My last post reminded me of another remarkable phenomenon, which I think illustrates a Grander overall pattern in life. These tidbits are everywhere if you keep your eyes and mind open. I have a blog oriented toward survival and other related matters wherein I have referenced this phenomenon in another context.
But here, it takes on a special meaning.
I have had a life-long dread of poison Ivy. As a child I was afflicted with its associated rash and itch and quickly learned to recognize it in all of its mutant forms. It is a pretty plant, but the mere sight of it strikes an urgent chord within me--which has helped me avoid exposure many times.
Invariably, an outdoors-man in the South, such as myself will, regardless of all attempts to avoid the stuff, will occasionally brush up against the leaves or vines, before realizing what it is. If one can get to soap and water and alcohol quickly enough, the damaging alkaloids that are spread by the plant can be neutralized. However, this procedure is seldom expedient while in the field.
I believe it was my Mom or maybe my Dad, both of whom knew much of plant-lore, who told me of a ready remedy for exposure to poison Ivy. I have researched it and the remedy is backed by good science. Almost always, right alongside of Poison Ivy, grows another aggressive vine. The leaf structure even looks a lot like poison Ivy leaves. Instead of growing in the tell-tale Poison Ivy triplet leaf formation, this plant grows in leaf clusters of five.
This plant, formally called Jewel Weed, possesses potent medicinal chemicals, which if rubbed upon the suspected Poison Ivy exposed areas of the skin, will neutralize the dangerous oils. It will even help an already erupted rash of Poison Ivy or most other rashes or dermatitis to heal more quickly.
The plant is sometimes called Trumpet Vine, or erroneously, Orange Honeysuckle, because of the loud orange trumpet-shaped blossoms that will help you identify the plant. You may also find long hanging seed-pods at intervals along the vine of the plant. The flower does look somewhat like honeysuckle blossoms, but they are larger and more tightly formed--and orange or red in color.
This bit of information can save you from the rash caused by exposure to Poison Ivy. The active helpful ingredient is used in many medicinal skin creams. It is a powerful medicine. Isn't it strange that poison Ivy is seldom found growing without finding abundant amounts of Jewel Weed growing nearby? Go figure.
