Or anyone that may have any suggestions! :)

I have a friend who is an avid gardener, well she had an alergic reaction to something and her hands have a rash and are itchy. She wondered about herbal remedies. My only suggestions were the usual benedryl(sp?) and a cornstarch or oatmeal paste.

-- Patty (SycamoreHollow@aol.com), July 02, 2002

Answers

Hey, Patty! I take it your friend doesn't know for sure what has caused the reaction? Does she think it could be poison ivy? If that's a possibility, Jewelweed is really great for PI. She should be able to find Jewelweed growing in any moist area; ditches, creek banks, etc. To use it, pick a "branch" and mash the whole thing to make a thick paste. You can add a little water if needed. Apply that directly to the skin. If it's something else, the Jewelweed may still help or Calendula cream would be really great. There are other products at the health food store. Find out if she has Rue, any Artemsias or Pennyroyal in her garden. From what I understand, these plants can cause a pretty nasty reaction to certain people, especially touching Rue while in full sun. If she needs help id-ing Jewelweed or has other question, just let me know. We're getting ready to have another thunderstorm so'll I'll check back again later! :o)

-- Bren (wayoutfarm@skybest.com), July 02, 2002.

Oh no she knows about about the plants you mentioned, AVID gardener! I'll mention them just in case though. She couldn't figure what it was, but working outside weeding all day she thinks it in all likelyhood a contact allergic reaction. I forgot all about the jewelweed! I'll recommend the Calendula, thanks! Wonder if she could make her own? She's actually a very good net buddy, and lives waaaaay north Canada, this may be a stupid question, but do they have Jewel weed there? I know gardening is a real challenge for her! Couldn't tell by looking at pictures of her gardens though. Anyway, thankyou again!!!

-- Patty (SycamoreHollow@aol.com), July 02, 2002.

My field guide to North American wildflowers says the range of Jewelweed is from Saskatchewan to Newfoundland south.... so, depending on just how far North she is, she should find it. Yes, she could make her own Calendula cream but to do it properly it wouldn't be ready in time to use for this ailment. She could try making a compress with the Calendula petals for now. I can look in different books if none of this helps her. Is she far away from stores and doctors??

-- Bren (wayoutfarm@skybest.com), July 02, 2002.

Plantain poultice might help too. (chew it up first)

-- Earthmama (earthmama48@yahoo.com), July 02, 2002.

Thanks! :-)

-- Patty (SycamoreHollow@aol.com), July 02, 2002.

The jewelweed might not be quite high/juicy enough yet. That growing along the creek here isn't well developed yet, and no flowers. Also,jewelweed really won't help much after there is a skin reaction. Usually have to wash with it just after the exposure.

I find that dabbing cider vinegar, ( I think white works ok too), on a rash takes away the irritation just as good and just as long as most anything else, and will dry the rash as well.

My grandson has a "mystery" rash. It has been going on for several weeks. Nothing is clearing it up, and the areas behind his knees and elbows are really awful. First thought it was poison, than chicken pox, than back to poison, but it doesn't act like anything I've ever seen before. It just will not "heal", or go away.

7YO granddaughter broke out with a rash over her neck, and belly today, and a touch on the top rear hips, then the youngest girl has turned up with it starting at her neck tonight.

I don't know if "we" are contagious or what the heck is happening!

-- Granny Hen (cluckin along@cs.com), July 02, 2002.

Oooh, thanks for reminding me about using cider vinegar for rashes, Granny Hen. I think I remember reading you can also use witch hazel like that. Another herb that's mentioned for rashes is Chickweed. Again, the cream is listed but a compress would be worth trying. Every part of the jewelweed plant has the "anti-poison ivy" agent, so I wouldn't worry about whether the plants are in bloom, although, the just-blooming tops ARE the most potent. And your oatmeal paste suggestion, Patty, might be just about the best idea. I ran across Oats in one of my Herbal Encyclopedias and it has some pretty amazing properties! I could post the info on a separate thread if anyone is interested.

-- Bren (wayoutfarm@skybest.com), July 02, 2002.

Must be driving you nuts Granny! So I would think, allergic reaction (contact or injested), viral, or pest. Have you given them benedryl? Maybe baths in cornstarch or like we were saying oatmeal, even epsom salts? Let us know. Poor things!

-- Patty (SycamoreHollow@aol.com), July 02, 2002.

Phil has posted the info from his CD about Oats over on Country Style. My book might have some additional info but I gotta run. We're visiting with family today.

-- Bren (wayoutfarm@skybest.com), July 03, 2002.