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    Home»Herbs and Spices»Health benefits of Ground ivy
    Herbs and Spices

    Health benefits of Ground ivy

    By SylviaAugust 18, 2017Updated:September 14, 2017No Comments10 Mins Read
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    Health benefits of Ground ivy

    Ground Ivy Quick Facts
    Name: Ground Ivy
    Scientific Name: Glechoma hederacea
    Origin Europe and parts of Asia
    Colors Dark brown
    Shapes Egg-shaped, smooth, and have 1 rounded and 2 flat side
    Taste Bitter taste
    Health benefits Good for Eye and Digestive System
    Glechoma hederacea commonly known as Ground-ivy, field Balm, ground-ivy, gill-over-the-ground, creeping charlie, alehoof, tunhoof, catsfoot, field balm, run-away-robin, creeping jenny, Haymaids, hedgemaids, hove, lizzy-run-up-the-hedge, robin-run-in-the-hedge, run-away-robin, tun hoof, tunhofe, turnhoof, wild snakeroot is an aromatic, perennial, evergreen creeper of the mint family Lamiaceae. The herb is native to Europe and southwestern Asia but has been introduced to North America and is now common in most regions other than the Rocky Mountains. The word ‘Glechoma’ was derived from ‘glechon’, which is Greek for mint or thyme. ‘Hederaceae’ is Latin meaning ‘ivy-like’ and probably refers to either the leaf shape or creeping habit of the weed. It has several medicinal uses, and is used as a salad green in many countries. European settlers carried it around the world, and it has become a well-established introduced and naturalized plant in a wide variety of localities.

    Plant Description

    Ground-ivy is an aromatic, low-growing evergreen creeper herb growing about 2 to 24 inches (5-60 cm) tall. The plant is located in disturbed areas, open woods, forest edges, damp, shaded areas, lawns, gardens, pastures, road and railroad right-of ways, and waste grounds. It is occasionally found on river banks and floodplains. It grows primarily on damp, heavy, fertile and calcareous soils with pH ranging from 5.5 to 7.5. It does not tolerate strongly acidic soils. It is also salinity intolerant. It has fine, fibrous and shallow root system. Stems are long, trailing, unbranched and square shaped. It may have short stiff hairs.  It creeps along the ground and are 20-75 cm (18-35 in.) in length. It spreads by branched horizontal stolons that root at their nodes. It is clonal and forms patches or carpet-like mats.

    Leaves

    Leaves are opposite, heart-shaped with scalloped margins, about 2–3 cm diameter, on 3–6 cm long petioles and have a musky mint odor when crushed. When growing in partial shade, leaves are usually deep green, but they may be reddish if located in full sun. Visible on leaves are veins that emit outward from a common point like fingers. Leaves attach to stems by way of long petioles. The leaves are stalked and opposite to one another, the undersides paler and dotted with glands.

    Flower & Fruit

    Flowers are bilaterally symmetrical, funnel shaped, blue or bluish-violet to lavender, and grow in opposed clusters of 2 or 3 flowers in the leaf axils on the upper part of the stem or near the tip. It usually flowers in the spring. Flowering occurs from March to July. Upon maturity, each flower is replaced by pods with 4 nutlets and has a white spot at their base. Nutlets are dark brown, egg-shaped, smooth, and have 1 rounded and 2 flat side. While considered an invasive weed in North America, Glechoma has been used for medicinal purposes in Europe for thousands of years.

    Origin

    Ground ivy herb was originated in Europe and is presently distributed all over Europe and Asia. Early settlers brought the plant to North America after which it spread throughout northeastern U.S. and southern Canada. Today in the U.S., it grows abundantly within an area located east of Colorado and north of Georgia. The species is adapted throughout Ohio. It can be found in waste areas, ditches, roadsides, pastures, orchards, open woods, agricultural fields, and is especially troublesome as a weed in lawns. Ground ivy thrives in damp, rich soils and shady places but will grow in full sun.

    Ground Ivy Image Gallery
    Calyx-of-Ground-ivy-flower Calyx-of-Ground-ivy-flower
    Closer-view-of-Leaf-Underside Closer-view-of-Leaf-Underside
    Flower-of-Ground-ivy-plant Flower-of-Ground-ivy-plant

    Fruit-of-Ground-ivy-plant Fruit-of-Ground-ivy-plant
    Ground-ivy-bushes Ground-ivy-bushes
    Ground-Ivy-leaf-Powder Ground-Ivy-leaf-Powder

    Ground-ivy-plant Ground-ivy-plant
    Ground-ivy-plant-Illustration Ground-ivy-plant-Illustration
    Leaf-of-Ground-ivy-plant Leaf-of-Ground-ivy-plant

    Root-of-Ground-Ivy-plant Root-of-Ground-Ivy-plant
    Sketch-of-Ground-Ivy-plant Sketch-of-Ground-Ivy-plant
    Stem-of-Ground-ivy-plant Stem-of-Ground-ivy-plant

    Health Benefits of Ground Ivy

    Ground Ivy has been used medicinally for centuries, and for the Angelo-Saxons it was appreciated as a flavoring, clarifier, and preservative for beer. Apart from that it is also used medicinally. Listed below are the many health related benefits of Ground ivy:

    1. Digestive System

    Ground ivy is quite beneficial for solving indigestion and digestive issues like colic, gas, heartburn, diarrhea etc. Ground ivy infusion is also used as an herbal remedy for colic in babies. It can be used to solve digestive issues in children just like the herb Catnip.

    2. Ear, Nose and Throat

    Ground ivy is used for treating medical conditions related to the ears, nose and throat (ENT issues). As a traditional medicine, Ground ivy tea is used to treat cold symptoms, allergic rhinitis, bronchitis, asthma, ear infection, sinus infection, chest congestion, sore throat and for drying up nasal secretions & phlegm.

    It is believed that the herb can clean the mucous membranes and clear out old mucous. It is also used to bring down fever. It is often combined with other herbs and used as a snuff or is stuffed into the nostrils to solve headache.

    3. Eye Health

    Since early centuries, Ground ivy was used in tea form to cool and encourage the eyes. Herbal tea made from Ground ivy is called gill tea and is considered an all-purpose herbal formula. Ground ivy infusion is used as a wash to solve sore eyes, black eyes, watery eyes, itchiness, spots, cataracts, inflammation of the eyes and poor eye sight.

    4. Diuretic

    Ground ivy has diuretic actions and can be beneficial against kidney related issues like slow urine and burning sensation while passing urine. It is also related with the treatment of stones in the urinary tract.

    5. Skin Conditions

    Ground ivy is considered an excellent poultice for treating skin related infections and abscesses. The herbal infusion can be applied on the face to clean facial oil and can also close pores.

    6. Other Benefits

    Ground ivy is also quite beneficial for buzzing ears, circulatory issues, gout, vertigo, depression, tinnitus, jaundice, palpitation and premature aging. The herb is also used as a liver tonic. Lately, the herb has been researched for its effects against red blood cancerous cells carrying the TN antigen.

    Traditional health benefits of Ground ivy

    • Ground ivy is a safe and effective herb that is used to treat many problems involving the mucous membranes of the ear, nose, throat and digestive system.
    • It can be given to children to clear lingering catarrh and to treat chronic conditions such as glue ear and sinusitis.
    • Throat and chest problems, particularly those due to excess catarrh, also benefit from this remedy.
    • Leaves and flowering stems are anodyne, antiphlogistic, appetizer, astringent, digestive, diuretic, febrifuge, pectoral, gently stimulant, tonic and vermifuge.
    • Leaves are used in the treatment of hypersensitivity in children and are useful in the treatment of kidney diseases and indigestion.
    • Expressed juice speeds the healing of bruises and black eyes.
    • Ground ivy has been used as a cure for cataracts and tinnitus.
    • Tea made from the plant has been used to treat coughs
    • The plant is useful in kidney diseases and for indigestion.
    • It is one of the most popular remedies for coughs and nervous headaches.
    • It is still considered functional in pectoral complaints and in cases of weakness of the digestive organs.
    • Snuff made from the dried leaves of Ground Ivy will reduce marked relief against a dull, congestive headache of the passive kind.
    • Combined with Yarrow or Chamomile Flowers it is said to make an excellent poultice for abscesses, gatherings and tumors.
    • Painters used the Ground Ivy as a preventive and remedy for lead colic in America.
    • Infusion is used as a wash for sore and weak eyes.
    • Ground ivy tea can be a great natural solution for adults and children to combat the symptoms of the flu and cold.
    • Women are recommended to use ground ivy tea to prevent various menstrual irregularities.
    • Ground ivy is used for arthritis and rheumatism in Italy.
    • It is used to treat carbuncles, erysipelas, lower abdominal pain, scabies, scrofulous, irregular menstruation, coughs, dysentery, and jaundice in Chinese medicine.
    • Poultices and compresses are applied externally to treat poorly healing wounds, ulcers, and skin diseases.
    • Add 1 tbsp of dried herb in half cup of boiling water and steep for 10 minutes. Take half cup a day to cure liver disorders.

    Culinary Uses

    • Leaves have a bitter flavor; they can be mixed into salads to add a slight aromatic tang.
    • They can also be cooked like spinach, added to soups etc. or used as a flavoring.
    • An herb tea is made from the fresh or dried leaves.
    • It is often used mixed with verbena leaves.
    • Herb has been added to beer in much the same way as hops in order to clear it and also to improve its flavor and keeping qualities.
    • It is used as a salad green in many countries.
    • Glechoma has been used in the cheese-making process as a substitute for animal rennet.
    • Leaves can also be cooked like spinach, added to soups, stews, or omelets.

    How is this product usually used?

    Ground ivy is commonly used on the skin by mixing 2 g to 4 g of dried leaves with equal parts (i.e., 2 mL to 4 mL) of water. The mixture can then be applied to the affected area using a cloth as needed. Ground ivy can also be taken by mouth in amounts ranging from 1 g to 4 g 3 times daily for occasional use.

    The usual dose of ground ivy for adults (i.e. 18 years and older) is:

    • Tea: prepared by steeping 2 g to 4 g of dried aerial parts in 150 mL of boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes and straining, 3 times daily
    • Tincture: 1 g to 2 g of dried leaves combined with 5 mL to 10 mL of 25% ethanol, 3 times daily
    • Fluid extract: 2 g to 4 g of dried leaves in 2 mL to 4 mL of 25% ethanol, 3 times daily

    Do not use this product if you are under 18 years old.

    Other Facts

    • A good ground cover plant for shady places.
    • It is rather vigorous though and can swamp smaller plants.
    • It is a popular hanging basket plant.

    Belgium Wild Beer Recipe

    Ingredients

    • 1 gallon water (3.75 L)
    • 2 ounce (2 g) wormwood
    • 2 ounce (2 g) common yarrow
    • 5 ounce (6 g) fresh ground ivy (creeping Charlie)
    • 3 ounces (4 g) chopped dried dandelion roots
    • 3-4 crushed stems bitter dock 3 to 4 inches (7.5 to 10 cm) long or 1 to 2 lemons
    • 1 1/4 pounds (680 g) brown sugar
    • Yeast (wild or commercial)

    Instructions

    Place the sugar, wormwood, yarrow, dandelion roots and bitter dock stems into a large pot with water (cut and squeeze the lemons if you used them). Bring to a light boil for 30 minutes. Add the fresh ground ivy after 15 minutes of boiling.

    Remove from heat and strain the brew into the fermenter then add the yeast. Position the airlock or cover your fermenter with a paper towel or cheesecloth. Let the beer ferment for 10 days. Start counting when the fermentation is active (may take 2 to 3 days with a wild yeast starter). Siphon into swing-top bottles (16 oz. – 500ml) and prime them with ½ teaspoon (2g) brown sugar for carbonation. Close the bottles and store somewhere not too hot. The beer will be ready to drink in around 3 weeks.

    Precautions

    • Plant might be toxic to horses.
    • Avoid if you are suffering from kidney disease.
    • It’s unsafe to use ground ivy if you are pregnant. It could cause a miscarriage. It’s also best to avoid ground ivy if you are breast-feeding.
    • Larger doses can irritate the stomach, intestines, and kidneys, and cause serious liver damage.
    • Its use is also contraindicated or prohibited by patients enduring epilepsy.
    • Avoid in individuals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to ground ivy, or other members of the Lamiaceae family, including mint, rosemary, basil, oregano, thyme, and lavender.

    References:

    https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=502801#null

    http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/2733/

    http://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Glechoma+hederacea

    http://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/25249

    http://www.floracatalana.net/glechoma-hederacea-l-subsp-hederacea

    https://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/pubs/midatlantic/glhe.htm

    http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/i/ivygro16.html

    https://npgsweb.ars-grin.gov/gringlobal/taxonomydetail.aspx?id=316891

    https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=glhe2#

    https://www.gbif.org/species/2926557

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glechoma_hederacea

    http://www.oardc.ohio-state.edu/weedguide/single_weed.php?id=58

    http://www.bio.brandeis.edu/fieldbio/Verrill_Wolf/pages/ground_ivy.html

    http://www.purplesage.org.uk/profiles/groundivy.htm

    https://plants.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/pg_glhe2.pdf

    http://wssa.net/wp-content/themes/WSSA/WorldOfWeeds/groundivy.html

    https://www.na.fs.fed.us/fhp/invasive_plants/weeds/ground-ivy.pdf

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    Ground Ivy Facts

    Name Ground-ivy
    Scientific Name Glechoma hederacea
    Native Europe and parts of Asia
    Common Names Field Balm, ground-ivy, gill-over-the-ground, creeping charlie, alehoof, tunhoof, catsfoot, field balm, run-away-robin, creeping jenny, Haymaids, hedgemaids, hove, lizzy-run-up-the-hedge, robin-run-in-the-hedge, run-away-robin, tun hoof, tunhofe, turnhoof, wild snakeroot
    Name in Other Languages Chinese: Ōu huóxuè dān (欧活血丹)
    English: Alehoof, creeping Charlie, gill-over-the-ground, ground ivy, haymaids, Variegated Ground Ivy, cat’s foot; creeping Jenny; field balm; run-away robin; tunhoof
    Finnish: Maahumala
    French: Lierre terrestre commun, Lierre terrestre, Gléchome Lierre terrestre, gléchome faux-lierre, rondelote; rondette
    German: Gundelrebe, Gundermann, Efeu-
    Italian: Edera terrestre commune, corona di terra; erba di San Giovanni
    Netherlands: Aardveil; hondsdraf
    Polish: Bluszczyk ziemny, Kurdybanek
    Portuguese: Bálsam-do-campo; hera-terrestre; hero-de-canteiro
    Romanian: Rotungioară
    Spanish: Hiedra terrestre; yedra terrestre
    Swedish: Jordreva
    Plant Growth Habit Aromatic, low-growing evergreen creeper herb
    Growing Climate Found growing in disturbed areas, open woods, forest edges, damp, shaded areas, lawns, gardens, pastures, road and railroad right-of ways, and waste grounds. It is occasionally found on river banks and floodplains.
    Soil Grows primarily on damp, heavy, fertile and calcareous soils with pH ranging from 5.5 to 7.5. It does not tolerate strongly acidic soils. It is also salinity intolerant.
    Plant Size 2 to 24 inches (5-60 cm)
    Root Fine, fibrous and shallow
    Stem Long, trailing, unbranched square stems. Can have short stiff hairs.  Creeps along the ground. From 20-75 cm (18-35 in.) in length
    Leaf Opposite, heart-shaped with scalloped margins, about 2–3 cm diameter, on 3–6 cm long petioles and have a musky mint odor when crushed. When growing in partial shade, leaves are usually deep green, but they may be reddish if located in full sun. Visible on leaves are veins that radiate outward from a common point like fingers. Leaves attach to stems by way of long petioles. The leaves are stalked and opposite to one another, the undersides paler and dotted with glands.
    Flowering Season March to July
    Flower Bilaterally symmetrical, funnel shaped, blue or bluish-violet to lavender, and grow in opposed clusters of 2 or 3 flowers in the leaf axils on the upper part of the stem or near the tip. It usually flowers in the spring
    Fruit Shape & Size Pods with 4 nutlets and have a white spot at their base. Nutlets are egg-shaped, smooth, and have 1 rounded and 2 flat side.
    Fruit Color Dark brown
    Flavor/Aroma Balsamic odor
    Taste Bitter taste
    Plant Parts used Flowers, leaves and stems
    Health Benefits
    • Digestive System
    • Painter’s Poisoning
    • Skin Conditions
    • Diuretic
    • Ear, Nose and Throat
    • Eye Health

    Ground Ivy Scientific Classification

    Scientific Name: Glechoma hederacea

    Rank Scientific Name & (Common Name)
    Kingdom Plantae (Plants)
    Subkingdom Tracheobionta (Vascular plants)
    Infrakingdom Streptophyta  (land plants)
    Superdivision Glechoma hederacea L. (ground ivy)
    Division Magnoliophyta (Flowering plants)
    Class Magnoliopsida (Dicotyledons)
    Subclass Asteridae
    Order Lamiales
    Family Lamiaceae ⁄ Labiatae (Mint family)
    Genus Glechoma L. (Glechoma)
    Species Glechoma hederacea L. (ground ivy)
    Synonyms
    • Calamintha hederacea (L.) Scop.
    • Chamaecissos hederaceus (L.) Nieuwl. & Lunell
    • Chamaeclema hederacea (L.) Moench
    • Glechoma borealis Salisb.
    • Glechoma bulgarica Borbás
    • Glechoma hederacea subsp. brevipetiolatum Kuntze
    • Glechoma hederacea subsp. microcalyx Kuntze
    • Glechoma hederacea subsp. serbica (Halácsy & Wettst.) Soó
    • Glechoma hederacea subsp. villosa Kuntze
    • Glechoma hederacea var. breviflora Coss. & Germ.
    • Glechoma hederacea var. grandiflora Hoffmanns. & Link
    • Glechoma hederacea var. hederacea
    • Glechoma hederacea var. heterophylla (Opiz) Nyman
    • Glechoma hederacea var. hirsuta Coss. & Germ.
    • Glechoma hederacea var. humilior Klett & Richt.
    • Glechoma hederacea var. magna (Mérat) DC.
    • Glechoma hederacea var. magna (Mérat) Lej.
    • Glechoma hederacea var. major Gaudin
    • Glechoma hederacea var. micrantha (Boenn. ex Rchb.) Nyman
    • Glechoma hederacea var. micrantha Moricand
    • Glechoma hederacea var. parviflora (Benth.) House
    • Glechoma heterophylla Opiz
    • Glechoma heterophylla var. angustidens Béguinot
    • Glechoma heterophylla var. latidens Béguinot
    • Glechoma intermedia Schrad.
    • Glechoma intermedia Schrad. ex Benth.
    • Glechoma lobulata Kit.
    • Glechoma longicaulis Dulac
    • Glechoma magna Mérat
    • Glechoma micrantha Boenn.
    • Glechoma micrantha Boenn. ex Rchb.
    • Glechoma repens Gilib.
    • Glechoma rigida A.Kern.
    • Glechoma rotundifolia Raf.
    • Glechoma serbica Halácsy & Wettst.
    • Glechonion hederaceum (L.) St.-Lag.
    • Glecoma hederacea L.
    • Hedera terrestris Garsault
    • Nepeta glechoma Benth.
    • Nepeta glechoma var. hirsuta Benth.
    • Nepeta gleochoma Bentham
    • Nepeta hederacea (L.) Trevis.
    • Nepeta hederacea f. albovariegata Makino
    • Nepeta rigida (A.Kern.) Beck
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