Rhus Tox is the acronym for Rhus toxicodendron. It is one of the most popular homeopathic medicines. It is made from the leaves of poison ivy plant (a North American species). Poison Ivy is abundantly found in Canada and the United States. The leaves are "poisonous" to the touch. However, the purified leaf extract is used to treat different ailments. Different potency or dilution of Rhus Tox is used to treat gout, sprain, sore throat, strain, muscle stiffness, tendinitis, and arthritis. Some homeopaths recommend Rhus Tox along with Arnica Montana (homeopathic formulation).
In the 18th century, a French physician noticed that his patient’s skin problem disappeared when he accidentally used poison ivy extract. Later, the physician began using poison ivy to treat paralysis, skin ailment, and arthritis. Swedish botanist Karl Linnaeus used poison ivy for coughs and throat infections.
The leaves of poison ivy are collected at night, just before the flower blooms. Chopped leaves are grinded. Later, the pulpy mass is soaked in alcohol. The solution is filtered and diluted with 99 parts of distilled water or ethyl alcohol. The resulting liquid is shaken vigorously to get the desired strengths. After dilution, the toxic urushiol (found in poison ivy) becomes neutral.
Different potency starting from 6c to CM are readily available at homeopathic pharmacies. However, 30C and 200C are widely used. Repeated lower potency is used to treat acute conditions. Higher potency is recommended to treat chronic conditions. It is always better to consult a good homeopath before taking the dose.
Rhus Tux is recommended for people who are :
Effects on Musculoskeletal tissues : Physical and mental stiffness can be relieved by Rhus Tox. It relives pain associated with sciatica, strains, neuralgia, backache, rheumatism arthritis, lumbago, muscular pains, frozen shoulders, and sprains.
Effects on Skin : Rhus Tox is used to treat eczema, chicken pox, urticaria, shingles, dermatitis, allergies, herpes, rosacea, hives, itches and diaper rash. It is used in the treatment of blistered skin and sensitive scalp. Rhus Tox cures cold sore or oral herpes appearing around mouth and chin. It heals burn, cut, ulcer and surgical wound.
Effects on Nervous System : Rhus Tox can be used to treat dizziness, anxiety attack, restlessness, apprehension and depression. It cures viral fever, dengue fever, frontal headache, runny nose and watery eyes.
Effects on Female Reproductive System : It is a common remedy for menstrual pain(abdominal cramps). Rhus Tox is the primary remedy for vaginal pain (vulvodynia).
Skin : Rhux Tox contains toxicodendric acid (a volatile toxic compound). It may cause dermatitis upon contact with skin. Adverse symptoms include fever, nausea, swollen glands, and open sores.
Eyes : Direct eye contact can cause inflammation accompanied by yellow pus. In severe case, cornea begins to swell.
Nose: Super-sensitive individuals may experience swollen nose , ulcer attacks, and occasional nosebleeds.
Head: Many experience itchy and sensitive scalp accompanied by throbbing headaches. The pain starts in the forehead and spreads backward. Sometimes there may be discharge of pus from the ears.
Mouth: Rhux Tox may cause facial edema (swelling) in cold weather. Other symptoms include: fever, blisters, sore throat, difficulty in swallowing, cracked tongue, ulcerated gums, and loose teeth.