Rhus tox - Boericke & Tafel, Nature's Way

From Rhus toxicodendron, poison ivy, a North American species. The homeopathic remedy is made from the fresh leaves, which are very poisonous if touched, although some people are immune to them. Traditonally Rhus tox. is used to relieve stiffness, whether physical, mental or emotional.

Constitutional indications:
None in particular, beyond a lack of flexibility in mind and body.

Mental symptoms alleviated
Bursting into tears for no particular reason; restlessness, nervousness and irritability; depression or thoughts of suicide; deriving little enjoyment from senses; great mistrust of, and fear of being poisoned by, drugs and other remedies; dreaming of strenuous physical exercise.

Physical symptoms alleviated
Dizzy feeling, as if brain were loose inside head, made worse by walking or standing up; head feels heavy, as if hung over; high temperature, accompanied by delirium and confusion, brought down by sweating; fever brought on by a chill; eczema, in which skin is red, swollen and blistered, and burns and itches; patches of red skin, with clear demarcation line between red areas and unaffected areas; eyes swollen, brimming with painful tears; eyelids stuck together; sensitive scalp; violent throbbing sensation in nose, which is blocked in evening; dry, fissured tongue, brownish with red tip; jaws which make a cracking sound when chewing; teeth which feel loose or too long; bitter taste in mouth; swollen throat; irritating cough, which wears off when talking or singing; stiff, painful muscles which seize up with rest but loosen up with exercise and heat; stiffness in lower back; numbness in arms and legs; stitching pains made worse by cold and damp; craving for cold drinks; nausea and vomiting; drowsiness after eating; in women, early periods, which are heavy and prolonged, or burning pains in vagina, made worse by heat; bedwetting; passing large quantities of urine; frothy, smelly diarrhoea, without abdominal pain; abdominal pain relieved by lying prone.

The above symptoms are generally improved by keeping on the move or changing position frequently, and staying warm and dry. They tend to be aggravated by rest, starting to move after rest, taking clothes off, cold winds and thundery weather; they also intensify at night.

Complementary remedies
Bryonia, Calcarea carb., Phytolacca.

Antidoting remedies
Anacardium, Croton.

Incompatible/inimical remedies
Mezereum, Graphites, Apis.

Rhus Toxicodendron is commonly known as poison ivy and is well known worldwide for the rash that forms when its oil rubs on the skin. Over the centuries it has been used to aid disorders such as paralysis and rheumatism. If it is used neat (and not diluted) symptoms such as a rash, nausea, fever, delirium, swollen glands, and ulcers may result.

Homoeopaths use Rhus Toxicodendron to treat conditions that may be accompanied by a fever, restlessness, and swollen glands. Rhus Toxicodendron was made as a remedy by recognizing the reactions of healthy individuals to undiluted doses. The changes in the individuals were recorded.

When a Homoeopath sees a patient with a set of similar symptoms to the recorded ones induced by sulphur, they then prescribe it in an extremely dilute form. In a highly diluted dosage, Rhus Toxicodendron can eliminate the symptoms that it creates when it is at full strength.

Cautions:
Do not take this product for pain for more than 10 days (adults) or 5 days (children) unless directed by a doctor. If pain persists or gets worse, if new symptoms occur, or if redness or swelling is present, consult a doctor because these could be signs of a serious condition. Do not give this product to children for the pain of arthritis unless directed by a doctor. As with any drug, if you are pregnant or nursing a baby, seek the advice of a health professional before using this product. Keep out of reach of children.