I love being the the woods.
I easily hide amongst the leaves.
I change colors according to the season: red in spring, green in summer, and orange or bronze in the fall.
I am pretty annoying when you come in contact with me.
If you touch me, you may regret it 12-72 hours later.
Eighty-five percent of people I touch have a negative reaction to me.
That 85% can be stuck with me for 1 to 3 weeks–I am not a pleasant guest.
Animals do not react to me like humans do.
Despite being so nasty, I can have beautiful green and yellow flowers.
I contain a substance called urushiol.
I can cause itching, redness, swelling and blisters to those who touch any part of me.
I’m pretty famous. There is even a poem about me: “Leaves of three, let it be.”
If you burn me, I can cause major irritation to the eyes, skin, and throat, and cause breathing difficulty.
Who am I?
POISON IVY
Now that the weather is warmer, our romps outside increase. Hiking, biking, and excursions into the woods can be so fun! However, that outdoorsy pleasure comes with the risk of running into poison ivy. It lurks even in parks and backyards. So, while you are enjoying adventures outside, please remember: “Leaves of three, let them be.”
Have fun and be safe!
Contributor:
Acupuncturist, herbalist, Maya abdominal practitioner, and reflexologist Christina Morris is the founder of Element Natural Healing Arts. Writing about health and wellness gives her an outlet to express her care and concern for her beloved community. She believes everyone can achieve better health and happiness–emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually.