Rhus Tox

[GoatsRus]

Back in the poison ivy threat there was a link posted to poison ivy remedies. At the bottom of the link it mentioned homopathic solutions, which was Rhus Tox. From what I could find this is made up of either poison ivy or poison oak. The theory being that you build up antibodies by taking it. Someone had posted that their goats ate the poison ivy, they drank the milk and therefore built up antibodies that way (I actually got started in goats because that's what I was going to do - but I ended up with boers instead of dairy). Anyway, my point is, has anyone every trie Rhus Tox? I'd like to, but as bad as I'm allergic to poison ivy, I'd hate to have some type of reaction to this. Has anyone seen this in there normal town pharmacies? I found it online but hate to order something that is less than $5 and pay $10 in shipping.

[lwj2]

Talk to a pharmacist, they have an immense knowledge of things like this.

FWIW, I would not ingest poison ivy (et al.), I've seen what happens when it's burnt and the smoke is inhaled, it's not pretty and it's damned well deadly.

You might try clipping a branch (wearing gloves and a long sleeved shirt) and applying Roundup concentrate to the clipped end of the plant, I've been recommended that for control of English ivy.

[Tabitha]

I would go for it, I have had good experience with homeopathic remedies. there is nothing left of the Rhus in the preparation that could harm you. As a matter of fact, that is one of the arguments against homeopathy, that the remedies do not contain anything after all the diluting, so how can it work. (but it does). However, if it is the right remedy for you you should get a reaction to it at first. so that is nothing to worry about. I have used a homeopathic remedy for hayfever for many years and I appreciate that it works, I only take it once a day and there are nil side effects.

[Sparticle]

Yes, I've successfully used Rhus Tox. I also use poison ivy blocker and wash. Now sometimes I get it so bad though that I have to take steroids. But, I don't have to do that very often. For a normal case of poison Ivy, I've found Rhus Tox works just fine. I have had 2 bottles that did NOTHING though and don't know if it was a bad batch, old or I just had a resistance to it at the time? Anyway, when you get a bottle that works, you'll know it because just like steroids, within a few days you'll see a reduction in the rash. I would recommend though getting the poison ivy block though as a good preventative.

[Cheryl in SD]

I find my homeopathics at health food or supplement stores. We use them all the time and they do work well for us. Rhus Tox also has worked for my arthritis symptoms.

[Beeman]

I've tried it, could have been sugar pills as it didn't really do much for me. It is supposed to build up your resistance and isn't a remedy.

[donsgal]

Originally Posted by lwj2

Talk to a pharmacist, they have an immense knowledge of things like this.

FWIW, I would not ingest poison ivy (et al.), I've seen what happens when it's burnt and the smoke is inhaled, it's not pretty and it's damned well deadly.

You might try clipping a branch (wearing gloves and a long sleeved shirt) and applying Roundup concentrate to the clipped end of the plant, I've been recommended that for control of English ivy.

Euell Gibbons who was famous for his book "Stalking the Wild Asparagus" said that every year, at the beginning of spring he would eat a couple of the very first, tender leaves of the poison ivy to give himself an immunity to it. He never seemed to have any problem with that. I think I would do some research before I tried that remedy, however.

donsgal