Ivy

Hedera helix

At this season of the year people hear the old song "The Holly and the Ivy...". This comes from the old Druid belief that the holly represented male and the ivy female.  Yet few people know that ivy has medicinal values. There are several kinds of ivy, English ivy, Ground ivy, American ivy, to name a few. Ivy is a climbing vine and attaches itself to fences, walls, buildings, and trees. The ivy plant can live to be 100 years or more. It is often depicted as a crown on the head of the Greek god Bacchus, god of wine, because of it's traditional properties in treating drunkenness. Ivy is also in the same family as ginseng. 

English ivy is an herb and it has medicinal properties. It is used for problems like muscle spasm, gout, joint pain from arthritis, chronic bronchitis, gallbladder and tuberculosis. Its main use is for the reduction of swollen membranes of the nasal passages as an expectorant, which means that it breaks up chest congestion. It is also used on the skin for burns, cellulitis, infectous parasites, and phlebitis.

English ivy is also used for itching and sunburn and recent research seems to show antifungal properties. It can be used as a external wash for sores, cuts, burns and dandruff. For bee and wasp stings the fresh leaves can be crushed and rubbed into the area. There have been some animal studies suggesting that English ivy may have anticancer and antioxidant properties. Commission E, a German agency that is the equivalent of our FDA, approved ivy leaf extract for treating bronchitis and congestion of the respiratory system.

There are several studies showing that English ivy contains flavonoids that act as anti-inflammatories. They can reduce histamine which is a chemical in the body that causes inflammation. The flavonoids in ivy are rutin, kaempferol and quercetin.  

This herb is used mainly as an extract, though some sources describe a tea that can be made from it. It also can be used as a compress with salt water or as a tincture. Some authorities say English ivy should only be used as an extract, and others suggest using it as a tea. Either way I'd advise extreme caution because most experts regard English ivy as a poison when taken in large quantities and should not be used without the guidance of an expert professional. Not much is known about using English ivy for pregnant and nursing moms, so for them it is best to avoid using it.

My book Ten Healthy Teas makes an excellent gift item for the holidays. Go to my website at www.valerielull.com.  Your comments on this blog are welcome. Have a happy holiday season.

Valerie Lull
Author
Ten Healthy Teas
Lullval@clearwire.com  
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