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Rhus tox is a homeopathic medicine prepared from Atlantic Poison Oak, Toxicodendron radicans (Anacardiaceae), also called Eastern Poison Ivy. It is a perennial shrub with climbing stems found mostly on the eastern side of North America. The plant contains urushiol, an irritating and oily sap, that reacts upon skin contact and creates blistering and itchy rashes in many cases. Native Americans used Toxicodendron radicans in small doses for a variety of purposes, including to treat various skin conditions and to induce immunity to its leaves. The process of preparing the homeopathic medicine Rhus tox involves significantly diluting its plant-based raw material, Eastern Poison Ivy. Learn more about the dilution process and why homeopathic medicines should not be confused with their raw materials.
Symptoms Treated
Symptoms Treated
More specifically:
Joint pains, Itching pain associated with small vesicles (cold sores, shingles, etc.), Itching and skin irritation from contact with Poison Ivy and/or Poison Oak
Common Products
- Boiron®
- FLEXmore™
- Hyland’s®
Dosing Information
Homeopathic medicines containing this active ingredient have different purposes, dilutions, and directions. That is why it is always important to read and follow the Drug Facts label. The Warnings section indicates the maximum number of days you should use the product. If symptoms persist or worsen, stop use and ask a doctor.
Safety Guide
Safety Guide
Most over-the-counter (OTC) homeopathic ingredients are dilutions of the raw material. The level of dilution is identified on a homeopathic medicine’s Drug Facts label. The Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States (HPUS) established that OTC homeopathic medicines containing 4X and higher dilutions of Rhus tox are safe for adults and children. Therapeutic claims for Rhus tox are based on traditional homeopathic practice, not accepted medical evidence. Homeopathic products are not evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Ask a healthcare provider before use if:
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Do not use if:
- Do not use more than the Drug Facts label indicates unless instructed by a healthcare provider.
Stop use and ask a doctor if:
- Your condition gets worse or if symptoms persist for more than the duration displayed on the Drug Facts label, usually 3 to 7 days.
- Your symptoms clear up and return within a few days.
- You have an unexpected reaction. Get medical help right away.
- You develop new symptoms.
- You take too much. Immediately contact a healthcare provider or the Poison Control national helpline at 800.222.1222.
Resources
The Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States (HPUS) is the official guidebook that outlines standards of identity and purity that homeopathic medicines must meet. Materia Medica (or “materials of medicine”) contains information about the specific symptoms of disease and the homeopathic medicines used for their treatment.
