Andres de Laguna, a Spanish humanist physician, pharmacologist, and botanist, said that drinking and smelling the juice of the ivy plant has a similar effect on you as wine. Perhaps this is why the priests of Bacchus, the Roman god of wine, were crowned with an ivy wreath.
Ivy Plant Scientific Facts
- Other names: English ivy, true ivy, gum ivy.
- French: Lierre.
- Spanish: Hiedra.
- Environment: The ivy plant grows in rocky soils throughout Europe and has been naturalized to America.
- Description: Climbing plant of the Araliaceae family, growing up to 50 cm high. It has a woody stem and palm-shaped, dark-green leaves. Its fruit is globe-like, has blackberries, and has an aromatic scent.
- Parts of the plant used medicinally: The young fresh leaves.
Healing Properties and Warnings
The whole plant contains triterpenic saponins, among which the most outstanding is hederine. These saponins are the active components of ivy. When externally applied, ivy leaves have cicatrizant and analgesic properties. They are recommended in the following cases:
- Torpid wounds, ulcers, and skin cracks: They are applied as compresses or poultices.
- Neuralgia and rheumatic aches: Ivy leaves produce a relaxing effect on the muscles and joints. They ease pain and reduce inflammation, whether applied in compresses, baths with their decoction, or poultices.
- Cellulitis: Baths with an ivy decoction help reduce the inflammation of tissues beneath the skin. Compresses and poultices are also recommended.
The leaves have been applied as an antitussive and emmenagogue substance whenever internally used. However, they are not recommended because of their toxicity.
WARNING! The berry fruit of the ivy plant is incredibly toxic: only two or three of them are enough to result in severe poisoning to a child. Ivy leaves can produce allergic reactions as well.
How to use Ivy
- Compresses soaked in the liquid of a decoction made with 30g of leaves per liter of water, then applied to the affected area.
- Baths: The same decoction can be added to the bathwater for a relaxing, analgesic effect.
- Poultices: The leaves can be used directly or fixed on the affected area with a gauze dressing.
- Traditional respiratory support.*
- Promotes respiratory health with English ivy leaf.*
- Made with the quality you trust from Nature’s Way.
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Frequently Asked Question
What are the most reliable ways to consume the Ivy plant for its health benefits?
Ivy is generally consumed in a few ways:
Herbal Supplements: Standardized ivy leaf extracts are in capsules, tablets, or liquid form. These are the most convenient and ensure consistent dosages.
Teas: Dried ivy leaves can be steeped in hot water to create an herbal tea. Note that the taste may be bitter.
Topical Application: Some preparations are designed for direct skin application (check labeling carefully), but this is primarily for rashes due to poison ivy, not general health.
Are there specific conditions that Ivy helps with?
Research suggests Ivy may be beneficial for:
Respiratory Health: Ivy may help ease coughs and open airways in conditions like bronchitis or asthma.
Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Properties: There is evidence that chemicals found in ivy have the potential to decrease inflammation and protect cells from harm.
What are the recommended dosages of Ivy?
Dosages depend on the form of Ivy you’re using. Always follow these guidelines:
Supplements: Adhere strictly to the dosage instructions on the product label.
Tea: Consult with a healthcare professional or herbalist for personalized recommendations.
Are there side effects I should be aware of?
Ivy is generally considered safe when used in recommended amounts. However, some potential side effects include:
Stomach upset: In some cases, Ivy can cause nausea or vomiting.
Allergic reactions: Individuals may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions.
Toxicity: The berries of ivy plants are toxic and should NEVER be consumed.
Are there interactions with medications I should know about?
It’s essential to talk to your doctor before taking ivy supplements, especially if you are on any medications. Ivy could potentially interact with certain drugs.
Important Reminders:
Choose reputable sources: Purchase ivy supplements from reliable brands with standardized extracts.
Talk to your doctor: Discuss the usage of Ivy, particularly if you have any health conditions or are taking medications.
Don’t self-diagnose: While Ivy can be supportive, it shouldn’t replace prescribed treatments for severe conditions.
DISCLAIMER: All content on this website is presented solely for educational and informational objectives. It would be best to not rely on the information provided as a replacement for advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified medical expert. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have any preexisting medical concerns, you should talk to your doctor before using any herbal or natural medicines.
REFERENCES
- George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. “Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants.” George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. Ed. Francesc X. Gelabert. vols. 2 San Fernando de Henares: Editorial Safeliz, 2000. 712. Print.
- WebMD English Ivy Overview: https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-465/english-ivy
- RxList English Ivy Page: https://www.rxlist.com/supplements/english_ivy.htm
- Ivy leaf for acute upper respiratory tract infections (NCBI): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8275562/
- PeaceHealth Ivy Leaf Health Information Page: https://www.peacehealth.org/medical-topics/id/hn-2116002
- National Institutes of Health (NIH) https://ods.od.nih.gov/
- Guidance about reputable sources and doctor consultation: https://www.fda.gov/
Last update on 2024-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API