Genus: Toxicodendron
Common name: Toxicodendron radicans. Rhus radicans. Poison Ivy.
Family: Anacardiaceae
“Leaves of three, let it be.” Anyone who has experienced the allergic reaction of severe itching and blistering rash after contact with poison ivy will not soon forget it. The uncomfortable poison ivy rash is caused by the plant’s sap which contains urushiol, a clear oily substance that binds to the skin and other surfaces. Its painful effects are felt for 5 – 12 days, and severe reactions can last over a month. The blisters are not caused by poison ivy directly. Rather, the blisters are the body’s response as it tries to clear the irritant. If the plant material is burned and the smoke inhaled, there is danger of severe lung pain and respiratory distress. Repeated exposure to poison ivy results in an increased allergic response. Even dead leaves and vines can cause a reaction, and if the oil remains on unwashed clothing, doorknobs, and other surfaces, there is high risk of a prolonged allergic reaction. It is important to immediately and thoroughly wash anything that may have come in contact with poison ivy.
Rhus toxicodendron is an important homeopathic polycrest remedy with a particular affinity for the joints and muscles, nerves, and skin. It is useful for Parkinson’s disease, arthritis, overexertion of muscles, back pain, an aching influenza, and shingles. It can be used to ease the effects of poison ivy and poison oak exposure, if the symptoms match. Ailments are worse after becoming wet or cold. There is often physical and mental restlessness, impatience, and irritability. There may be a craving for cold milk. Rhus tox is known as the “rusty gate” remedy because there is an initial stiffness or achy pain that is better with continued motion. An unusual symptom is a white coated tongue with a red tip.
Keynotes:
- Restlessness, cannot sit still, has to move painful parts or change position
- Restless sleep, cannot get comfortable, restless legs in bed
- Anxiety for own children, apprehension at night
- Stiffness – physical, emotional, or mental
- Rigidity, fixed ideas, superstitious, ritualistic or compulsive behavior
- Low back pain, sciatica, cervical stiffness
- Arthritis, rheumatism
- Injuries to muscles and tendons, strains and sprains, tendonitis, bursitis
- Influenza with aching and restlessness
- Mumps with hard, swollen glands
- Herpetic eruptions on genitals or inner thigh
- Itchy vesicles from eczema, shingles, poison ivy or poison oak, chicken pox
- Chilly and sensitive to cold
- Worse getting cold and wet
- Worse from cold, wet, cloudy, foggy weather
- Worse from drafts
- Worse in the morning on rising
- Worse from over-exertion
- Desire to stretch, better from motion
- Better warmth, heat, hot shower or bath, warm drinks
- Desire for cold milk
Information contained on this site is for educational purposes only and should not be used to prescribe, diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or illness. Any information provided is not intended to replace medical advice offered by a physician. If you desire or need such advice, you should consult a professional healthcare provider.