Oatmeal Bath

An oatmeal bath can be used effectively to treat poison ivy, eczema, hives, and any itching affliction.


How To Prepare and Perform An Oatmeal Bath

• One pound of uncooked oatmeal is tied loosely in a large piece of gauze and hung or held under the bathtub spigot in such a way that the water runs through the oatmeal, using the hot water first to soften the oatmeal and encourage the elution of the starch. 
• After the tub has been filled, the bag of oatmeal is left in the bath water, and the patient may use the bag to sponge the surface of the body. 
• One heaping cup of cooked rolled oats, ground fine in a blender, can be substituted for one pound bag. It is stirred  into the bathtub, or used in a whirlpool as it will not affect the agitator. 
• The patient should remain in the tub for 20-30 minutes or longer and finish by patting dry according to the method given for the alkaline bath.
• Dr. Thrash of Uchee Pines recommends that the patient should use this treatment once or twice a day for one to two weeks or until symptoms subside.

How To Prepare a Soda Bath or Alkaline Bath

An alkaline or soda bath is used to treat drug reactions, poison ivy, itching, ezcema, hives, bee stings, ant stings, heat rash, sensitiveness to plants or chemicals, sunburns, and other general skin conditions. The baking soda used is said to have a slightly anesthetic property.

The following procedure is followed to prepare and carry out a soda bath:-

• Add about one cup of baking soda or commercial grade sodium bicarbonate to a full tub of water, approximately 20-30 gallons at 94° and 98°.
• Make the patient sit in the tub,and with a cup, dip the alkaline water onto the knees, shoulders, and abdomen, so that the water continually bathes all portions of the skin.
• Let the patient sit in the bath for30 minutes to an hour if necessary. When the time is up, the patient should stand in the tub for a few seconds to allow the excess water to drip from the skin.
• the skin should be patted dry, or the patient allowed to sit on the edge of the tub or on a stool until the skin is entirely dry. A heater or electric fan may hasten the drying process.

Poison Ivy Remedy Video

This is a video exercept from Making Herbs Simple that gives a demonstration on how to prepare herbs to treat Poison Ivy. The ingredients used are plantain, jewel weed and aloe vera gel.