Rash decision Q: Is there a natural way to treat poison ivy? JVW: The itchy rash associated with poison ivy is actually an allergic reaction to a chemical called urushiol present in the sap of the plants. Several years ago a team of researchers found that a combination of three nutrients -- the amino acid tyrosine, niacinamide (a form of vitamin B3), and vitamin B6 -- can help alleviate allergic reactions. The researchers tested this trio on 492 individuals suffering from several different types of reactions -- hay fever, allergic headaches, and "poison oak" (which is very similar to poison ivy). Subjects with mild to moderate cases took between 200 and 600 milligrams of tyrosine along with10 to30 milligrams of niacinamide and 2.5 to 7.5 milligrams of vitamin B6 four times daily. Those dealing with more severe cases were given1,200 milligrams of tyrosine along with 60 milligrams of niacinamide and 15 milligrams of vitamin B6 four to six times daily. The study participants reported that their itching seemed to be under control within four to 16 hours and that their hay fever symptoms, allergic headache, and poison oak were completely better in two to five days. Although there weren't any reports of side effects of any type, the research did note that symptoms were sometimes aggravated in the first few days -- especially in chronic disorders. They also emphasized that the treatment only worked if all three nutrients were taken at the same time Although apparently harmless, these are very large quantities of tyrosine for a 24-hour period, so not many of the people I've worked with have tried this treatment. But those who have all say it's helped, from a little to a lot. The only side effect I've heard of is insomnia from larger quantities, particularly if the person takes the combination late in the evening. | 
