Wild Parsnip...I was just saying...

In a previous post I talked about safety and proper dress for foraging.

So now I'm here to talk to you about the effects of wild parsnip and sun exposure on skin.

Specifically on the face.

Let me preface this by saying I was at work on a very hot day.

I was dressed properly (hat, gloves and long sleeved shirt)

and I know better.

Sadly, it still happened.

I wiped my face with my wild parsnip soaked shirt.

At first I felt an odd stinging sensation on my face and neck.

Kinda like when you spray bug spray directly in your face.

After rolling around on fiberglass.

3 hours later my face was very flushed and becoming puffy.

(Regular flush for my right side...abnormal flush on the left)

The area around my wrist 

(where I touched my wrist to take the other glove off)

started to blister.

Thankfully...it was the only place to blister.

Two days later (and after regular intervals of Benadryl oral medication), 

I woke up and my eye was almost closed.

My face had become numb and my forearms were on fire.

Ok.  It was at this point that I acknowledged I am not Wonder Woman

and went directly to the clinic.

By the time I had been seen by the doctor, gawked and by nurses and

ogled by the pharmacy staff...I felt like I had leprosy.

But by then, I had prednisone...so I was past caring.

Even a seasoned forager can succumb to the horrible effects of poisoning by plant.

I have had several bouts of poison ivy.

Mostly while clearing out our property.

I can honestly say this type of reaction is WAY worse.

I think this reaction was worse because by now...the plants are in full flower.

I have been hand weeding these suckers at work for the past two and a half months.

No adverse reaction.

Or perhaps it was because I had a weak moment.

And forgot my shirt was coated in wild parsnip juices.

Either way...I'm on the mend.

Safety and Foraging

I recently heard about a young boy who went into the woods with friends.
It was a beautiful weekend...
He ran around, digging up stuff...as boys do...
As boys SHOULD!
But the lesson he learned that day he will not soon forget.
Wild parsnip can and will burn and blister your flesh...
and they won't wait until they are in bloom to do so.
(it's when the plant's juices come into contact with sunlight and your skin)

Sure there is a veritable grocery store waiting to be discovered in the woods.
But there are just as many plants in the woods that will harm you if provoked.

So it prompted me to write this post about foraging safety.

CLOTHING

First thing I always tell folks is DRESS PROPERLY.
I'm not talking about the latest in Mossy Oak camouflaged gear.

-long sleeved shirt (protects the arms)
-long pants (protects the legs)
-sturdy shoes/boots (protects the ankles and feet)
-gloves (for safe handling of all plants)
-bug hat/jacket (for your sanity, not coolness)

VERY IMPORTANT:  If you are going to be in an area known for ticks...
tuck your pants into your socks.

And a walking stick...very important...

ACCESSORIES

Some handy items to bring along.
They aren't all necessary...but certainly handy!
You'll probably want to bring a backpack or a jacket with big pockets,
just in case...

-camera (for identifying without destroying)
-baggies (for safe transport of goodies, without cross contamination)
-cell phone (with GPS and compass for your safety)
-pliers
 (in our area there is loads of bush fencing leftover from previous settlers...
we've snagged our pants more than once)
-wild plants identifying book (not required but handy)
-a friend or two (because foraging is better with friends! also safety in numbers)
-map of the area (if possible...mark landmarks on the map)


If you are still a little nervous about foraging on your own....bring along an experienced forager.

(Did I mention my services are available for just such an occasion?)