poison ivy/Impatiens remedy

[aphrk at Msu.oscs.montana.edu]

Indigenous North American peoples employed many different plants as remedies
against poison ivy, oak and sumac.  Grindelia robusta (which has lots of
sticky resins) was used in California, Lactuca canadensis latex was used by
the Menominees, and Impatiens capensis juice by the Potawatomis.  

According to Foster & Duke (A Field Guide to Medicinal Plants, 1990), it is
the mucilaginous stem juice of the plant (Impatiens) before flowering which
is most effective.  They cite a 1957 study by a physician who found it e
effective (in 2-3 days) in treating 108 of 115 patients.  Some people use
the leaf tea while others freeze it into ice cubes to put on the skin.

Crellin & Philpott (Herbal Medicine Past and Present, 1990) say that the
tannin is the most likely constituent which is responsible for the relief.
 
Robyn Klein
Herbalist