English Ivy
This herb is as common as grass and certainly much more overlooked and under appreciated. Ivy was considered sacred by the druids and it played an intrinsic part in their festival of ‘Alban Elued’, which bid the Sun god farewell and gave thanks for the harvest. Combined with holly it’s said to bring peace and good fortune to your home. The wreath worn on the head of Bacchus, the god of wine, was made of ivy. In fact ivy boiled in the same alcohol that had just been drunk was used by the ancients as a remedy for drunkenness, and in times gone by, was itself also a common ingredient in beer. In medieval days, the sign of an ivy bush over the door of a tavern indicated that good quality ale was being sold inside. As a medicinal herb, it is mostly disregarded these days, although we know of at least two major manufacturers of herbal products whom, even today, use it as the main ingredient (70% of it in fact) in their formula for children’s coughs (Coca V, Nink K., 2008). Despite it’s medicinal use having largely sunk into obscurity today, ivy has been used as a medicinal herb for a very long time indeed. However, it is worth noting that there are some very real contraindications to consider if one wishes to use ivy in this manner. See “Please Note” section below for more details on those.
- Ivy is most well known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It can be taken internally as a ‘tea’ or boiled in vinegar and placed topically on any part of the body where there is pain. This method of placing them on the outside of the body is said to help internal pain also, i.e. one just places them on the area where you feel the pain internally. This is said to heal open wounds too.
- It’s thought to detoxify the body and help purify the blood.
- Contains antibacterial properties.
- Has an expectorant effect, helping to bring up phlegm and mucus from the lungs. It can help relieve asthma and other inflammation-based respiratory conditions.
- There is research to suggest ivy may have significant enough antioxidant activity to prevent the spread or development of cancer (Rehman, K Ur et al., 2022).
- Contains enough saponins to be used as a free, natural alternative to shop-bought soap, which can be used on your body, for the dishes and even for your clothes. It will do the lot!
*Please Note:
Ivy is safe when handled correctly. Only the leaves should be used and even those are unsafe when used in high doses. Extra caution is advised for anyone who has problems with under-active thyroid conditions (hypothyroidism). Ivy may help with over-active thyroid issues (hyperthyroidism) if used mindfully and safely, under supervision. People with any established medical conditions, those on prescription medications and/or pregnant women are especially urged to seek professional medical advice before attempting to self-medicate with Ivy.
