Leaf It Alone

This rhyme warns about poison ivy, a vine that grows in wooded areas. Those “leaves of three” contain an oil called urushiol (yoo-ROO-shee-ol). If you touch poison ivy, an itchy red rash can appear right away or within a few days and last for 2–3 weeks.

God created plants on day three of creation week when everything was perfect. Then Adam and Eve’s sin brought thorns, stinging plants, and poisonous vines into the world. But just because humans have a reaction to poison ivy’s oil doesn’t mean the plant is all bad. Many animals, like deer, eat the leaves, and other small animals find shelter in the vines. We can be thankful that God has a purpose for everything he created—even things that aren’t safe for humans in a fallen world.

4 Ways to Ditch the Itch

1. Learn to identify poison ivy so you can stay away from areas where it grows.
2. Wear long sleeves, pants, and socks to protect your skin when hiking through wooded and weedy areas.
3. The rash spreads easily, so don’t scratch it.
4. If you come in contact with poison ivy, wash the area with soap and water as soon as you can. This can prevent or help limit the oil’s effects.