Rhus Toxicodendron

Introduction of Rhus Toxicodendron

1. Common name: 

• Snowrose[1] 

2. Synonyms: 

• Poison oak, Poison ivy [1] 

3. Family / Group / Class / Order 

• Anacardiaceae [1] 

4. Habit and habitat / Description: 

• Rhus toxicodendron is a native medicine of North America, Canada and Georgia. 
• It is found in the forests of United States. 
• It is a deciduous plant, growing from 1 to 3 feet in height. Stem is reddish, branching and climbing by rootlets. Stem is red in colour. Leaves are alternate, ovate, pointed and downy (soft) beneath.  
• Leaves are three foliate. Flowers are small, greenishwhite and appear in June.  
• The whole plant has a resinous-gummy, milky, acrid juice.  
• It is externally poisonous.  
• Fruit is globular and of grayish colour. [1] 

5. Name of prover: 

• Dr Hahnemann in 1816 [1] 

6. Introduction and history: 

• It is a very important polychrest remedy.  
• The name ‘rhus’ means red, because its flowers and leaves are red in colour in autumn.  
• ‘Toxicodendron’ means poison tree. 
• It was used as permanent ink for marking clothes.  
• It was introduced in homeopathy by Dr Hahnemann in 1816.  
• It is a most valuable medicine of homeopathy.  
• Bryonia has almost identical symptoms, like Rhus toxicodendron. Hahnemann calls them ‘these two antagonistic sister remedies.[1] 

7. Parts used: 

• Mother tincture of fresh leaves gathered at sunset just before flowering time.[1] 

8. Active principles: 

• It contains toxicodendralis, urushiol, pheridic oil, fisetin, gallic and tannin acid [1] 

9. Preparation: 

• Mother tincture of fresh leaves gathered at sunset just before flowering time [1] 

Constitution of Rhus Toxicodendron

1. Physical make up of Rhus Toxicodendron:  

• psoric and tubercular constitutions.[1] 

2. Temperament of Rhus Toxicodendron: 

• Irritable [1] 

3. Diathesis of Rhus Toxicodendron: 

• Rheumatic and gouty [1] 

4. Relation with heat & cold : 

• Very chilly patient [1] 

5. Miasm: 

• Psora [1] 

Clinical conditions of Rhus Toxicodendron:

Abortion, Chilblains, Cough, Cyanosis, Dengue fever, Dysentery, Eczema, Enteric fever, Erysipelas, Eye and ear affections, Gout, Headache, Herpes zoster, Lumbago, Measles, Menstrual disorders, Neuralgia, Paralysis, Ptosis, Pyaemia, Restlessness, Rheumatism, Sciatica, Sprains [1] 

2. Sites of action / Pharmacodynamics of Rhus Toxicodendron: 

Joints, ligaments, fibrous Tissues, tendons, mucous membranes, lymphatic glands, skin, muscular tissues, nerves, Tissues, eyes, mouth, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, etc. [1] 

3. Causation (Causes / Ailments from) of Rhus Toxicodendron :

Slightest anger, cold, wetting head, using damp sheets,bathing in fresh or salt water, getting wet when heated, overstraining, overexertion, overlifting, raising arms high to lift things, drinking ice water, beer, bruises,getting wet in a rainstorm while sweating or when overheated. [1] 

4. Physiological action of Rhus Toxicodendron: 

Applied locally to the skin, Rhus toxicodendron is an irritant and causes itching and vesicular eruptions on the skin which may extend to the mucous membranes where it produces oedematous swelling, dryness, rawness and burning. 

When taken internally or inhaled, there are colicky pains in the abdomen worse at night, diarrhoea, tenesmus, bloody stools and urine, and fever which is often typhoidal or intermittent in character; pains of a rheumatoid type in fibrous structures, joints and lumbar region, ameliorated by heat and aggravated by rest. 

Fatal results have not followed any case of poisoning recorded. [1] 

5. Patho-physiological changes / Pathogenesis of Rhus Toxicodendron : 

It acts upon joints and produces irritation and inflammation. Also produces serous discharge in the form of evacuation or oedema. 

Acts on skin where it produces irritation and vesicular erysipelas, pemphigus and eczema. 

It acts on the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract, lungs, mouth,eyes and produces acute inflammation; also nausea, vomiting, enteritis, gastritis, pneumonia, stomatitis, conjunctivitis, etc. 

It acts on the lymphatic glands causing generalised inflammation. 

Acts on the tendons and muscles causing inflammation and rheumatic pains. 

Acts on the circulatory system where there is blood poisoning resulting in depression of the heart and pulse, and typhoid-like symptoms with depression of vital forces. [1] 

Characteristic Mental Symptoms (psychology) of Rhus Toxicodendron

• Delirium with fear of being poisoned. 
• Great anxiety towards the evening. 
• Extreme restlessness, with constant change of position. 
• Fear that he will die, desirous of die by suicide. Thoughts of suicide; wants to drown himself. 
• Sensorium becomes cloudy. Slow in answering. 
• Sad; patient begins to weep without knowing why. 
• Dreams of working hard, swimming, rowing, his daily occupation and of great exertion. 
• Full of sad thoughts; anxious, apprehensive, specially in the evening and at night. 
• Fretful, impatient, ill-humoured, easily vexed. 
• Forgetful, cannot remember the most recent events. Forgetful; difficult comprehension. Low, mild delirium [1]

Guiding Symptoms of Rhus Toxicodendron

1. Generalities for Rhus Toxicodendron: 

The effects on the skin, rheumatic pains, mucous membrane affections, and a typhoid type of fever, make this remedy frequently indicated.  

Rhus affects fibrous tissue markedly- joints, tendons, sheaths-aponeurosis, etc., producing pains and stiffness.  

Post-operative complications.  

TEARING ASUNDER PAINS.  

Septic conditions. Cellulitis and infections, carbuncles in early stages.[3] 

2. Head of Rhus Toxicodendron:

Listless, sad.  

Thoughts of suicide.  

Extreme restlessness, with continued change of position. Delirium, with fear of being poisoned. [HYOS.]  

Sensorium becomes cloudy. Great apprehension at night, cannot remain in bed.[3] 

3. Eye of Rhus Toxicodendron: 

Swollen, red, oedematous; ORBITAL CELLULITIS. Pustular inflammations.  

Photophobia; profuse flow of yellow pus. Oedema of lids, suppurative iritis. 

Lids inflamed, agglutinated, swollen. 

Old injured eyes. Circumscribed corneal injection. 

Intensive ulceration of the cornea.  

Iritis, after exposure to cold and dampness, and of rheumatic origin. Eye painful on turning it or pressing, can hardly move it, as in acute retrobulbar neuritis.  

Profuse gush of hot, scalding tears upon opening lids.[3] 

4. Ears of Rhus Toxicodendron: 

Swelling of the external ears (erysipelas). 

Yellow, thick discharge from the canal.  

Swelling of the glands beneath the ears. [4] 

5. Nose of Rhus Toxicodendron: 

Nostrils ulcerated, with discharge of offensive, purulent matter. External nose red and painful (erysipelas).  

Nose-bleed at night and on stooping. [4] 

6. Face of Rhus Toxicodendron: 

General pale, sickly look, with sunken eyes.  

Swelling of the face, with shining redness (erysipelas), with formation of vesicles.  

Swelling of the glands under the jaws.  

Lips cracked, dry covered with crusts.  

Vesicular eruptions around the corners of the lips, with biting soreness on touch.  

Cramp-like pain in the joints of the jaw, as if it would be wrenched out, especially when yawning. [4] 

7. Mouth of Rhus Toxicodendron: 

Toothache; shooting, jerking, evening and night teeth feel elongated and loose; usually (>) hot applications.  

The lower incisors become loose, so that she cannot bite with them. Tongue sore, tip red.  

Blisters on the tongue; coated yellowish- white at base; dry or with brown fur.  

General dryness of the mouth, with thirst. Salivation at times.[4] 

8. Throat of Rhus Toxicodendron: 

Symptoms of paralysis of the muscles of the pharynx, with dryness and inability to swallow on account of choking. [4] 

9. Stomach of Rhus Toxicodendron : 

Want of appetite for any kind of food, with unquenchable thirst. Bitter taste. [Cupr.]  

Nausea, vertigo, and bloated abdomen after eating.  

Desire for milk.  

Great thirst, with dry mouth and throat.  

Pressure as from a stone. [Bry.; Ars.]  

Drowsy after eating.[3] 

10. Abdomen of Rhus Toxicodendron: 

Violent pains, relieved by lying on abdomen.  

Swelling of inguinal glands.  

Pain in region of ascending colon.  

Colic, compelling to walk bent.  

Excessive distention after eating.  

Rumbling of flatus on first rising, but disappears with continued motion.[3] 

11. Rectum & Anus of Rhus Toxicodendron: 

Diarrhoea of blood, slime, and reddish mucus.  

Dysentery, with tearing pains down thighs.  

Stools of cadaverous odor.  

Frothy, painless stools.  

Will often abort a beginning suppurative process near the rectum. Dysentery.[3] 

12. Stool of Rhus Toxicodendron: 

Watery diarrhoea, (<)night, with colic.  

Diarrhoea of thin, red mucus or of bloody watery or jelly like mucus, even in voluntary at times, with tenesmus or pains in thighs.  

Diarrhoea alternating with constipation.[4] 

13. Urinary Organ: 

Frequent discharge of copious watery urine.  

Involuntary micturition when at rest.  

Urine dark, scanty, turbid, hot.[4] 

14. Sexual Organ: 

Prepuce swollen, inflamed, with moist eruptions.  

Scrotum swollen, thickened, with intolerable itching and moist eruptions.  

Menstruation early profuse and prolonged, discharge causes biting pain in the genitals.[4] 

15.  Respiratory System of Rhus Toxicodendron: 

Tickling dry cough in the evening until midnight, and again in the morning on waking; with stitches in the chest or pain in the stomach and perspiration; caused by tickling behind the upper part of the sternum.  

Cough shattering the head, (<) wet weather. 

Expectoration bloody. A feeling of constriction of the chest in the upper part. Stitches in the chest, (<) when at rest.[4] 

16. Heart & Pulse of Rhus Toxicodendron: 

Trembling and palpitation when sitting still; the body moves with each pulse.[4] 

17. Neck & Back of Rhus Toxicodendron: 

Pain in the nape of the neck as if it had been lying in an uncomfortable position.  

Pain in the back, with stiffness and tension, (<)cold,(>) bending backward.

Bruised feeling, in the sacrum when sitting as after long stooping. Stiffness of the sacrum. 

With the pain in the sacrum, wants to lie upon something hard.[4] 

18. Extremities: 

Tremblings and numbness, with weakness, stiffness and paralyzed feeling, with heaviness.  

Rheumatic gnawing pains, with desire to move the limbs frequently, which affords relief. Limbs on which he lies fall asleep. 

Numerous pains, tearing or drawing; (<)lying still, (>) motion. 

Weakness and heaviness in the legs, with unsteadiness on walking. Pains in the bones of the legs at night; must constantly move them.[4] 

19. Skin of Rhus Toxicodendron: 

Inflammation like erysipelas, with burning, startling, and itching. Vesicular eruption, followed by desquamation, with itching, stinging, and great heat.  

Indurated swellings, especially of glands.  

Vesicular eruptions often become pustular and ulcerate.  

The skin is painfully sensitive to cold air.  

Itching, associated with burning and smarting, with a feeling as if pierced with hot needles.[4]

20. Sleep of Rhus Toxicodendron: 

Sleepy during the day, but sleepless at night, with inability to remain in bed.  

Sleeplessness at night, with burning of the whole body; constant tossing about.  

Persistent, anxious dreams of business immediately on falling asleep, followed by fatigue, cannot tossing about.[4] 

21. Fever: 

Chilliness towards evening, with stretching, cold hands, (<)every motion.  

Rapid alternations of burning heat and shivering.  

Sudden flushes of heat follow or alternate with the chills.  

Sudden outbreak of sweat while sitting, often with violent trembling.  

At night burning heat, often with sweat and cough on putting the hands out of bed.  

Teasing dry cough frequently precedes or accompanies the chill.[4] 

Characteristics of Rhus Toxicodendron

1. Keynotes / Redline Symptoms of Rhus Toxicodendron:

Prolapse uterus from over reaching or straining.  

Tonsillitis, after riding in cold wind.  

Tearing pains down the thighs in dysentery.  

Diarrhoea in typhoid fever, worse during night, better during day. 

Dry cough during chill stage of fever.  

Hypertrophy of heart from violent exercise, gets out of breath on exertion. [2] 

2. Guiding Symptoms of Rhus Toxicodendron:

All complaints brought on exposure to cold, damp weather, getting wet.  

Great rigidity, stiffness, numbness and pain are experienced on first motion, after the rest > walking or continued motion.  

Most complaints are relieved by movement and aggravated by rest.  

< at night and in damp, rainy weather > heat in general e.g. covering the body, warm application, etc.   

Desires-Cold milk which relieves gastric complaints.  

Craving for beer, cheese, cold drinks, sweets, oysters.  

Aversion to meat and liquor.  [2]

3. PQRS Symptoms of Rhus Toxicodendron: 

Fever:  

It is a very good medicine for remittent fever, intermittent fever and continuous fever.

In intermittent fever, when the chill begins in one leg, usually in the thigh or between the shoulders or over one scapula and is relieved by warmth; during the chill there is a dry, teasing cough (Bry, Chin, Sabad, Sulph); along with external chill there is an internal heat.

Thirst is absent.

Urticaria and fever blisters around the mouth.

Sweat is very general, except about the face. [1] 

 Rheumatism: 

It is a very prominent medicine for rheumatism.

That indicated not so much in the inflammatory form as in rheumatic diathesis, when the characteristic modality (that is, relief of symptoms from continued motion and aggravation on beginning to move) is present and when there is aggravation during damp weather or from dwelling in damp places.

It is especially suitable for rheumatism after exposure to cold or wet, particularly when one is over heated or perspiring. [1] 

 Skin: 

Indicated for urticarial rashes, herpes zoster, erysipelas and other skin diseases manifested by vesicles.

Eruptions with incessant itching, burning and tingling.

Itching is better by warm application.

The patient develops urticaria on getting wet. [1]

Paralysis: 

It is indicated in various forms of paralysis; especially in rheumatic patients, when the trouble has come on from overexertion or exposure to wet, as from lying on damp ground.

Especially useful in paralysis of rheumatic origin, provoked by exposure to a damp and cold atmosphere, particularly when there have been changes from tolerably warm to cold and wet days. [1] 

Cough and cold: 

A very useful remedy for cold, cough and other respiratory troubles from exposure to cold open air, or getting wet in rain.

Patient is very anxious and apprehensive.

Hoarseness and rawness in larynx with roughness and soreness in the chest.

There is a short, dry cough from tickling in the trachea. [1] 

4. Confirmatory Symptoms of Rhus Toxicodendron:

A/F dampness, getting wet, over exertion.  

All the complaints < initial or first motion < rest > continued motion > warmth, warm application. 

Left sided symptoms, or symptoms go from left to right.  

Pain-aching, tearing, sore, bruised, stiff, as if bones were scrapped with a knife, lameness all these are associated with rheumatic conditions.  

Sprains and strains- very useful in sprains and strains and for soreness of muscles and tendons. [2]

5. Nucleus symptoms of Rhus Toxicodendron:

Suited to complains arising from over exertion, over straining, or from dampness, or getting wet.  

The most severe symptoms are excited when the body or the limbs are at rest.  

Initial motion linkers up the patient. He is restless, gets relief from continued motion.  

Tension, as if shortening of muscle. [2]

Therapeutic Value of Rhus Toxicodendron

Abortion, Chilblains, Cough, Cyanosis, Dengue fever, Dysentery, Eczema, Enteric fever, Erysipelas, Eye and ear affections, Gout, Headache, Herpes zoster, Lumbago, Measles, Menstrual disorders, Neuralgia, Paralysis, Ptosis, Pyaemia, Restlessness, Rheumatism, Sciatica, Sprains, etc. [1] 

Modality of Rhus Toxicodendron

•  Aggravation:

  • During rest, at night, after midnight; before storms, cold, wet, rainy weather, beginning to move, drinking cold water. [1] 

• Amelioration:

  • Continuous motion, moving affected parts, change of position, warm dry weather, warmth to parts, stretching limbs. [1] 

Remedy Relationship of Rhus Toxicodendron

1. Complimentary:

• Bry, Calc [1] 

2. Follows Well:

• Ph-ac, Ars, Arn, Bell, Bry, Berb, Cact, Calc, Calc-p, Mur-ac.Antidotes: Anac, Acon, Am-c, Bell, Bry, Camph, Coff, Clem, Crot-t, Cypr, Grind, Mez, Plb. [1] 

3. Inimical:

• Apis. [1] 

4. Antidoted By:

• Bell, Bry, Camph, Coff, Croto-t, Grin, Merc, Sang, Sulph, Verbe-h. [2] 

5. It Antidotes:

• Ant-t, Bry, Ran-b, Rhod, Sapo. [2] 

6. Comparison:

• Acon, Agar, Am-c, Am-m, Ant-c, Apis, Arg-n, Ars, Asar, Atro, Aur, Bapt, Bar-c, Bell, Bell-p, Brom, Bry, Calc, Carb-an, Carbn-s, Caust, Cham, Cimic, Cinch, Clem, Coca, Colch, Coloc, Com, Daph, Dros, Euphr, Fl-ac, Gels, Glon, Hep, Hydr-ac, Hyos, Hyper, Ign, Jug-r, Kali-bi, Kali-br, Kali-c, Kalm, Lach, Led, Lob, Lyc, Merc, Mez, Nat-m, Nit-ac, Nux-v, Petr, Ph-ac, Phos, Phyt, Piloc, Plb, Puls, Ran-b, Sabad, Sabin, Sep, Sil, Spig, Stram, Sulph, Thuj, Valer, Zinc.[1] 

Dose of Rhus Toxicodendron:

• Single dose recommended. [1] 

Potency:

• 3x, 6x, 12x, 30, 200, 1000. [1] 

Duration of Action:

• 1-7 Days Or 20-30 Days. [2] 

Terminology for Rhus Toxicodendron Article

• Restlessness: A key symptom indicating physical and mental unease, often accompanied by a need for constant movement.
• Rheumatic Symptoms: Pains and stiffness in joints and muscles, often worsened by rest and relieved by motion.
• Excessive Sensitivity to Open Air: A heightened sensitivity to drafts or cold air, which may trigger symptoms like coughing.
• Stiffness of Joints: Rigidity and limited mobility in joints, particularly after rest or upon waking.
• Triangular Red-Tipped Tongue: A characteristic tongue appearance with a red tip and teeth indentations.
• Ailments From: Conditions or events that trigger or worsen symptoms, including sprains, strains, overexertion, and exposure to dampness.
• Desires: Specific cravings, such as a desire for cold milk, which may be indicative of the remedy.
• Dreams of Great Exertion: Vivid dreams involving intense physical activity, often associated with Rhus Tox.

Other Termonology

• Keynote Symptoms: Highly distinctive symptoms that strongly point to the use of a particular remedy.
• Constitution: The individual’s physical and mental characteristics, which help determine suitable remedies.
• Diathesis: Predisposition to certain disease patterns or symptom groups.
• Miasm: Inherited or acquired tendencies towards specific disease patterns.
• Clinical Conditions: Ailments or diseases for which the remedy may be considered.
• Sites of Action: Body parts or systems primarily affected by the remedy.
• Causation: Factors that contribute to the development of symptoms or conditions.
• Physiological Action: The remedy’s effects on the body’s functions and processes.
• Pathogenesis: The development and progression of disease or symptoms.
• Therapeutic Value: The range of conditions for which the remedy may be potentially helpful.
• Remedy Relationship: Complementary, synergistic, or antidotal relationships with other remedies.
• Dose and Potency: The appropriate dosage and strength of the remedy.
• Duration of Action: The estimated length of time the remedy’s effects may last.

Reference of Rhus Toxicodendron

1. Textbook of homoeopathic materia medica by Dr. J. D. Patil. 
2. Zomeo Lan chapter > Rhus Tox. 
3. Materia Medica By Boericke W. 
4. A Primer Of Materia Medica By T. F. Allen. 
5. Synoptic memorizer of materia medica by Dr Subrata kumar Banerjea. 
6. Encyclopedia Of Pure Materia Medica, Vol.8 By Allen T.F. 
7. Materia Medica By Boericke W. 
8. The Soul Of Remedies By Rajan Sankaran 
9. A Manual Of Homoeopathic Materia Medica By Fahnestock, Joseph C 
10. A Manual Of Homoeopathic Therapeutics By Neatby E 
11. Concise Materia Medica Of Hom. Remedies By S.R. Phatak 
12. The Guiding Symptoms Of Our Materia Medica (All 10 Vols.) By Hering C. 

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