Poke Weed Cure for Poison Ivy, Oak and Sumac
Poke weed root cures poison ivy and poison oak and poison sumac. Note
my word: cures.
Pull up a large poke root, remove excess dirt, put into a large pot and
cover with a lot of water. Start with two gallons. Bring water to boil
and keep at a boil for about thirty minutes, more or less. Let cool to
room temperature/warm. Pour boiled water into the bathtub (in my
childhood we used a washtub outside) and add enough water from the
faucet to cover the affected body parts. The individual sits in this
concoction and endures a brief burning sensation on the body parts
covered with the poison ivy, oak, sumac.
CAUTION: /this is never used above the shoulders except by experienced
individuals. Never!/
One gets out of the tub and stands in place until the body dries
naturally---takes awhile.
The poison ivy, etc. is gone and most often does not return that season.
/To be noted and paid attention to: the boiled poke root must be
discarded in such a place that animals cannot get to it. We buried it,
but today, put it into a covered container with tight-fitting lid and
take it to the dump.
The pot in which the poke root was boiled has to be dealt with, too:
fill to the brim with water, bring to a boil, uncovered so it will take
awhile, and boil the water in the pot for ten minutes by the clock.
Discard water, wash the pot as usual.
Back to Grandma's Cooking Corner
Back to Duplin County Page