This vine like shrub, also known as poison ivy, grows throughout North America and is well known for the itchy red rash its oil can cause on the skin. The medicinal history of its leaves and stalk began in the late 18th century, when it was used to treat conditions such as paralysis and rheumatism. The effects of its un dilute form can range from a rash to nausea, fever, delirium, swollen glands, and ulcers in the oral cavity. For this reason homeopathic practitioners use Rhus toxicodendron, or Rhus tox, as it is also called, to treat conditions that may be accompanied by fever, restlessness, and swollen glands. Rhus tox is prepared from plants gathered at night, when the oil is said to be in its most potent state. The leaves and stalks are pounded to a pulp and mixed with alcohol, then strained and diluted. Rhus tox. is mainly used to treat skin complaints with burning, itchy, red, swollen skin, and a tendency to scaling, such as herpes, diaper rash, blisters, and eczema, and musculoskeletal problems, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatism, restless legs, cramps, sprains, and strains. Other physical symptoms treated, for example of rheumatic fever, flu, and other viral infections Include: high temperature with confusion and delirium; dizziness made worse by standing up or walking; swollen eyes with painful stinging tears; sensitive scalp; blocked nose in the evening; dry, cracked, brownish, red-tipped tongue; bitter taste in the mouth; irritating coughs that clear up when talking or singing; stiffness in the lower back; numb arms and legs; nausea and vomiting; and stitch like pain made worse by cold and damp. Women's problems helped by the remedy include heavy, prolonged, early menstruation, burning pain in the vagina, and abdominal pain alleviated by lying down. People who need this remedy may be irritable; depressed, with a suicidal inclination; and may cry with no cause. They lack sensual enjoyment, are anxious and fear being poisoned by medications, and are extremely sensitive to cold and damp.