Gastropod Should You Be Eating Poison Oak?
9 snips
Jul 8, 2025 
Jeff Horwitz, a Wall Street Journal reporter with a flair for the unusual, shares his wild experiment of consuming poison oak to build immunity. Alongside Noam Hassenfeld, they discuss the surprising culinary potential of this notorious plant. The duo dives into the humorous and perilous world of foraging, poking fun at the absurdity of trying to eat your way to immunity. They also explore the controversial views on poison oak consumption and unravel historical treatments for poison ivy, blending science and adventure with a side of humor.
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Jeff's Rash-Filled Foraging Experience
- Jeff Horwitz regularly gets poison oak rashes from foraging chanterelles in poison oak habitats.
- He developed a tolerance through repeated exposure despite the painful effects.
Precautions for Eating Poison Oak
- Avoid direct contact with lips and anus when ingesting poison oak to prevent serious reactions.
- Use straws and take showers after bowel movements to mitigate itching and irritation risks.
Jeff's Gradual Poison Oak Experiment
- Jeff started with small doses of poison oak tea and leaves, gradually increasing consumption.
- He experienced diminished rash severity and believes he achieved partial immunity.