Hobbies And Interests
Poison Ivy
Poison ivy is most common to the east of the Rocky Mountains; the plant grows as a vine or small shrub, often at or up the base of a tree. The leaves on poison ivy plants grow in distinctive clusters of three although the edges of the leaves are often serrated or smooth. Poison ivy contains the oil urushiol, which is responsible for the rash and irritation the plant causes in humans. Urushiol is present in every area of the plant, including the berries, stems and leaves.
Poison Oak
Like poison ivy, poison oak contains the oil urushiol, which causes irritation in humans. Unlike poison ivy, poison oak grows only west of the Rocky Mountains. Poison oak is one of the causes of allergic contagious dermatitis (ACD), and its leaves grow in clusters of three, five or seven. The edges of poison oak leaves are always smooth, and poison oak usually grows as a shrub. eMedicineHealth estimates that about 15 percent of people are immune to poison oak although serious reactions are common in those sensitive to it.
Poison Sumac
Poison sumac is common only in wet areas in the Southeast. Poison sumac also contains urushiol; it has smooth leaves and no hair on its stems. Poison sumac usually has seven to nine leaves per stem and can grow alongside small trees. Poison sumac grows only as a bush and often blooms into small white flowers. These flowers result in small berries but should never be consumed by humans.
Stinging Nettle
Despite the irritation it can cause to skin, stinging nettle was used as a medicinal plant in medieval Europe, and it is still an option for easing joint pain and osteoarthritis. The plant itself has small hairs along the leaves and stems that are painful to the touch, but they also release poisonous oils once they are in the skin. This can cause a skin rash and small blisters. Stinging nettle will likely cause severe irritation if contacted in nature, so always buy an extract, supplement or tincture form of the plant if using it as a natural treatment.