An essential oil is basically a liquid extracted from the stems, leaves, roots, bark, flowers or other parts of a plant. While they are called essential "oils", they are not as oily as you might think. Most of them are clear, but some oils such as patchouli, lemongrass and orange are yellow or amber in color. These oils are highly concentrated and offer some great benefits. Some essentials oils are great for different skin conditions, including poison ivy rashes.

Some Effective Essential Oils for Poison Ivy

Essential oils contain the true essence of the plant, and that is why their medicinal benefits are quite impressive. Here are some of the most effective essential oils to treat poison ivy rashes and other skin conditions.

1. Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil is one best essential oil for poison ivy because it not only helps accelerate healing but it also helps reduce itching and inflammation caused by poison oak. It contains menthol that relieves itching.

How to use: Take a tablespoon of salt and add it to a couple of cups of green clay. Add a few drops of peppermint oil to this mixture and add some water as well. Stir it well until you get a smooth paste. Apply this paste on your rash and leave it for half an hour to alleviate inflammation and itching.

2. Tea Tree Oil

You can use tea tree oil to accelerate healing. Use it when the rash has stopped oozing. It works great by healing from within first. It means that even if you think it is not working, you should persist with it for a few days to see results.

3. Lavender Oil

It has some impressive healing properties, but you should use it only after the blisters have opened. The main purpose of using lavender oil is to accelerate healing. You can apply lavender oil on your skin undiluted.

3. Roman Chamomile Essential Oil

Chamomile essential oil is just perfect for your skin. It has a soothing and calming effect on your skin and great for sensitive skin. It is among the best essential oils for poison ivy, but it is also great for inflammatory skin conditions, bug bites and skin allergies.

How to use: Add about 3 drops of roman chamomile oil to pure calendula gel. Mix it well and slather it all over the poison ivy rash for pain relief.

4. Myrrh Essential Oil

It is naturally hydrating and moisturizing and is an effective choice to treat poison ivy rashes. Thanks to its antiseptic properties, you can also use it for burns, minor cuts, bug bites, stings and allergic skin reactions.

How to use: Fill your bathtub with a tablespoon of coconut oil, 2 handfuls of quick oats, and 10 drops of myrrh essential oil. Soak in it for about 20 minutes to calm the rash.

5. Eucalyptus Essential Oil

It works quite like peppermint oil and effectively treats poison ivy rashes. Due to the presence of menthol, it relieves the itch and reduces pain as well. It has a soothing effect on the inflamed skin. If you do not have sensitive skin, you may even consider using it without dilution.

How to use: Take a large bowl and add a couple cups of cold water to it. Now, add 10 drops of eucalyptus oil to the mixture and stir well. Soak a clean washcloth in the bowl for about 10 minutes and then apply it directly on your affected areas. Change it when it gets warm.

6. Cypress Essential Oil

It has strong antiseptic properties that make it effective against poison ivy rashes. It is also an effective treatment choice for excessive discharge of fluids.

How to use: Simply dilute it with aloe Vera gel and apply directly on the rash to accelerate healing.

7. A Mixture of Essential Oils

While there are some great choices, you can also use a mix of essential oils for poison ivy. For this, you need 3 drops each of lavender oil, chamomile oil, helichrysum oil, geranium oil and cypress oil. Also, take a drop of peppermint oil, 2 tablespoons of distilled water, half teaspoon of salt, and two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. Mix all these ingredients and apply the mixture on your rash. You can also use a tablespoon of this mixture in a bath with 4 cups of cooking oats and half cup of Epsom salts for better results.

Other Methods of Dealing With Poison Ivy Rash

In addition to using essential oils for poison ivy rash, you can also try some other methods to relieve that itching sensation and inflammation. For instance:

1. Apply an icepack on your affected skin. You need to apply it for 10-15 minutes but ensure that you do not place it directly over your skin. Always wrap the icepack in a towel before application.
2. Take the inside of a banana peel and rub it lightly over your rash to get some itchy relief.
3. Try apple cider vinegar for its anti-inflammatory properties. Soak a brown paper bag in apple cider vinegar and then place it directly over your rash for relief.
4. Apply watermelon rind on your rash for relief. It works as a cold compress and helps dry out blisters.
5. A soak in an oatmeal bath will also help relieve itching. Simply grind a cup of oatmeal in your blender, put it into a small piece of cheesecloth, and then attach that cloth to the faucet of your bathtub. Let the tub fill first and then soak in it for half an hour for relief.
6. Except essential oils for poison ivy rash, alcohol also helps. Urushiol is the chemical causing the rash, but rubbing alcohol keeps it from penetrating your skin, which helps prevent spread of rash.
7. Baking soda works great to relieve itching. Simply, mix 3 teaspoons of baking soda and a teaspoon of water to form a paste. Apply it on the affected area to reduce irritation and itching.
8. Try Himalayan salt to treat the poison ivy rash. The condition causes your skin to become red and wet, but crystal salt can pull the excess poison and water from your body. Use purified water and salt to make a paste and apply it on your rash for effects.