The ivory ( Hedera helix ) is an evergreen green cling and lilac. The stem of the ivy is very branched and can reach up to 20 meters in length. It is easy to grow and is often used as a decorative plant. But ivy is also a very valuable curative plant.
Besides being very beautiful, the leaves of ivy are healing. They have been used in traditional medicine from Western Europe to East Asia for thousands of years and have an important place in culture and history.
The leaves can be consumed or topically applied, and the extract thereof is used as a curative.
Antibacterial properties . The ivy is a great antibacterial agent. In the past, it has been used as an expectorant and antimicrobial agent in inflammatory and bacterial diseases of the upper and lower respiratory tract.
Anti-inflammatory action . One of the most frequent uses of the plant is precisely in inflammatory processes in the body. If you suffer from arthritis, gout or rheumatism, you can use the plant as a tea or apply the leaves directly onto the sore spot.
Ivy in bronchitis . The ivy leaves are often used to eliminate airway secretion and inflammation. It acts as an expectorant, liquefies the bronchial secretion and helps to separate it. The ivy is successfully applied in bronchospasm.
It opens the airways and facilitates breathing. The ivy extract is a major ingredient of many cough medicines (syrups and tablets).
Apart from the antibacterial properties, the ivy also exhibits antiparasitic activity. In the past, the extract has been used to clear worms.
Chemical composition . Common ivy contains glycosides, saponins, tannins, triterpenes, vitamin C, minerals.
Attention! Ordinary ivy is poisonous. Uncontrolled use may cause side effects such as nausea, dizziness, vomiting and allergic reactions. No data are yet available on its safe use in pregnant and nursing mothers.
Drugs. The usable part of the plant is the leaves. They are harvested during flowering – from June to August. Dry in the shade and store in dry and airy rooms
