Rhus Tox

Poison ivy, one of homoeopathy's best-known remedies, traditionally used for stiff, aching joints and muscles that loosen up with movement.

Rhus toxicodendron is the poison ivy of homoeopathy, a climbing or trailing plant of the cashew family from North America, with leaves in threes that turn red and orange in autumn. Its sap contains urushiol, which causes an intensely itchy, blistering rash on contact. Homoeopathy uses it only in specially prepared form.

Homoeopaths turn to Rhus tox for stiffness and aching in joints, tendons and muscles that is worst on first moving and eases with continued motion, and worse in cold, damp weather. It is also traditionally used for strains from overlifting, restless aching with fever, and itchy, blistering skin eruptions.

• Stiff, aching joints
• Sprains and strains
• Back stiffness
• Aches with fever
• Itchy, blistering rash