Poison Ivy was introduced into medicine in England in 1798. Du Fressoy, a physician at Valenciennes, reported that a young man, who had had a herpetic eruption on his wrist for six years standing, was cured after accidentally coming in contact with Poison Ivy. He thereupon commenced to use the plant in the treatment of obstinate herpetic eruptions and in palsy, as well. Many cases responding positively to the treatment. Since then it has rapidly gained a place in general practice, meeting with some success in the treatment of paralysis, acute rheumatism and joint stiffness, as well as in various forms of chronic and obstinate eruptive diseases.


