Herb Weaver's Journal #170 - 16th September 2025
Herb Weaver’s Journal
Ivy - Glechoma hederacea
When we forage Ivy in the UK, look for ground ivy which is at its best between Spring and Autumn, so grab your fill in the next week! We can also use Hedera helix which is English Ivy and also non toxic. They are available all year round.
Be aware that both can cause skin irritations, so use with care and try it in small amounts first.
It is very high in vitamin C and E, iron, potassium, copper, magnesium, sulphur and sodium as well as flavonoid antioxidants, and is effective in the treatment of lots of ailments but also popular within traditional medicine in Chinese and Ayurvedic systems. It is primarily used to treat throat/chest problems, relieve congestion and inflammation. It is also high in anti-inflammatory properties.
Common Ivy leaves were used medicinally in ancient Greece. Hippocrates used Ivy to prevent intoxication, reduce swelling, and as an anaesthetic. Uses by modern herbalists include anti-inflammatory, expectorant, anti-arthritic, and antioxidant properties. Ivy may work to alleviate respiratory disease in a number of ways. The extract and its main bioactive chemicals may lower muscle spasms in the bronchus (airways), may help with bronchodilation (the dilation of the airways in the lungs due to the relaxation of surrounding smooth muscle), and may aid secretolysis (breaking up mucus secretions in the airways). This might improve lung function in people with breathing difficulty. Ivy also may also lower inflammation and oxidation. There are numerous research reports on Common Ivy’s antiviral action. For example, it may be effective against influenza ‘A’ virus and against enterovirus. Ivy may also be anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-parasitic.
To treat a cough, Ivy leaves can be taken as a tea (finely chopped or ground, dried) using 0.5g of dried leaf (one teaspoon is 0.8g) per cup 1-3 x daily for up to 7 days. The tea tastes quite pleasant but it is most often taken as a tincture (the plant material extracted in alcohol), 1-3ml daily. It is also commercially available in capsule, syrup or cough drop form: take according to the label. You can also make or buy Ivy cough drops and tinctures.
As with a lot of medicinal herbs or forages, you should always be cautious as we all respond differently to new ingredients. Consuming significant amounts can irritate the kidneys, liver and stomach. Avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding.