In an experiment involving brush clearing along the poison ivy-infested Mississippi River, participants were divided into two groups: one received poison ivy extract pills and the other received placebos. Remarkably, the majority of those who took the extract became largely immune to poison ivy, with only one or two exhibiting mild reactions. This suggests that poison ivy extract may significantly enhance immunity to this common allergen.
Probably not. But Wall Street Journal reporter Jeff Horwitz decided to try anyway, putting his body — and specifically his butt — on the line to answer a seemingly straightforward question: Is it possible to build up a tolerance to poison oak by eating it?
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