Poison Ivy

Rhus radicans

Boundaries, Balance

Poison ivy, native to North America and known for causing itching on contact, is a vine with clusters of three leaves on the end of stems. The tip of each leaf is pointy. The plant is green in summer, and frequently turns red in fall, which makes it easier to identify. It can grow as a vine on trees and other vegetation, and can also grow as a single plant. Urushiol oil, which causes a rash and itching, is though out the plant, not just on leaves. Recovery can take from one to three weeks; a severe reaction will require medical treatment. Poison ivy is not toxic to deer, who may eat it as a source of food. Jewelweed is a natural remedy to poison ivy rash.

How are you at setting boundaries?  Poison ivy teaches us that having boundaries is healthy, and when you allow others or events to push or exceed your boundaries, you can get very itchy.

Poison ivy grows as vines and as plants, showing us that things toxic to us can come in any shape or size.

Some people are very sensitive the the oil in the poison ivy plant.  Are you having reactions to what others are saying?  Know that you have your own truth and others will always have opinions and thoughts that may or may not align with who you are and how you think. Let your opinion of yourself be dominant in your experience.  

Nature gave us a plant that causes an uncomfortable rash, and also a plant to counteract the irritating oil.  In this way, poison ivy is an example of how we can look at two sides of an issue, and how balance in our lives is important. If you're encountering poison ivy, meditate on what areas of your life could use more balance.

Myth: A poison ivy rash is contagious.
Truth: Human reaction is only to urushiol oil.
Myth: Some people are very sensitive to poison ivy and some are immune to the effects of the oil.  Truth: People's sensitivity to poison ivy can change over time.