Ground Ivy – Latin Name: Glechoma hederacea syn. Nepeta glechoma, Nepeta hederacea, Calamintha hederacea, Chamaecissos hederaceus. Plant Family: Lamiaceae. Other Names: Ground-Ivy, Alehoof, Gill-Over-The-Ground, Creeping Charlie, Haymaids, Tunhoof, Hedgemaids & Catsfoot.
This perennial, creeping herb is native to Europe and western Asia and can also now be found in North America. It grows to around 15cm in height and can form dense carpets on the ground. Its leaves are 2-3cm in diameter, reniform (kidney or fan shaped), opposite and apple green in colour, stems are square a characteristic of many members of the Lamiaceae (mint) family. It’s tubular, lipped flowers are pale lilac to blue-violet, the plant gives off a faint minty scent. The young leaves can be eaten in salads; a refreshing tea can also be made from the leaves.
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. Ground Ivy has been used medicinally for centuries, and for the Angelo-Saxons it was appreciated as a flavouring, clarifier, and preservative for beer.
- Ground Ivy is useful in cases like colic, gas, heartburn, diarrhoea 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.
- 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 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 a headache.
- Historically, ground ivy was used in tea form to cool and heal 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 help with sore eyes, black eyes, watery eyes, itchiness, spots, cataracts, inflammation of the eyes and poor eye sight.
- 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.
- Ground ivy is considered an excellent poultice for treating skin related infections and abscesses. The herbal infusion can be applied to oily skin and can also close pores.
- The herb is also used as a liver tonic and speeds the healing of bruises and black eyes
- Combined with Yarrow or Chamomile Flowers it is said to make an excellent poultice for abscesses and tumours.
Add 1 tblsp of dried herb to half cup of boiling water and steep for 10 minutes. Take half cup a day to cure liver disorders. Alternately steep 2 tsp. of fresh or dried herb in 1 cup water for 10 min. flavour with peppermint or honey to taste take in half cup doses twice a day.
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, or if you are suffering from kidney disease. Always thoroughly research any new herb you are considering using. If you are taking prescribed drugs or have ongoing medical problems, discuss with your medical practitioner first.