If you've ever had the misfortune of developing poison ivy rash after a hiking or camping trip, you know how positively awful that rash can be. As soon as you wash the oil from your skin, clothes and gear, you can strop worrying about the rash spreading over your body or giving it to anyone else. Just so you know, even the liquid that oozes out of the blisters isn't contagious.

So what can you do to deal with the itchy, bubbling rash that you do have? There are many topical creams like Calamine lotion that can put the itchiness at bay, but when it comes to poison ivy, the quicker it heals, the better.

I found that pure tea tree oil works really well. It's all natural, not that expensive, and easy to find at most health food stores.

Want to know how to use it, then read more

Wash the area thoroughly with mild soap and water first. Let the area dry completely and then sprinkle a few drops of the tea tree oil directly on the infected areas. Use a q-tip to spread it around. Apply twice a day, and you should see the blisters disappearing and the rash clearing up.

Tea tree oil has drying properties, that's why it's also used to treat acne. It also has antifungal properties, so it's also used to heal minor cuts and scrapes, athlete's foot, and yeast infections.

Fit's Tips: If you can't find tea tree oil at a store near you, order 1 oz of tea tree oil from webvitamins.com for $5.25. It's got a distinctive lemon mixed with cedar like scent and so many uses.

Source and www.poison-ivy.org