About Anacardium – A Help for Poison Ivy

Anacardium

Semecarpus anacardium.  Anacardiaceae is a member of the sumac plant family with approximately 850 members which include various deciduous trees, shrubs and woody vines. The plant family has several well known members, our tasty pistachio, mango and cashews.

Also known as the marking nut tree.  The tree produces an ink which when exposed to air, is not easily removed and was used in marking clothes.  The tree is used commercially for food, oil and has numerous medicinal uses.  Medicinally, the cashew nut is used in homeopathy  and it is used extensively in Ayurveda.

Its common habitat are tropical and subtropical regions of the world.  However, it’s poisonous members: poison ivy, poison sumac and poison oak are well distributed throughout North America. The cashew family is closely related to these poisonous plants.  The plant emits urushiol.  The oily mixture is a powerful skin irritant.  In true homeopathic fashion, that which can cause symptoms, when prepared as a homeopathic remedy also has the power to cure.  If you have rubbed against this plant warrior you may benefit by using homeopathic anacardium, low potency such as a 30c potency.

Familiarize yourself with these plants, also  have your animals avoid them.  Learn how to identify poison ivy, oak and sumac.  This site has some good pics! : wildflowers and weeds