12 Home Remedies For Poison Ivy, Oak, And Sumac

The post 12 Home Remedies For Poison Ivy, Oak, And Sumac is available on http://totalsurvival.net

Get relief as soon as possible with these home remedies for poison ivy, oak, and sumac allergic reactions!

RELATED: How To Prevent And Treat Poison Ivy, Oak, And Sumac

In this article:

1. What to Do Before and After a Poison Ivy Encounter
   1. Prepare
   2. Learn How to Identify Poison Ivy and Other Poison Plants
   3. Learn First Aid and Home Remedy Application
2. Home Remedies For Poison Ivy Allergies
   1. Aloe Vera Gel for Poison Ivy Allergy Relief
   2. Baking Soda
   3. Oatmeal Homemade Remedy for Poison Ivy
   4. Apple Cider Vinegar
   5. Himalayan Crystal Salt
   6. Epsom Salt
   7. Banana Peel
   8. Potato
   9. Dawn Soap
   10. Turmeric
   11. Cucumber
   12. Tea Bags for Poison Ivy Allergies

First Aid and Home Remedies For Poison Ivy Allergies

What to Do Before and After a Poison Ivy Encounter

1. Prepare

Prepare for the changing seasons early! Before you know it, spring will be back, although winter is definitely in full swing… there’s no denying that!

My neck of the woods, the Lone Star state, is experiencing an extremely cold week. Heavy jackets, scarves, gloves, and winter hats are officially part of the Texan wardrobe—at least for now.

With old man, winter comes barren landscapes, for the most part. Before you know it though, spring and summer will be upon us and once again all plant life will be plush and green once more.

2. Learn How to Identify Poison Ivy and Other Poison Plants

But did you know some plants are actually very much alive and look much different in the winter months? The plants I am referring to are poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac.

Some people are highly allergic to these plants while others are not allergic in the least. Some do not recognize these plants in the winter months, therefore, walk among them only to break out in the terrible rashes these poisonous plants leave behind.

I know of a few people who have experienced severe rashes this winter due to these poisonous plants. Some were in total shock it was even a possibility in January.

3. Learn First Aid and Home Remedy Application

If you have had an unfortunate run-in with any of these three plants this winter, no need to worry. I have compiled a list of great home remedies for poison ivy, oak, and sumac which produced great results!

If you suspect contact with any of these three plants, wash the area with warm water and mild soap before the oils from the plant have had a chance to be absorbed into your skin. If a rash has already begun to develop, try any of these home remedies to help ease the itching, inflammation, and pain.

Home Remedies For Poison Ivy Allergies

Stay prepared with these 12 home remedies for poison ivy, oak, and sumac. In my research, I have found the following remedies have had the most successful results to treat poison ivy allergy.

1. Aloe Vera Gel for Poison Ivy Allergy Relief

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This wonderful plant is great for treating sunburns and other types of burns! It is also great for treating the rash caused by these poisonous plants.

Just split open the leaves and place the gel directly on the affected area. Aloe vera gel will relieve the pain and itching. If you don’t have an aloe vera plant, you can buy the bottled aloe vera gel at your local market and it will be just as effective.

Add ½ cup of baking soda in warm bath water and soak. You can also make a paste with warm water and apply directly to the rash caused by poison ivy, oak, or sumac.

2. Baking Soda

Add ½ cup of baking soda in warm bath water and then, soak. You can also make a paste with warm water and apply directly to the rash caused by poison ivy, oak, or sumac.

3. Oatmeal Homemade Remedy for Poison Ivy

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Make a paste of cooked oatmeal and apply it to the rash. This home remedy has great results because it helps draw out the toxins, therefore, relieving the pain and itching these rashes cause.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar

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Apply a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to the affected area. ACV has the ability to pull the poison from the rash.

You can also treat the affected area with a cotton towel soaked with warm ACV. Reapply to the skin as needed until the rash subsides.

5. Himalayan Crystal Salt

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This home remedy is especially effective for a rash caused by poison ivy. Poison ivy can cause the skin to become wet and inflamed.

Himalayan crystal salt dries out the skin, therefore, drying out a poison ivy rash. Make a paste out of purified water and Himalayan crystal salt and place it directly onto the rash.

You can also soak in a bath of warm water and a cup of Himalayan crystal salt for a ½ hour.

In need of some of these remedy products? Check out these options!

• Try adding Himalayan Crystal Salt to your bath for itching relief!
• Another soaking option is this Epsoak Epsom Salt!

6. Epsom Salt

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As with the Himalayan crystal salt remedy, Epsom salts dry out the blisters of a poison ivy rash. Add 2 cups to a warm bath and soak for 20 mins.

You can also soak a paper towel with warm Epsom salt and apply directly to the affected for 20 minutes.

7. Banana Peel

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This method is pretty simple. Just rub the inside of a banana peel on the affected area to help relieve itching and inflammation.

RELATED: Three Things That Can End Your Summer Fun

8. Potato

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Blend a raw potato in the blender or food processor. Apply the potato paste to the skin and cover area with plastic wrap to relieve itching. The starch from the potato also helps dry out the skin which promotes a quicker healing process.

9. Dawn Soap

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Apply dawn soap directly to the affected area. Leave on for a couple of minutes then wash off with cold water.

The grease-fighting action of dawn soap will aid in drying out the oils within the blisters of a poison ivy rash.

10. Turmeric

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Make a paste out of turmeric and lemon juice or rubbing alcohol. (All three of these ingredients aid in the drying out process of a blistering rash caused by poison ivy.)

Apply this paste to the affected area for about 15 minutes and wipe off. The color of the turmeric can yellow your skin but not to worry—it’s not permanent.

11. Cucumber

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Cut a cucumber into slices or make a cucumber paste (you can accomplish the cucumber paste by using a blender or food processor).

Apply the slices or paste directly to the affected area. Leave on for at least 15 minutes, then repeat as necessary.

12. Tea Bags for Poison Ivy Allergies

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I would personally suggest green tea or chamomile tea bags for this remedy. Seep tea bags for 2-3 minutes then once cooled completely, apply to the affected area for about 15 minutes.

Find out how you can avoid and treat poison ivy rash in this video from Mayo Clinic:

Some home remedies for poison ivy allergies work for others while some don't. What's great with these home remedies is they don't have side-effects (unless you have allergies with any of them), so there's no harm in trying.

These suggestions are not medically proven, though. So, if the rash continues (or gets worse), please seek medical advice or treatment from a medical professional.

Did you like our post on home remedies for poison ivy, oak, and sumac? If you have a home remedy you would like to share with us, please share with us in the comment section below!

Up Next:

• The Ultimate Guide to Poisonous Plants | Wilderness Survival Skills
• Medicinal Plants You Need To Make Natural Home Remedies
• 25 Surprisingly Simple Home Remedies for Cold and Flu

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***Disclaimer: The contents of this article are for informational purposes only. Please read our full disclaimer.***

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on January 11, 2017, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.

This Article Was First Found at survivallife.com Read The Original Article Here

Learn More Here: 12 Home Remedies For Poison Ivy, Oak, And Sumac

Cauliflower Soup Recipe

The article Cauliflower Soup Recipe Find more on: Total Survival

If you’re looking for a simple cauliflower soup recipe to make this fall – look no further! If you’re a fan of creamy soup but want a healthy soup recipe alternative, this is a great pick. This cauliflower soup recipe is a lot like it’s counterpart, potato soup, but it’s carb-free and tastes completely diet free. You can even make it add it to your list of paleo recipes if you eliminate the cheese. Make this simple cauliflower soup in just a few easy steps!

Cauliflower Soup Recipe

Recipe from Marin Mama Cooks

Ingredients

• 1 medium sized head cauliflower
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 quart (4 cups) low-sodium chicken stock or vegetable stock
• 1/2 cup finely grated or shredded Parmesan
• salt and freshly ground pepper

Step 1. Remove the leaves and thick core of the cauliflower then rinse thoroughly. Place inside strainer or colander after to let excess water drip off.

Step 2. Chop cauliflower into small pieces.

Step 3. In a large saucepan or soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté onion and garlic until softened (not browned).

Step 4. Add the chopped cauliflower and stock, then bring to a boil.

Step 5. Reduce heat and let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until cauliflower is soft and breaking apart.

Step 6. Remove from heat and puree the soup in small batches in a blender. Return pureed soup into the pot, then add the parmesan cheese and stir until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 7. Serve warm.

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Be prepared for lots of mmmmm’s and aahhhh’s!

That’s all, fellow homesteaders! Did you enjoy our recipe for cauliflower soup? Let us know in the comments section below what troubles you had or what you did differently when making your cauliflower soup. Do you have a favorite soup recipe that’s a staple on your homestead? Share it with us and we’ll give it a shot. We love doing DIY homesteading projects and becoming more self-reliant by learning more about how everything works around the homestead. That’s why Homesteading was created. We want all folks looking to lead a self-sufficient life, either on a homestead or in an urban environment, to come together and learn from each other! Of course, we welcome your help in creating a community of homesteaders. Come and share your homesteading tips and ideas, recipes and expect the best advice on self-reliance and homesteading trials from our team of long-time homesteaders, self-reliant wilderness, and preparedness experts. Want to write for Homesteading? Shoot us an e mail and make sure to stay in touch on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest!

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Originally posted on November 9, 2014 @ 6:31 AM

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Top Ways to Deal with Insects [Especially Mosquitos]

Top Ways to Deal with Insects [Especially Mosquitos] is courtesy of http://totalsurvival.net

Knowing how to repel pesky insects is an important tool to have in your back pocket and will be crucial in any survival situation. Of course, you can prep your survival kits with over the counter insect repellents but you are also risking many possible reactions to your skin and respiratory system due to the very harmful chemicals within most bug repellents. Luckily, some of the very best bug deterrents and bite treatments are natural, safe and have a much longer shelf life than store bought products. Let’s chat about some easy, inexpensive and effective ways to keep those bugs away from you and how we can treat the annoying bites than do manage to find you!

Best Ways to Avoid the Sting!

Essential Oils

A high quality and pure essential oil that is free of synthetic fragrances is a very effective and versatile tool for your survival kit, especially for warding off insects and soothing skin irritations and bites. Just a very small amount is needed (1-4 drops) and can be diluted in coconut oil (another natural bug deterrent) before applied to exposed skin. You can also use essential oils to make DIY bug sprays and skin soothing sprays with distilled water, a little witch hazel and essential oils. Here are some top oils you will want in your survival kit:

• Citronella
• Lemongrass
• Rosemary
• Eucalyptus
• Tea Tree
• Lavender

Plants

Essential oils are all derived from various parts of plants and trees so it would make sense that there are very effective plants to help deter insects. Keeping some potted plants and drying the flowers and stems are a great way to grow your stash. You can freeze dry them to keep the therapeutic benefits strong for many, many years. Allow them to soak in witch hazel and distilled water to create a gentle bug repellent spray. Some plants that are great for keeping bugs are bay:

• Bay leaf
• Catnip
• Wormwood
• Basil
• Marigolds

Some other really great natural deterrents to consider:

• Garlic: peel and let sit out. You can also rub your skin with garlic cloves or even eat extra garlic to change the scent of your own oils in your body
• Cedar Blocks: natural cedar blocks are really great at keeping bugs away. Keep a stash of cedar chips or blocks and using them indoors or outdoors will keep bugs turning in the opposite direction. You can refresh your cedar blocks with a natural cedar oil from time to time.
• Vanilla extract: when it a pinch, dab some vanilla extract on your skin or where bugs enter to keep them away

To Soothe Pesky Bites

Herbs such as lavender, chamomile and calendula are very good for reducing inflammation and redness. Seep them in some hot water and make compresses and apply to the bite as often as needed. Make sure the compresses are room temperature and not too hot for the skin. To help with itchiness, peppermint and lavender essential oil can help do the trick. Tea Tree oil is a great antimicrobial and can be applied to bites to help avoid infection from brewing.

When a big bite gets very inflamed or you feel other symptoms such as fever, chills or sweats, this is considered a medical emergency and you will want to seek medical attention. Bug bites can cause severe infections or allergic reactions and should be taken seriously. Avoiding these annoying little critters is not only helpful for your sanity but could very well save your life as well!

This Article Was First Found at survivallife.com Read The Original Article Here

Learn More Here: Top Ways to Deal with Insects [Especially Mosquitos]

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How to Can Food in 13 Easy Steps

How to Can Food in 13 Easy Steps See more on: http://totalsurvival.net

Need to learn how to can food? You came to the right place. All you’ll need is a pressure cooker and follow these 13 easy steps!

How to Can Food in 13 Easy Steps

Need a canning kit before you start? You’ll love this one.

Supplies:

• water bath canner
• canning kit
• canning scoop
• spoons knives etc.
• food to be canned
• other ingredients

Click here to buy our very own canning kit for beginners: The Can Do Canning Kit

NOW Watch This Video:

Steps are also written out below

How to Can Food in 13 Easy Steps

Step 1. Clean jars and lids with hot water

Clean your lids and jars first. Since we will be preserving food, cleanliness is a must.

Step 2. Preheat jars in boiling water

It’s not enough to wash your jars, to ensure that the food you will be canning lasts longer, you must also sterilize them.

Step 3. Prepare the ingredients

Prepare the food you are going to can.

Step 4. Remove jars from heat

Keeping your canning jars hot will keep them from breaking or cracking when you place hot food inside. You can keep the jars hot until they are ready to be filled by placing them upside down in a large pot with 2 or 3 inches of hot water. Bring the water to a boil and turn off heat. Leave the jars in the water until you need to use them.

Step 5. Add citric acid

Citric acid is something you can add to increase the acidity of food. Not only does it improve flavor and color but it also helps minimize the risk of growing bacteria especially when canning tomatoes. Get more information on citric acid for canning here.

Step 6. Pack the food

Fill each jar and make sure to leave the recommended head space. If you’re recipe does not have any recommended head space, leave ½ to 1-inch head space.

Step 7. Remove air bubbles

Remove air bubbles by running a non-metallic spatula around the inside of the jar. Also, don’t forget to wipe the rim to make sure there are no excess food.

Step 8. Seal the jars

Center the hot lid on the jar using your magnetic lid lifter and tighten the lid until fingertip tight.

Step 9. Lower jars into the water

Now that you have all the jars filled and sealed, lower them gently into the water.

Step 10. Fill canner with water

Fill your water bath canner with water. Make sure that the water is about one inch above the jars.

Step 11. Place the lid and start the process

Place the cover securely and start processing timer when the water begins to boil.

Turn the heat on high and allow steam to exhaust for 10 minutes. This pushes all the air from the canner. While waiting, check your recipe for how many pounds of pressure the particular food needs to be processed at and how long you need to process it. Be sure to adjust the numbers based on your altitude. Some manufacturers require 15 pounds of pressure when processing foods at 2,000+ feet above sea level regardless of what the recipe says.

Step 12: Remove jars and cool for 24 hours

Remove the jars using your jar lifter, making sure not to tilt them. Allow them to cool for about eight hours or more. You can leave the jars in your kitchen counter top overnight.

Once the jars have cooled, the seals should be sucked down and not pop up. Press the top of the lids to check whether they are up or down. Remove the screw caps and label each jar with food type and date.

When storing jars, make sure to place them in a cool, dark, dry environment. Avoid storing in direct sunlight or high humidity.

Step 13. Enjoy your homemade preserves!

Store them at room temperature until you are ready to use them!

That’s it! Now wasn’t that easy? Pressure canning is intimidating at first but once you get the hang of it you’ll be hooked!

Looking for a good kit to get you started? Check out our Can-Do Canning Kit Here:

Do you have any questions or comments? Leave them in the comments section below and I’ll be sure to get back to you.

Now that you can CAN, you’ll love this recipe.

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Originally posted on June 20, 2016 @ 1:00 AM

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