Oakleaf poison ivy – better known as poison ivy – is a species of plant in the genus Toxicidendron. The plant belongs to the Simach family (Anacardiaceae) and, despite its toxicity, is used in homeopathy as a medicinal plant. In this regard, its effectiveness in small doses has been confirmed by various authors.
Occurrence and cultivation of oak-leaved poison ivy.
While the plant is still used quite frequently in homeopathy, it is rarely if ever used in conventional medicine. The ivy grows either as a shrub or as a climber. In the first case it reaches a height of up to one meter, in the second case it forms so-called aerial roots. This form is botanically known as Toxicondendron pubescens var. radicans and is given the trivial name Poison Ivy in English. This is, according to the name, poison ivy. However, the name itself is misleading. Despite the similarity, poison ivy has quite little in common with common ivy (Hedera helix). The plants are not related. Oak-leaved poison ivy is deciduous and has large, flexible branches. The milky sap of poison ivy is white-yellowish, but turns black when it comes in contact with air and spreads a foul-smelling odor. Poison ivy’s foliage leaves are divided into petiole and leaf blade and are arranged alternately on the branches. The petiole of a leaf is up to 15 centimeters long, with the blade having downy hairs and a toothed margin. Depending on the season, the color of the leaves varies. It can be purple, bright red or green glossy. The inflorescence of the plant is paniculate and lateral. The flowers themselves are unisexual and have a whitish to green coloration with a red center. In addition, poison ivy has spherical drupes that are about the size of peas and 4 to 8 millimeters in size. The flowering season is from May to July. Its range extends from Canada to British Columbia. Poison ivy can also be found in Arizona and Florida, but is also found in Mexico, Northeast Asia, the Bahamas and in humid areas of France. In Germany, the plant is found primarily in botanical gardens – less commonly in home gardens. In most cases, the plant triggers an itchy rash when touched. The ingredient urushiol is responsible for this.
Effect and application
In addition to urushiol, poison ivy contains tannins, gall tannic acid as well as glycosides. In addition, there is rhus tannic acid and fisetin. Urushiol is one of the strongest natural contact allergens. Even quantities in the microgram range are sufficient to cause severe irritation. In addition to external allergic reactions, oral ingestion can cause vomiting, colic, blood in the urine, and inflammation of the digestive organs. Neurological symptoms approaching atropine poisoning may also occur. The plant is reported to cause rheumatism and, in cases of contact allergy, to cause crusty blisters, severe itching, hot and oozing eczema, and fever. In homeopathy, on the other hand, the plant is used in small quantities against various ailments. It is used in the form of drops, tablets, creams, gels and injection solutions. But poison ivy is also contained in various mixtures. It is mainly the hairy leaves that are used. But also the fresh shoots of poison ivy are processed. They are used, among other things, as a painkiller (analgesic). Homeopathically it is found in the potencies D6-12 as well as D30. Low potencies show their effect in physical ailments, while high combat mental illness.
Importance for health, treatment and prevention.
Despite its toxicity, poison ivy is used to treat a wide variety of ailments. These include sprains, dislocations or bruises that are accompanied by swollen joints and cause pulling pain when moving. It is also used as an analgesic for tendon strains or tendovaginitis – ailments that are usually aggravated by cold and wet conditions. Similarly, it is used for rheumatism, lumbago, sore muscles and neck pain, which often worsen in wet and cold weather. Poison ivy is also used here. Another area of application is the impairment of the psyche. Poison ivy is used for restlessness caused by fears and worries. In addition, it is used for cold sores and conjunctivitis.In addition to a whole range of uses associated with joint and bone pain, the plant can also be used for mild flu and cold symptoms, provided they are associated with aching limbs. Here, too, the effect of the plant as an analgesic is evident. In pregnancy, poison ivy is used for acute pain in the lumbar spine – caused by pressure from the baby. This can prevent inflammation of the sciatic nerve. Sciatica, for example, is treated by taking the potency D12 five times a day, reducing the amount after two days. Herpes is treated with D30, whereby the further course here depends on the severity of the symptoms. This application should be done especially when the blisters have not yet formed, but a first tingling sensation is felt. If the blisters have already formed, the potency is lowered to D6 or D12 and started with five globules each three times a day. This treatment should usually be followed through until complete healing to avoid relapses. While the plant is still used quite frequently in homeopathy, it is hardly used in conventional medicine, if at all. In the meantime, there are far more useful medicines for various ailments. In addition, there is the controversial use of poisonous plants in medicine. Basically, they should always be taken with caution and only in very small quantities.
