cover of episode Should you be eating poison oak?

Should you be eating poison oak?

2024/9/18
logo of podcast Unexplainable

Unexplainable

Chapters

Jeff Horwitz, a Wall Street Journal reporter, attempts to develop immunity to poison oak by consuming it. He questions the conventional wisdom of avoiding the plant and explores online forums where people claim success with this unconventional method.
  • Poison ivy, oak, and sumac rashes are a leading cause of disability for firefighters.
  • Conventional advice is to avoid poison oak, but some claim eating it can build immunity.
  • Urushiol, the chemical in poison oak, causes allergic reactions in most people.

Shownotes Transcript

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?

For show transcripts, go to vox.com/unxtranscripts)

For more, go to vox.com/unexplainable)

And please email us! [email protected])

We read every email.

Support Unexplainable by becoming a Vox Member today: vox.com/members)

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices)