It is unfortunate that some of the most attractive plants that grow in
woods, ivy, oak and sumac, for instance, are poisonous in their effects.
They act differently, however, on different people, for some seem not to
be susceptible under any circumstances, while others are poisoned by
simple contact with clothing that has touched the noxious plant. The
remedies likewise do not in every case affect people with the same
degree of success.
Various remedies are used in case of poisoning from ivy. The affected
parts may be bathed with water in which hemlock twigs or oak leaves have
been steeped. Fresh lime water and wet salt are likewise recommended.
Spirits of niter will help to heal the parts when bathed freely with it.
Another suggestion is to bathe the poisoned part thoroughly with clear
hot water, and when dry paint the place freely three or four times a day
with a feather dipped in strong tincture of lobelia. A similar
application of fluid extract of gelsemium sempervirens (yellow
jessamine) is likewise very effective.