Old-timey Cures
The local farmer’s cure for both poison ivy and chigger bites is buckhorn plantain (Plantago lanceolata), a “white-man’s footprint” weed that escaped Europe. First, pick a fistful of fresh leaves, clasp hands, and roll the vegetation into a little green wet mass. Then lift the rounded ball between fingers and rub the crushed greenery over offending itchy blisters until the affected skin is reasonably agitated. When finished, wait about a minute or two until a yellow-tinted watery exudate appears. Repeat the beginning steps with fresh material and gently wipe away any remaining exudate. The best part is that you get to scratch during the remedy!
Broadleaf plantain (Plantago major) was used as a poultice, and was known by its Ukrainian moniker “bobka.” To stanch a cut, first cover the wound with a spider web. Next place layers of whole bobka leaves over the afflicted area, then bandage. Periodically change the dressing. In boots, bobka provided blister control. For an ulcer, bobka was employed as a cooked potherb much like spinach, although I cannot vouch for its efficacy.
Chiggers and poison ivy are now commonplace in western Atlantic County, both were rarely encountered during the 1960s. My first real case of chigger bites occurred during 1978 when a senior in high school. Poison ivy and ground hogs were almost unheard of until the ‘80s. Be warned, my wife can twist-up the buckhorn plantain’s wiry flower stalk and snap-off its bullet-shaped flower head with deadly accuracy.
Spung-Man
