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.







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