Rhus Tox

RHUS TOX – stiffness, overexertion, and “better for movement once warmed up.”

Overview

Rhus Tox is a key remedy for joint stiffness, muscle aches, sprains and symptoms from overexertion or exposure to cold damp weather. It is also used for skin conditions with blisters or itching. The hallmark of Rhus Tox is that the person feels stiff and sore on first movement, but improves the more they keep moving.

When to Think of This Remedy

• Stiffness on waking or after rest, better once moving
• Pain after overexertion, lifting or repetitive strain
• Back pain with stiffness that eases after warming up
• Cold, damp weather aggravates symptoms
• Restlessness – must keep moving to feel better
• Sciatic pain, especially with tearing or cramping sensations
• Shingles, chicken pox or blistery skin eruptions

Mental & Emotional Picture

• Restless – can’t get comfortable
• Feels stiff, irritable or anxious when still
• Improves with gentle movement or stretching

Physical Indicators

• Stiffness easing with continued motion
• Aches after getting wet while hot, or exposure to cold damp
• Cramping, tearing sciatic pain
• Back stiffness improved by warm showers or heating pads
• Shingles or itchy blistering rashes
• Pain worse at night or upon first rising

Modalities

Better: Warmth, hot showers, continued movement, stretching
Worse: Cold, damp weather, rest, first motion, rain

Perfect For

• Muscle strain and overuse injuries
• Back stiffness and joint aches
• Recovery after intense workouts
• Cold-damp weather flare-ups
• Shingles or blistering rashes
• Sciatic pain that eases with movement

Educational use only. Not medical advice. Please consult a homeopath or medical professional for chronic, severe or uncertain conditions.