Rhus toxicodendron

Rhus toxicodendron is a homeopathic remedy that is also known by the shortened name 'Rhus Tox'.

It is typically used to treat conditions affecting joints and / or itchy rashes or other skin conditions.

Examples of conditions for which rhus toxicodendron has been found to be helpful include:

• chicken pox
• exhaustion
• fever
• injuries to joints
• joint stiffness and pain, especially if eased by gentle motion
• headaches, especially if induced by changes in weather conditions
• insomnia
• itchy rashes
• mumps
• restlessness
• sprains and strains
• sore throat
• swellings

More about the substance used to prepare rhus toxicodendron homeopathic remedy:

The homeopathic remedy rhus toxicodendron is derived from the 'poison ivy' (common name) plant which is native to North America and also found in some parts of Asia. Note that, despite its common name, poison ivy is not a true ivy (i.e. it is not a plant of the genus Hedera).

There are many varieties and sub-species of poison ivy. They all have woody stems and deciduous trifoliate leaves whose colour develops from light green (spring) to darker green (summer) then finally to various shades of red during the autumn.

A sketch of some leaves of this plant is shown belowon the left.

The remedy is prepared using the leaves and stalks of the poison ivy plant.

Homeopathic preparations are usually supplied in either liquid or pill form. Regardless of the physical form in which the remedy is taken, its preparation will have involved a series of dilutions during which the original substance was repeatedly diluted and succussed (shaken) in a solvent such as water and/or alcohol.