9 Top Essential Oils for Poison Ivy

Best Essential Oils for Poison Ivy Rash and Itching!

These essential oils for poison ivy can provide quick relief and relieve itching while promoting healing.

If you spend time outside working or playing, then you’ve probably had an encounter with poison ivy. Avoiding all parts of the plant is the best course of action, but that’s not always possible.

If you’re like 80 percent of people, touching poison ivy can mean a painful and itchy rash for up to two weeks.

Nature has provided several natural remedies, including essential oils for poison ivy.

These oils can promote healing, relieve itching, and reduce inflammation so you can get some relief.

There are several essential oils that you can use in DIY recipes for quick relief.  We’ll talk about the benefits of each oil, so you can choose the best oils for your needs.

Use these essential oils in one of the easy DIY recipes at the end of the post. You can use these home remedies for poison ivy several times a day, so you can get relief when you need it.

Why Does Poison Ivy Cause Itching?

Poison ivy is a plant that grows in most parts of the country. It has a compound called urushiol, which is what causes the rash and itching.

Urushiol is an oil that’s found in the plant’s stem, leaf, root, and flower, so it’s hard to avoid if you come in contact with poison ivy.

Most people are allergic to urushiol, but there are some lucky people who don’t develop a reaction.

The reaction from touching poison ivy is called contact dermatitis. It can cause redness, itching, and even blisters.

Since urushiol is an oil, it’s important to wash with soapy water after exposure. The sooner you can wash your skin the better. You should also wash clothing, tools that you used, and even your pet if he or she was with you.

The rash likely won’t start for 12 to 72 hours after exposure, so you may not know that you even touched poison ivy until the next day.

Some people have a poison ivy rash for two weeks. It will appear to spread, but that’s most likely due to the fact that it can take up to three days for the rash to fully develop.

If you experience swelling, especially on the face or eye area, or difficulty breathing or swallowing, get medical help immediately.

Safety First When Using Essential Oils

If you have never used a certain essential oil it is important to do a skin patch test prior to topically using! See my sections on topical use and other essential oil safety concerns:

• 8 Essential Oil Dangers and Risks
• How to Dilute Essential Oils for Topical Use
• Essential Oils that are Safe for Kids
• Essential Oils to Use During Pregnancy

Top 9 Essential Oils for Poison Ivy

#1. Lavender

Lavender EO has so many uses, so it’s often one of the first oils that people buy. It is a natural anti-inflammatory, so it can help reduce swelling.

Lavender is also a natural analgesic, thus it can help reduce pain levels. The smell is naturally calming, helping you to relax as well.

Plant Therapy Lavender Essential Oil | 100% Pure, Undiluted, Therapeutic Grade | (1 Ounce)

#2. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is also a popular essential oil, so most people have it.  It’s naturally antibacterial and antifungal, so it can help prevent a secondary infection.

Tea tree may also help relieve itching and speed up healing when used topically.

#3. Peppermint

Peppermint, like lavender, has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It can also help reduce itching, most likely due to its menthol content.

#4. Chamomile (German and Roman)

Both types of chamomile essential oil (German and Roman) are included in the best essential oils for poison ivy.

They are good for sensitive or irritated skin. Both oils are natural anti-inflammatories and can help promote healing for dry or itchy skin.

Plant Therapy Chamomile Roman Essential Oil | 100% Pure, Therapeutic Grade (1/6 ounce)Plant Therapy Chamomile German Essential Oil | 100% Pure, Therapeutic Grade (1/6 ounce)

#5. Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is a great oil for dry skin. As your poison ivy rash starts to heal, your skin will get dry and itchy. Use eucalyptus essential oil then to rehydrate your skin.

#6. Juniper Berry

Juniper berry soothes the skin and can relieve itching. It’s also antimicrobial, so it can help prevent a secondary infection.

#7. Myrrh

Myrrh is a great oil for inflamed skin because it’s a natural anti-inflammatory. It’s also an analgesic, so it can help reduce pain from the rash and swelling.

Plant Therapy Myrrh Essential Oil | 100% Pure, Undiluted, Therapeutic Grade (1/6 ounce)

#8. Pine

Pine is one of the best essential oils for poison ivy because it’s a powerful natural wound healer. It’s often used in soaps for skin issues, but you can use it diluted alone or with other oils in a poison ivy recipe.

#9. Geranium

Geranium EO is a natural remedy for contact dermatitis and allergic reactions. It can help prevent your body from releasing histamines and balance the immune system.

Plant Therapy Geranium Egyptian Essential Oil | 100% Pure, Undiluted, Therapeutic Grade (1/6 ounce)

How to Use the Best Essential Oils for Poison Ivy

Make a Compress

One of the easiest ways to use essential oils to naturally relieve poison ivy is to make a compress. A compress provides almost immediate relief, and it’s easy to make.

Combine 1 ounce of a carrier oil like fractionated coconut oil, grapeseed oil, or olive oil and 5 drops of essential oils.  Add this to a cup of warm water. Stir well.

Soak a washcloth or other small piece of fabric in the essential oil water, wring out slightly, and hold on the rash.  You can repeat this several times when the cloth gets dry.

Wash the cloth after each use.

You can do this a few times a day for relief.

Essential Oil Lotion

Make a quick and easy natural lotion by combining 5 drops of essential oils with an ounce of soft or melted coconut oil. Stir well.

Use as you would any lotion. Reapply as needed. You can put this in a container and take it with you for relief anywhere.

Essential Oil Spray

Make a spray for a quick and easy mess free relief. Store this in the fridge; the cooler temperature will feel great on your skin.

Ingredients

• 3 oz water
• 1 oz apple cider vinegar
• 1 oz oil (grapeseed oil or olive oil)
• 5 drops lavender
• 5 drops eucalyptus
• 3 drops peppermint
• 2 drops pine

Directions

Mix the oil and essential oils in a small bowl and stir well. Combine the water, vinegar, and essential oils blend in a spray bottle. Shake to combine.

Spray on your skin several times a day. This does smell strong, but the vinegar smell goes away in a few minutes.

Have you tried essential oils for poison ivy before? If yes, which ones?

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not intend to diagnose or treat any disease. It is always recommended that you seek the advise of your private medical doctor.