Ground Ivy

Question 1

How do you recognise Ground Ivy?

Answer 1

Stem square in x-section, decusateleaves. Trailing stems with flowers in whorls of 2 or 4. Grows mostly in shady spots along hedgerows and at edges of woodland.

Question 2

What are Ground Ivy’s main constituents?

Answer 2

Constituents: Polyphenols such as chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, rutin, genistein, rosmarinic acid and quercetin. Bitter: glechomine 6-7 % tannins. Volatile oil. Choline. Triterpenoids such as ursolic acid and oleanoic acid. Saponins

Question 3

What family is Ground Ivy in?

Answer 3

A member of the lamiaceae.

Question 4

What is Ground Ivy good for?

Answer 4

Fresh plant (and specific tinctures) possibly more active than dried herb. In tincture 30 – 50ml/week. Actions: Old school plant, similar to plantain in that it’s a trophorestorative of mucus membranes. Plantain is more soothing; ground ivy is more drying. (Gentle) expectorant due to saponins (good for ‘lingering cataarh). Mild febrifuge. Bitter - been used in the past to flovarou beer, sometimes called alehoof. Applications: General tonic in respiratory and GIT problems eg IBS - more of a conditioner, background thing. Both dry & productive coughs. Sinusitis. Dry eyes. Nice smell to it, usual as part of the mint family. Supposedly good for getting rid of lead poisoning?

Question 5

What is Ground Ivy’s Latin name?

Answer 5

Glechoma hederaceae L.

Question 6

What parts of Ground Ivy do you use?

Answer 6

Parts used – aerial parts.

Question 7

What safety issues might Ground Ivy have?

Answer 7

Safe

Question 8

What useful research does Ground Ivy have?

Answer 8

Very little useful information online. Good book refs: Julian Barker Medicinal Flora of NorthwesternEurope. Anne McIntyre Healing with Flowers. Monograph: https://heartwood-uk.net/lms/pluginfile.php/230052/mod_resource/content/6/Glechomahederaceagroundivy.pdf