Rhus toxicodendron


The source of Rhus cox is a rambling North American plant, also known as
poison ivy. Just to touch the leaves can bring up a very red and extremely itchy
rash, which can lead to fever, joint pains, and swollen glands. Above all there is
an intense restlessness. Like curing like, these are some of the symptoms to look
for in sufferers needing Rhus tox. One keynote is initial stiffness in the joints
that eases after gentle exercise. The remedy, therefore, can be very helpful in
rheumatism, although it should not be used without taking all the sufferer’s
symptoms into account, because rheumatism can be a deep-seated disease.
Rhus tox is a very important first-aid remedy for sprains and strains, where
the pain and stiffness improve from gentle motion. Complaints are better for
warmth and massage, and worse for cold and damp, and over-exertion. It can be
an excellent remedy in ailments such as chickenpox and shingles, where the rash
is markedly itchy and the sufferer is extremely restless with it. Mentally the
patient, not surprisingly, can be very sad and despondent. Sometimes a
triangular red tip can be seen on the tongue. Often there is a thirst for large
cjuancicies of cold water or milk. Rhus tox is a major remedy that can cure very
many ailments if the symptoms outlined above are marked.

Ruta graveolens

Ruta is prepared from rue, a plant grown in herbal gardens since antiquity and
well known for its action on tired eyes and for its first-aid qualities. Ruta has an
affinity with the joints, tendons, cartilages, and the periosteum (the membrane
that surrounds the bones). It is, therefore, an excellent remedy for bruised bones
and injuries to the tendons, especially in the ankles and wrists. There is some
restlessness, but not as much as in Rhus tox (see above), the other great remedy
for sprains and strains

Robin Hayfiekd : HOMEOPATHY
F O R
COMMON AILMENTS