We love a kale salad, folks. That is especially true when pomegranate arils, pears, pecans, and and maple tahini dressing accompany nutritionally dense kale. You get a nice balance of sweet and tart flavors with varying textures. We are talking about sweet, tart, salty, nutty, and creamy and crunchy. And the maple tahini dressing ties everything together, making this the perfect kale salad for the holiday season.

This kale salad, as you can see in the picture, requires some serious chopping skills. Chopping the kale thinly helps break down the fibrous nature, which makes for a more enjoyable eating experience. Just make sure to remove the thick stems and massage the leaves prior to slicing the leaves thinly. That will really help to break down the fibrous texture. Additionally, the pears are cut into matchsticks, but you can cube them or slice them thinly. Whichever type of cut you prefer is the exactly the way to do it!

We love salads that have multiple textures and layers of flavor. What ties everything together, much like the rug in The Big Lebowski, is the creamy maple tahini dressing. The nutty tahini makes this dressing incredibly luxurious and you get a little zing from the apple cider vinegar and sweet hint of maple syrup. It is a dressing that you can enjoy not only on this salad, but on other salads also. If you find a salad that works with this dressing, be sure to reach out and lettuce (wink wink) know about it!

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A sore throat can be very uncomfortable and, more than anything, you want it to go away before the symptoms start to get worse. The primary symptoms of a sore throat are pain and irritation, especially when swallowing. When the immune system encounters bacteria or viruses, it inflames the mucous membranes in the throat. 

What Causes A Sore Throat?

A sore throat involves scratchiness, pain, or irritation in the throat. It is usually attributed to a viral infection, such as a cold or flu, and it usually resolves on its own. Strep throat, however, is a less common type of sore throat that requires treatment with antibiotics to prevent serious complications. Typically, bacterial infections do not cause sore throats as much as viral infections do. 

This article details eight natural remedies that may help reduce pain associated with sore throat. Possible remedies include honey, lemon water, peppermint tea, herbs, and more. Continue reading to see which remedy is best for you. 

Apple Cider Vinegar

The Ancient Greek physician Hippocrates prescribed a combo of honey and apple cider vinegar, oxymel, to help treat flu symptoms, including sore throat. Apple cider vinegar is a natural health tonic that is a common ingredient in various alternative medicinal remedies. The active ingredient is acetic acid, which works to fight bacteria. Drink one cup of warm water mixed with one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Don’t just take shots of apple cider vinegar, as that can lead to acid reflux. 

Gargle With Salt Water

Gargling with salt water is a classic remedy for relieving sore throat pain. The salt works to pull water out of the throat tissues, which may help reduce swelling. It may also help to kill harmful microbes in the throat. Combine one cup of warm water with one teaspoon of salt and stir to dissolve before gargling. Try to gargle for 30 seconds once per hour. 

Licorice Root

Licorice root exhibits similar properties to aspirin in that it may help reduce sore throat pain. It also offers antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. At this time, there isn’t a lot of research about how licorice root may relieve sore throat pain. One older study, however, found that gargling with licorice water before surgery reduced the risk of getting a sore throat by 50%, compared to gargling with standard sugar water. 

Ginger Tea

Ginger is an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory spice that works to soothe an upset stomach and relieve throat pain. Some laboratory studies found that ginger extract may kill certain viruses and bacteria that cause respiratory illnesses. Ginger may also reduce inflammation in tuberculosis patients. Although ginger tea is readily available in most grocery stores, you can easily make your own with boiling water, raw ginger root, a squeeze of lemon, and some honey for sweetness. 

Marshmallow Root

Throughout history, people have used extracts from the marshmallow plant to treat sore throats. The root contains mucilage, a gelatin-like substance that lubricates and coats the throat after you swallow it. According to research, lozenges containing marshmallow root were effective at soothing dry cough in animals. You can make marshmallow root-infused water by placing one ounce of marshmallow root in a cheesecloth inside a bottle with one liter of cold water. 

Honey

Typically used to sweeten herbal teas, honey may help soothe a sore throat on its own. Honey contains anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties that may help combat viruses or bacteria. It is especially effective when you combine it with warm water and apple cider vinegar. For the best results, opt for raw organic honey or Manuka honey, as those are the purest forms. 

Coconut Oil

What is this popular skin and hair care ingredient doing on a list of ingredients that help remedy sore throat? Well, some studies suggest that coconut oil may fight infection and reduce inflammation in exposed areas. Coconut oil works to lubricate mucous membranes in the throat, which may provide mild relief from irritation. Add a spoonful of coconut oil to hot tea, soup, or put a spoonful in your mouth and allow it to melt and coat the throat. 

Lemon Water

Not only is lemon water a refreshing beverage, but it may also reduce throat pain that occurs during a cold or flu. Lemons are naturally rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants, which work to fight inflammation and oxidative stress. Lemon also helps to increase the amount of saliva that the body produces, which can help keep the throat lubricated. Maximize the benefits of lemon water by combining lemon with warm water and a little honey.

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The leaves are changing, the days are shorter, and the weather has a certain chill that seems to cut through your layers. You may also feel a slight tickle in the back of your throat, which can induce panic. There’s nothing quite like a cold threatening to mess with your plans and take you out of commission for a week or so. 

We’ve got you covered with a simple DIY throat spray made with all-natural ingredients. It may help soothe the pain of a sore throat and promote quicker recovery. The best part is that it only takes a few minutes to prepare. It goes great with peppermint tea, but you can use green tea, black tea, or even Throat Coat tea if you prefer those varieties and flavors. Continue reading to learn more about some of the ingredients. 

Szechuan Peppercorns

These peppercorns are commonly used in both Chinese cuisine and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Szechuan peppercorns contain anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce inflammation or irritation. Some studies found that compounds in these peppercorns exhibit antimicrobial effects, which may help combat viruses and bacteria. Finally, Szechuan peppercorns have a numbing effect, which may help relieve pain and discomfort, especially in the mouth and throat. 

Manuka Honey

Manuka honey exhibits antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and antioxidant properties. Researchers attribute these health benefits to the active ingredient: methylglyoxal (MGO). This is created in Manuka honey because of dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which is high in Manuka flowers. The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects offer relief from a sore throat. The honey can help fight against the bacteria that cause pain in the throat. In fact, research confirms that people who use Manuka honey have a decrease in the presence of Streptococcus mutans, which can cause sore throats.

Peppermint Tea

Hot herbal teas are great to consume when you have a sore throat. They promote hydration and offer soothing benefits. Peppermint tea is rich in polyphenols, a group of powerful antioxidants that help reduce inflammation. It also contains menthol, a compound that offers a cooling effect by interacting with calcium channels in the body. Some traditional medicinal practices used peppermint to treat various conditions, including symptoms of sore throat. 

Apple Cider Vinegar

According to studies in human cells, apple cider vinegar proved effective against E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. It also acted against methicillin-resistant S. aureus, which is a significant threat to humans. Laboratory studies found that apple cider vinegar exhibits antimicrobial properties against certain bacteria and yeast. Currently, however, there are not enough human trials to back up that statement. Although there is anecdotal evidence for apple cider vinegar reducing sore throat symptoms, scientific studies are necessary to prove its efficacy. 

DIY Throat Spray

Ingredients:

• 2 peppermint tea bags
• 1 teaspoon Szechuan peppercorns
• 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoons Manuka honey
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 3 drops peppermint oil
• 3 drops lemon oil
• 5 drops clove oil

Instructions:

• Bring one cup of water to boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Turn off the heat once the water is boiling and add the tea bags and peppercorns. Allow them to steep for five to 10 minutes. 
• Stir in the remaining ingredients and then pour through a fine mesh strainer and collect the liquid in a bowl or cup. Allow the liquid to cool. 
• Get two four-ounce glass spray bottles and divide the mixture between these two bottles, using a funnel to pour in the liquid. Screw on the tops and store in the refrigerator for up to one month.
• When ready to use, shake well and then spray towards the back of the mouth as often as needed.

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Welcome back to our kitchen! Today, we’re making a refreshing raw vegan apple cider vinaigrette that’s not only delicious but also packed with health benefits. Apple cider vinegar can aid digestion, support weight loss, and help regulate blood sugar levels.

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Homemade salad dressings are just the best! This vinaigrette, in particular, is vibrant in flavor and lightyears beyond any store bought variety. It is simple to make and provides a sweet and tangy flavor. You can use it in both sweet and savory applications. For example, you may pour it over a bowl of mixed greens and assorted veggies or a fresh bowl of fruit. It’s so flavorful, that you may just want to take a swig of it!

Poppy seeds do not typically make an appearance in our recipes. Some people only ever see these little seeds in lemon poppy muffins or almond poppy muffins. What purpose do they serve, though? First of all, they offer a subtle, crunchy texture and tiny pop in every bite. That makes for a pleasant contrast in every bite. Poppy seeds don’t have a strong flavor, but they do impart a subtle nuttiness, which complements the acidity of the orange and apple cider vinegar. Consuming poppy seeds, even in small amounts, can help increase your intake of iron, fiber, healthy fats, magnesium, and calcium.

Besides being visually stunning, this poppy seed vinaigrette is full of flavor. The brightness pairs beautifully with spinach, arugula, or mixed greens. You can also add mandarin oranges, strawberries, avocado, or peaches to the salad, as the dressing complements them. You can also use this dressing as a marinade, or you can drizzle it over roasted vegetables, just as long as you aren’t cleansing. We hope you like it!

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Clarifying is a process of deep cleaning the hair and scalp. It does not have to be difficult; rather, it is a simple process that calls for all natural ingredients. During this process, you use a clarifying shampoo or product to help remove dirt, product buildup, and other impurities on the hair and scalp. By breaking down all of this grime and buildup, you can assist the follicles with hair growth and encourage healthier hair. 

What Is Clarifying Shampoo?

This is a specially designed shampoo that aids the removal of dirt and product buildup on the hair and scalp. To be clear, clarifying shampoo is not a substitute for regular shampoo. That means that you should not use this daily, or even weekly. In fact, you should only use a clarifying shampoo once a month. In extreme cases, you can use it once a week. The clarifying shampoo in this article should be used when you have excess oils and residue on the scalp. 

It is very easy to develop product buildup on the hair and scalp, especially if you closely examine your hair care routine. Do you use moose, gel, hair spray, oils, masks, and more on your hair? What ingredients are in your hair care products? Over time, these things can build up on the scalp and negatively affect your hair. Chelating shampoos or hair clarifiers contain surfactants that remove impurities, cut grease, and residue left from hair products. Clarifying shampoos can also restore damaged hair from heat treatments, coloring, or perms. 

How Do You Make Clarifying Shampoo?

If you take a look in your pantry or cupboards, you probably have the few simple ingredients required to make a clarifying shampoo. One of the ingredients, which has many uses outside the kitchen, is baking soda. When you dissolve baking soda in water, you have the perfect clarifying shampoo. It can effectively remove oils, product buildup, and soaps, leaving your hair and scalp clean and healthy.

The second ingredient, which you undoubtedly have if you have used our cleanses, is apple cider vinegar. This powerful product is a common ingredient in hair rinses because it works to regulate pH levels. Some anecdotal reports suggest that apple cider vinegar may also reduce dandruff, remove product buildup, and reduce split ends. 

Homemade Clarifying Shampoo vs. Conventional Clarifying Shampoo

Essentially, a homemade clarifying shampoo and conventional clarifying shampoo serve the same purpose, which is to remove buildup from the hair and scalp. You can think of these shampoos as traditional shampoos on steroids. Homemade clarifying shampoo uses minimal ingredients and has the least amount of negative effects on the hair and scalp. Conventional clarifying shampoo can contain harsh, synthetic ingredients that dry out the hair and scalp of necessary oils, especially if you overuse it.

Homemade Clarifying Shampoo With Baking Soda

Ingredients:

• 1 cup warm water (warm water helps baking soda dissolve more quickly)
• 3 drops essential oils of choice
• 2 tablespoons baking soda

Instructions:

• Pour the water into a small bowl and drop in the essential oils. Mix well. 
• Add the baking soda to the water and stir with a spoon until the baking soda is completely dissolved. 

How To Use:

• When your hair is wet, distribute the shampoo evenly across the hair and scalp. Allow it to sit for five to 10 minutes and then rinse with warm water. 
• Follow up with a hair conditioner.

Homemade Clarifying Shampoo With Apple Cider Vinegar

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (with the “mother”)
• 1-2 cups warm water (use more for thicker and longer hair)

3 drops essential oils of choice

Instructions:

• Add all of the ingredients to a spray bottle, secure the lid, and shake well to combine.

How To Use:

• While your hair is wet, generously spray the mixture all over your hair and scalp. Use your hands to massage it into the scalp and hair strands. 
• Allow it to sit for three to five minutes before rinsing with water. Follow up with a natural conditioner if you wish.

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When you have a lot of rosemary on hand, you cannot simply make roasted chicken and potatoes for every meal. You can add rosemary to stocks, soups, or infuse it into oil, but eventually, you will tire of the herb’s flavor. Too much of a good thing is real…or is it? When you no longer want to enjoy rosemary in culinary applications, use it to make nourishing products for your skin and hair. 

Why Should You Use A Facial Toner?

Facial toner works to remove traces of grime, dirt, and impurities that remain in your pores after you wash your face. Adding a toner to your daily skin care routine can have a positive impact on the overall appearance and tightness of your pores. Turning back the hands of time? Although it isn’t the anti-aging secret of the century, facial toner does help to restore the skin’s pH balance, creating a smoother appearance and tone. 

Everyone can benefit from using facial toner, but people with oily or acne-prone skin benefit a great deal. The reason for this is because toner goes the extra mile to clean the gunk out of those pores. If you have acne-prone skin, though, consider a toner that contains salicylic acid. People with oily skin may benefit from toners that help to balance oil production. Continue reading to learn more about the ingredients in this homemade toner and how they benefit your skin. 

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a common ingredient in many DIY face washes, acne spot cleansers, and toners. At this time, there isn’t sufficient research or scientific evidence to support the use of apple cider vinegar for facial skin care. That said, there are many anecdotal reports that suggest it works wonders for the skin. Apple cider vinegar works to remove excess oil, dirt, and other debris from pores. When incorporated into a toner or cleanser, apple cider vinegar can aid your skin-cleansing efforts. Because it is an astringent, apple cider vinegar lends itself to toners, creating more even skin tone and tighter pores. 

Rosemary

Rosemary, specifically rosemary oil, acts as a refreshing astringent that helps to balance skin tone. Topical application of this oil can help decongest oily skin types and acne-prone skin, while simultaneously maintaining the skin’s balance. The antimicrobial properties of rosemary help to invigorate the skin and increase circulation to the skin’s surface, contributing to a more youthful glow. Rosemary works to hydrate the skin and control oil production, while also providing antibacterial properties that help to keep breakouts at bay. Additionally, the use of rosemary oil on the skin has been associated with less flaking and dryness. It is a common ingredient in skin care products because it encourages healthier skin tissues. 

Homemade Facial Toner With Rosemary

Ingredients:

• 2 cups water
• 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary
• 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

Instructions:

• Combine the water and rosemary in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and allow it to simmer until the liquid has reduced by half. 
• Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the liquid to cool before straining it through a fine mesh strainer and into a glass jar. 
• Pour in the apple cider vinegar and mix well to combine. 
• When ready to use, shake well to combine, dip a cotton ball or pad in the mixture, and gently pat your face with it to apply. 
• Leave for a minute or so and then follow with your favorite moisturizer.

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If you’ve perused the skin care aisle at any drugstore, you’ve seen bottles of toner. Typically a lightly-tinted or clear liquid, toner is a curious skin care product for many people. There are quite a few misconceptions about its purpose as well. Your reason for using toner depends on the type of skin you have. We are big fans of toner and what it can do for your skin. In this article we will explain how a toner benefits the skin, in addition to providing simple recipes for every skin type. 

What Does A Face Toner Do?

Simply put, toner removes any traces of dirt, impurities, or grime that remain in your pores after cleansing. When you incorporate toner into your skin care routine and use it regularly, you can improve the tightness of pores and overall appearance of skin. Toner also works to restore the skin’s pH level and smooths it out by refining any rough patches. 

Ideally, you want the skin to be at its natural pH as much as possible. The skin has an acid mantle, which is a protective layer on the surface, and it should sit around 5.5 pH. That is slightly acidic, but that is where the skin can function its best and renew itself. That said, toner doesn’t just help to balance the skin’s pH; rather, it also aids with: 

• Hydrating the skin: Spritzing toner on the skin helps to replenish moisture, but make sure to use it before moisturizing the skin.
• Helping other skin care products sink in: Toners help prepare your skin to optimally absorb other products in your skin care routine.
• Removing leftover dirt: Toners act like second cleansers, removing the remains of makeup and general grime that don’t get picked up when you wash your face. 
• Making the skin appear smoother: Apply toner with a cotton round to remove the buildup of dead skin cells, which can make the skin appear smoother. 

How To Make Your Own Toner

It is very easy to make a simple DIY toner for every skin type. If you’ve been looking for a simple toner that doesn’t upset your skin type, consider the following two-ingredient recipes. Let us know if one works for you in the comments below. 

Toner For Sensitive Skin

One of the best ingredients for sensitive skin is rose water, which exhibits powerful antioxidant properties that balance the skin. Rose water also replenishes the skin with moisture and offers soothing properties, making it great for those with sensitive skin. Because of its gentle nature, rose water makes for a great DIY toner. 

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup dried rose buds
• Hot filtered water

Instructions:

• Pour the hot water over the rose buds (enough to submerge them) and allow them to sit for one to two hours. 
• Use a strainer to separate the rose buds from the rose water. Pour the strained rose watering a spray bottle and use when needed.
• Ideally, spritz your face with this rose water twice a day after cleansing. Just store it in the fridge and use it within seven to 10 days. 

Toner For Dry Skin

If you have dry or dull skin, toner can help provide hydration. In the case of this recipe, the rose water helps to soothe the skin and even out skin tone. 

Ingredients:

• Rose water (see above recipe)
• Geranium essential oil

Instructions:

• Use the above recipe to make the rose water. Add three to five drops of geranium essential oil to the rose water and shake to combine. 
• Make sure to shake the bottle before each use. Store in the refrigerator and use within seven to 10 days. 

Toner For Oily And Acne-Prone Skin

Green tea, just like rose water, is rich in powerful antioxidants. It also exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce redness and acne. The apple cider vinegar works to restore your skin’s pH level back to normal. 

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup steeped green tea
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

Instructions:

• After you steep the green tea bag in hot water, allow the tea to come to room temperature before discarding the tea bag. Pro tip: place the tea bag on your eye if you need to reduce puffiness. 
• Pour the green tea and apple cider vinegar into a spray bottle, screw on the lid, and shake to combine. 
• To apply, you can either spritz the toner on your face or apply it to a cotton round and gently pat your face. Store it in the fridge and use it within 10 days.

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If your hair is as feisty as your attitude, it may require a detangler so that you can brush it with ease. The last thing you want to do is aggressively rake a brush through your hair, pulling out hairs and hurting your scalp in the process. Brush or comb through your hair with ease when you use an all-natural detangler, like the recipe detailed in this article. 

Why Make Your Own Detangler?

Not only is making your own detangler cost effective over time, but it also allows you to control the ingredients. Controlling the ingredients benefits you in two ways because you get to cater to your hair’s needs and avoid harmful chemicals. The average detangler that you find in the store contains some seriously problematic ingredients. Some of those ingredients are detailed below: 

• Dmdm Hydantoin: As an antibacterial formaldehyde releaser preservative, dmdm hydantoin is a known immune toxicant and allergen. 
• Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate: Strong evidence suggests that this human toxicant or allergen is also an environmental toxin. 
• Fragrance: When you see “fragrance” on a label, it means that the company doesn’t have to divulge what is in that signature blend. Typically, fragrances contain known immune system allergens or toxins. 
• Cetrimonium Chloride: This human skin toxicant or allergen, much like iodopropynyl butylcarbamate, is also a suspected environmental toxin.

After reading about all of those harmful ingredients, it makes sense to use natural ingredients that benefit the hair and skin. We’ll detail why the ingredients in this DIY detangler benefit your hair and skin below. 

Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil is a common ingredient on the lists of many eco-friendly hair care products. It works to give your strands a restorative boost, repairing breakage, soothing the scalp, and controlling dandruff. Jojoba oil actually moisturizes your hair from the inside out, sitting on the surface of the hair shaft. This seals in moisture, even when your hair and scalp are damp after washing. Jojoba oil also promotes thickness, due to its impressive vitamin and mineral content. Vitamins C & E, B-vitamins, and the copper and zinc in jojoba oil not only strengthen your locks, but they also promote thickness and regrowth. 

Apple Cider Vinegar

Why should you use apple cider vinegar in hair care products? Besides the researched health benefits, apple cider vinegar is an acidic substance, containing a good amount of acetic acid. Dull, brittle, or frizzy hair tends to be more alkaline or higher on the pH scale, so bringing an acidic substance into the equation can establish a healthier pH balance on the hair. Apple cider vinegar is also rich in alpha-hydroxy acid, which works to exfoliate the scalp and keep dandruff at bay because of its anti-inflammatory nature. 

Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender essential oil works to fight against hair loss by increasing circulation to hair follicles. In doing so, lavender essential oil helps contribute to stronger, healthy-looking strands. A lot of people commonly mix lavender essential oil with a carrier oil and massage their hair and scalp to encourage hair growth. Lavender essential oil also works to deep condition your hair, hydrating your strands to help you avoid brittle or frizzy hair. 

Cedarwood Essential Oil

Cedarwood essential oil is a common ingredient in both skin and hair care products. In cosmetics, cedarwood essential oil can help soothe inflammation and irritation on the skin. In hair care, cedarwood essential oil helps to cleanse the scalp, removing excess dirt, oily, and dry skin. It also promotes circulation to the scalp and tightens hair follicles, two actions that help stimulate hair growth. Preliminary studies show that cedarwood essential oil may also reduce thinning hair because it slows hair loss. 

DIY Hair Detangler

Ingredients:

• 1/2 ounce apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon jojoba oil
• 10 drops lavender essential oil
• 10 drops cedarwood essential oil
• 2-ounce glass spray bottle

Instructions:

• Pour all of the ingredients into the glass spray bottle, screw on the top, and give it a good shake to combine. 
• Make sure that the bottle is glass and not plastic because essential oils can erode plastic. Additionally, an amber glass is truly the way to go when dealing with essential oils. 
• Shake before each use. Enjoy!

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You spent a glorious day in the park, hiking with friends, or walking your dog and now you feel itchy and notice splotchy red bumps. Poison ivy, or poison oak or poison sumac, has claimed yet another victim. All three of those plants contain urushiol, an oily, allergy-inducing sap that exists in every part of the plant, including the leaves, stem, fruit, and root. 

How Does Poison Ivy Rash Develop?

Bumps, blotches, and a linear streak of swelling or blisters typically indicates a poison ivy rash. It’s also possible for the rash to be weepy, crusty, and painfully itchy. The rash may not appear right away, as it can take four to 96 hours to show up. That said, a rash can take up to two weeks to appear if it’s your first time being exposed to poison ivy. The reason for this is because the immune system has to develop an allergic reaction first. If the body has never encountered it, the rash will take some time to appear. 

Although the best way to deal with poison ivy is to completely avoid it, that isn’t always possible. Even if you wear clothing that protects every inch of your skin, you can still rub your clothes that have brushed up against it and develop a rash that way. It spreads easily, even from pets to humans, and you can see a rash from the original point of contact to the places that you touch. If you do end up with that characteristic poison ivy rash, experiment with the following home remedies to soothe your skin and accelerate the healing process. Before you experiment with them, though, make sure to clean the affected areas and wash clothing and pets with detergent or soap. 

Aloe Vera

This succulent plan houses a sticky gel when you break it open. This gel is a common treatment for minor burns, sunburn, and other skin rashes, including poison ivy. Aloe exhibits cooling and anti-inflammatory properties that may relieve the itchiness that accompanies the rash. Unfortunately, several studies found that aloe vera does not accelerate the healing process, but it does provide temporary relief from burning and itching. 

Baking Soda

Baking soda is another common home remedy for relieving itchiness, especially if it accompanies a poison ivy rash. Research notes that you can also use baking soda to soothe irritated skin from dermatitis, bee stings, and other rashes. There are two ways to use baking soda to help relieve poison ivy rash. The first way is to add about one cup of baking soda to a lukewarm or cool bath and soak in it for about 20 minutes. The second way is to mix baking soda with water to form a paste that resembles toothpaste. Apply that paste directly to the rash. 

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a common pantry staple that has uses in many culinary applications. Research also shows that it may have a place in home remedies because of the health properties it exhibits. Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial properties that may help reduce the risk of skin infections that result from scratching. Because apple cider vinegar is acidic, be careful when experimenting with it, especially if the poison ivy rash contains blisters. Dilute the vinegar with a small amount of water and dab a cotton ball into the solution. Dab it onto a small patch of the rash and if it doesn’t irritate the skin and stops the itch, it may be a viable remedy. 

Colloidal Oatmeal

For anyone with itchy skin or rash, a great option to soothe the skin is to soak in a bath with colloidal oatmeal for 10 minutes. Colloidal oatmeal is made from finely ground oats and, unlike traditional oats, it doesn’t sink to the bottom of the bath. Instead, colloidal oatmeal easily disperses throughout the water to coat the skin and relieve the itch. You can typically find colloidal oatmeal at drugstores. 

Witch Hazel

Made from the leaves and bark of the Hamamelis virginiana plant, witch hazel contains tannins that work to fight infection and reduce swelling. You can pour witch hazel in a small bowl, dip a cotton ball in the liquid, and then dab the cotton ball on the affected areas. It can be beneficial to place the witch hazel in the refrigerator beforehand for an added cooling effect.

Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol can effectively remove urushiol from the skin. Although this may not relieve itchy skin or other symptoms, it can help reduce the spread if you use it soon after exposure to poison ivy. Apply the rubbing alcohol to the affected area and then rinse thoroughly with water. You can also do the same thing to remove urushiol from your shoes.

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