Poison ivy can be really easy to treat.

Because it often responds to one remedy called Rhus Toxicodendron, commonly known as “Rhus Tox.

No surprise this remedy covers a lot of poison ivy cases.

Since it’s made from the poison ivy plant.

Don’t worry, though.

It can’t give you poison ivy since it’s highly diluted.

So only the energetic imprint of the original substance is present.

Rhus Tox is the first remedy to think of when poison ivy (or poison oak) develops.

Poison ivy can also be really difficult to treat.

Because there are a lot of potential remedies.

Not all cases respond to Rhus Tox.

So before make sure the symptoms match.

If Rhus Tox isn’t the remedy you’re looking at a lot of other possible choices.

I remember my homeopathic teacher telling us about one poison ivy case in particular.

The poor patient was in agony.

No less than 38 different remedies were tried before the right one finally brought relief.

Thankfully the vast majority of cases won’t require dozens of remedies.

Usually you can find the right remedy a lot sooner.

Best Homeopathic Remedies For Poison Ivy

There are at least 50 remedies listed in the homeopathic repertory for poison ivy, also known as “Rhus poisoning.”

It’s also possible many other remedies could help, as long as they fit the case.

Homeopathic repertories are not complete and are continually being updated.

But, for the most part, only a relatively few remedies are commonly used for poison ivy.

They include:

• Rhus Tox – Usually the first remedy to consider. The person who needs it may feel intense burning and itching. The skin may be red and swollen. Pain may be described as if “pierced by hot needles.” Or “stinging pain.” He may have a strong desire to rub his skin. But this increases the discomfort. The eruptions may look scaly. People who need this remedy are typically better with heat and worse with cold air. However, the reverse may also be true. Cold air may ameliorate. If we don’t know this we may lose a lot of cases that appear to be a perfect Rhus Tox picture, with the exception of that one modality. (In homeopathy a “modality” is something that makes a condition better or worse.) The rash is often at its worst on hairy parts of the body. Restlessness may be part of the picture.
• Anacardium – Poison ivy with intense itching. Scratching makes it worse. The skin may swell and produce yellow vesicles. Mental symptoms such as irritability may be part of the picture. The person may be worse in the morning and again in the evening until around midnight.
• Bryonia – We typically think of this remedy for aches, pains, flu and headache. But it’s also a top poison ivy remedy. The Bryonia state is one that’s worse with motion. With skin eruptions it’s the same. Walking quickly makes the itching worse. People who need this remedy are often more thirsty than usual, and their mouth and other mucus membranes may feel dry. Eruptions are intense and they feel better after they’re scratched.
• Cantharis – This is a major burn remedy. So the poison ivy is burning, smarting and better with cold applications. Like Rhus Tox there can be restlessness. The vesicles may turn black, and there may be scaling.
• Graphites – Think of this for moist eruptions that ooze a sticky honey-like liquid. If you place this liquid on your fingers it will have the consistency of honey. The itching may be worse at night in bed. Graphites eruptions often occur behind the ears and in the folds of skin.
• Croton Tigue – This can look similar to Graphites, with vesicles that ooze. These eruptions can also burst and form crusts. The itching can be very intense. I’ve heard one homeopathic teacher describe it as “frightful.” This is one of the first remedies to consider if the eruptions are in the genital area. They can also be on the face.
• Sulphur – This is a major skin remedy, and of course comes up strongly in a poison ivy differential. Itching will be worse at night, while the person is in bed. Warmth aggravates the condition. As does taking a hot shower. Air and wind may increase the burning and itching.
• Sepia – Even though this remedy is often used for female complaints it can be used in men too. It’s also a big skin remedy. Itching is not helped by scratching. Eruptions may be worse in the bends of the elbows or the knees. Many things can make the itching worse, including cold, open air, touch, scratching, rubbing, weather changes and dampness. The person will probably feel best in a warm room or bed. Warm applications bring relief.

This is just a partial list.

Other potential poison ivy remedies include Clematis, Grindelia Robusta, Rhus Venenata, Sanguinaria, Cuprum Metallicum, Ledum, Lobelia, Mezereum, Nuphar Luteum, Arsenicum Iodum and others.

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