels. And no not internally. I rub it over the PI a couple of times a day and it dries it up in no time. This is especially effective if you get it right when it appears.

Pedaling Fool
05-29-2013, 19:26
Leaves of three... is a good rule of thumb, but it's also just that, a rule... I was checking out my tomato plants a few days ago and I saw a little seedling sprouting among them, and noticed it had Leaves of three. I let it stay because I like to ID a plant before I pull it; as I looked at it, it looked familar...long story short, it turns out it is a Spanish Needle plant, which is edible and a great pollinator attractor, so I'm glad I didn't pull it.



http://i1128.photobucket.com/albums/m484/76gunner/Spanish%20Needle%20Plant/003_zpsb5f8d179.jpg (http://s1128.photobucket.com/user/76gunner/media/Spanish%20Needle%20Plant/003_zpsb5f8d179.jpg.html)

http://i1128.photobucket.com/albums/m484/76gunner/Spanish%20Needle%20Plant/013_zps87ddf6ae.jpg (http://s1128.photobucket.com/user/76gunner/media/Spanish%20Needle%20Plant/013_zps87ddf6ae.jpg.html)

http://i1128.photobucket.com/albums/m484/76gunner/Spanish%20Needle%20Plant/011_zpsb7aedc4e.jpg (http://s1128.photobucket.com/user/76gunner/media/Spanish%20Needle%20Plant/011_zpsb7aedc4e.jpg.html)




Here's some pics of the "adult" Spanish Needle plant



http://i1128.photobucket.com/albums/m484/76gunner/Spanish%20Needle%20Plant/005_zpsb3ff8009.jpg (http://s1128.photobucket.com/user/76gunner/media/Spanish%20Needle%20Plant/005_zpsb3ff8009.jpg.html)
http://i1128.photobucket.com/albums/m484/76gunner/Spanish%20Needle%20Plant/008_zps5cc0c63b.jpg (http://s1128.photobucket.com/user/76gunner/media/Spanish%20Needle%20Plant/008_zps5cc0c63b.jpg.html)

HeartFire
05-29-2013, 20:50
1+ on the hot water - my dog got into PI, curled up on my bed pillows - I was covered . I'd get into the hottest shower I could manage - it makes it itch like crazy at first, but when you get out of the shower - instant relief for a long time. For small patches, (I had some later on my leg) I would hold my hot cup of coffee against it, or blast the hair dryer on the patch.
The funny thing is that in 30+ years as a nurse practitioner, I always advised patients not get get overheated - take cool baths etc. Boy was I dumb! heat is the best thing for itch relief - it causes a massive histamine release and then relief for hours.

The Solemates
05-30-2013, 13:03
I have suffered with PI most of my life. For whatever reason I am just really sensitive to it. The thing I have found that works the best by far is Jack Daniels. And no not internally. I rub it over the PI a couple of times a day and it dries it up in no time. This is especially effective if you get it right when it appears.

probably just the alcohol. rubbing alcohol would most likely have the same effect, but better since it has more alcohol in it. the whole point is to dry it all out. alcohol is good at this.

Ktaadn
05-30-2013, 13:20
Leaves of three... is a good rule of thumb, but it's also just that, a rule... I was checking out my tomato plants a few days ago and I saw a little seedling sprouting among them, and noticed it had Leaves of three. I let it stay because I like to ID a plant before I pull it; as I looked at it, it looked familar...long story short, it turns out it is a Spanish Needle plant, which is edible and a great pollinator attractor, so I'm glad I didn't pull it.

Do you realize you followed the rule by ...Letting it be?

I may have missed your point though...

Pedaling Fool
05-30-2013, 16:10
Do you realize you followed the rule by ...Letting it be?

I may have missed your point though...No, not the same -- I allow all unknown plants to grow.

I allow many plants to grow in my yard, many which others consider weeds, because acutally they are good for various things, but I only know this from not yanking them when I first find them and observe how they fit into my little eco-system.

However, there are a few (just a few) that I do consider a weed and poison ivy is one and I yank it out of the way when I see it. If I had deer around here I'd let it be and let them eat it.


One of my best weeds I've discovered is the Florida Betony (Stachys floridana) because it's a food source for so many pollinators as we come out of winter. If I were to yank that there'd be no food source early in the year when it's much needed. However, it's almost unanimous among growers that it's a weed, I disagree.


This lady found out the same thing I did: http://www.greenbasket.me/category/faith-and-food/


Excerpt:

When we moved into this house almost a year ago (a year!) I decided that the worst “weeds” in my yard were purple nut sedge and Florida betony. I spent countless hours digging the tubers and roots out by hand in my larger beds, pulling top growth constantly. I killed one established rose bush and two expensive golden rain tree seedlings with my vigorous weeding. Then we started sheet mulching, and though the deep sheet mulching suppressed the hated nut sedge, the Florida betony punched right through. There was nothing I could do except keep ripping out top growth- disturbing the sheet mulching layers would invite more weeds and grass to come through. One day my husband, ignorant of the war (http://www.greenbasket.me/2012/07/18/further-battles-in-the-nut-sedge-war/), commented “Those are pretty flowers, what are those?”

When we were walking around in the yard, checking on the plants. “Florida betony.” I gritted my teeth, angry that I had overlooked such a big clump. “Aren’t those native?” says my husband, knowing that I am pro-native plants. I made some noise of assent and we moved on.

Our mild, cool winter caused many of my plants to start shooting and budding early. Then in February we had our first hard freeze, and everything in my yard that was starting to bloom was frozen back… everything except the Florida betony. The Florida betony exploded into rapid growth, blooming like crazy despite the frost.

And the next sunny day, those small purple flowers were absolutely covered in bees. Big bees. Little bees. Bees everywhere.

So I left the betony alone in certain areas- around the front porch, along the edges of the food forest, around the duranta bushes that were struggling to come back after the hard frost in March. I realized that the Florida betony was the only plant of any number blooming in my yard. It was in fact, the major early spring food source for the bees until the citrus trees started blossoming.

zukiguy
05-30-2013, 21:33
2 years ago the southern half of the Smokies were infested with the stuff. Luckily on that section hike my allergies were already bothering me so I was taking Zyrtec or Allegra every day. As a result I didn't break out even though I'm sure I rubbed up against the stuff and definitely got my hiking poles in it.

I bought a tube of Zanfel based on some other recommendations via e-bay (about $16) but I haven't had to use it yet. Hopefully I won't ;-)

V Eight
05-31-2013, 10:04
In 1984, I was working weekends for a landscaper in Natchez, MS. I spent most of time doing ornamental pruning. It seems that the day before I arrived at the job, a crew had removed a pick-up load of PI out of a couple of huge Juniper bushes. In July in Mississippi, I would work all day in just shorts and boots. Long story short, I got covered. Like 85%/90% of my skin was affected. In 3 days, I went to the doctor who wanted to put me in the hospital. I told him that was not an option for a verity of reasons. Reluctantly, he started me on a treatment plan. He gave me 2 shots, a box of some kind of antihistamine (I think) samples and a scrip for a prednisone. Told me to get this oatmeal bath stuff from the pharmacy and soak in the hottest bath I could stand at least twice a day. I went back to him every 3rd day for 2 weeks. Each time he would give me a shot. I could not tell you what was in those shots nor did I care. He was the doctor and said when I was done taking the shots I would be virtually immune. It took me nearly 2 years to pay that Doc what he was owed, but it was probably some of the best-spent money in my life. To date I have not had the first bump (Knocking wood) in all this time. I have a great deal of respect for the “leaves of 3” family of plants. I know most of the variants out there, and just stay away when I see it. It looks like there is a bumper crop in GA this year, so it is nearly impossible not to at least be brushed by something. Be careful out there.

MyName1sMud
05-31-2013, 10:50
I have suffered with PI most of my life. For whatever reason I am just really sensitive to it. The thing I have found that works the best by far is Jack Daniels. And no not internally. I rub it over the PI a couple of times a day and it dries it up in no time. This is especially effective if you get it right when it appears.

Jack Daniels? Now this is something I can stand (or wobble) behind. ;)

But like I said earlier... I'm one of the lucky souls that can roll around in that stuff and never itch.

Astro
05-31-2013, 14:01
Jack Daniels? Now this is something I can stand (or wobble) behind. ;)

But like I said earlier... I'm one of the lucky souls that can roll around in that stuff and never itch.

That is what I thought until right before I started this thread. :rolleyes: Be careful your time may be coming.

MyName1sMud
05-31-2013, 14:06
That is what I thought until right before I started this thread. :rolleyes: Be careful your time may be coming.
I hear people eventually become allergic to it though most of family isn't allergic to it to this day. Two of the people being my grandparents who are 88 and 92.

That being said..... my Mom is so allergic to it that she can't stand down wind from the plant without getting it. So maybe my days are coming.... but lets pray not. :)

Dogwood
05-31-2013, 14:31
Tecnu cleanser.....look at the ingredients label, the first ingredient is deodorized mineral spirits.

Thank you for mentioning this. You reduced my ignorance today! I have concerns about applying this to skin as I think it's transdermal and even the deodorized MS can affect people with its vapors. Technu cautions against applying this product to oozing or broken skin too.