vs
Dulcamara vs Rhus toxicodendron
(Solanum dulcamara · Rhus toxicodendron)
Both ache after getting cold and wet and feel better for moving about.
In short
Dulcamara is colds, skin and aches from damp chill or warm days turning cold; Rhus toxicodendron is rusty-gate stiffness that limbers up with motion.
Side by side
(the classic distinctions homeopaths look for)
| Feature | Dulcamara |
Rhus toxicodendron |
|---|---|---|
| Trigger | Cold rain; warm days turning to cold nights | Overexertion, strains, or getting wet while sweaty |
| Main picture | Stuffy nose, hives, aching | Stiffness worst on first moving |
| Movement | Better for moving about | Limbers up with continued motion |
| Skin | Hives, crusty eruptions, fleshy warts | Red, swollen, intensely itchy blisters |
| Better for | External warmth | Hot bathing, rubbing and stretching |
Dulcamara
Better
Moving about, External warmth
Worse
Cold, damp, rainy weather, Sudden cold changes, Night
Rhus toxicodendron
Better
Continued motion, Warmth and hot bathing, Warm, dry weather, Rubbing and stretching
Worse
First motion after rest, Cold, wet, rainy weather, Night, Getting wet while sweaty
From the classic texts
“The rheumatic troubles induced by damp cold are aggravated by every cold change and somewhat relieved by moving about.”
“Motion always "limbers up" the Rhus patient, and hence he feels better for a time from a change of position. Ailments from strains, overlifting, getting wet while perspiring.”
Read the full profiles
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Dulcamara
(Solanum dulcamara · Bittersweet nightshade)
The remedy of damp and chill. In the materia medica, Dulcamara is associated with colds, aches, stomach upsets and skin flare-ups brought on by cold, wet weather, especially warm days turning into cold nights.
Read more -
Rhus toxicodendron
(Rhus toxicodendron · Poison ivy)
The remedy of rusty-gate stiffness. In the materia medica, Rhus toxicodendron is associated with stiffness and aching that are worst on first moving and ease as you keep going, along with restlessness and intensely itchy, blistering skin.
Read more
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This page is for education only and is not medical advice. Homeopathy is complementary care, not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a licensed medical provider. Seek medical care for severe, worsening or emergency symptoms. Please view our Disclaimer.