Ivy (Hedera Helix)

Chemical Constituents:

Saponins (hederacoside C, alpha-hederin), Flavonoids (kaempferol, quercetin), Polyacetylenes, Triterpenoids, Phenolic acids, Vitamins (vitamin C), Minerals (including calcium, potassium)

Botanical Description:

Hedera helix, commonly known as ivy, is a woody evergreen vine belonging to the Araliaceae family. Native to Europe, western Asia, and North Africa, ivy is now cultivated worldwide for its ornamental foliage and medicinal properties. Ivy vines can grow several meters in length, climbing or trailing along surfaces using aerial roots. The leaves are glossy, dark green, leathery, and typically have three to five lobes with prominent veins. Ivy produces small, greenish-yellow flowers in umbels, followed by black berries that are toxic if ingested.

Traditional Uses:

Ivy has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in European and folk medicine.

It is primarily used to relieve respiratory conditions, such as coughs, bronchitis, and asthma, due to its expectorant and bronchodilator properties.

Ivy leaf preparations are used to soothe coughs, loosen phlegm, and improve breathing in cases of respiratory congestion.

Externally, ivy is used in liniments, ointments, and poultices to alleviate joint pain, rheumatism, and skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.

Researched Uses:

Research on ivy has confirmed its traditional uses and therapeutic properties, particularly in the treatment of respiratory disorders.

Ivy leaf extracts contain saponins, such as hederacoside C and alpha-hederin, which have expectorant and mucolytic effects, helping to loosen mucus and facilitate its expulsion from the respiratory tract.

Studies suggest that ivy extracts may help improve symptoms of acute bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other respiratory conditions.

Ivy has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, supporting its traditional use in relieving joint pain and rheumatic disorders.

Uses for Livestock:

Ivy may have limited use in veterinary medicine for treating respiratory conditions in animals, particularly horses.

Ivy leaf preparations may be administered to livestock orally or used as a steam inhalation to relieve coughs and respiratory congestion.

In general, give unrestricted access to ivy or feed liberally to any off-colour or convalescing livestock as they will actively seek it out to self medicate when given the opportunity. 

Internal Uses:

Ivy leaf preparations are typically consumed internally as teas, tinctures, or syrups.

Ivy leaf tea is made by steeping dried or fresh leaves in hot water for 10–15 minutes, then strained and consumed.

It is commonly used to relieve coughs, bronchitis, and other respiratory conditions by loosening mucus and improving breathing.

External Uses:

Ivy can also be used externally in the form of ointments, liniments, or poultices.

Ivy leaf ointments may be applied topically to relieve joint pain, rheumatism, and inflammatory skin conditions.

However, caution should be exercised when using ivy externally, as contact with the skin can cause irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals.

Uses for People:

For people, ivy is primarily used as a natural remedy for respiratory conditions, such as coughs, bronchitis, and asthma.

Ivy leaf preparations are consumed internally to loosen phlegm, improve breathing, and alleviate symptoms of respiratory congestion.

Externally, ivy ointments or poultices may be used to relieve joint pain, rheumatism, and inflammatory skin conditions.

Conclusion:

Hedera helix, or ivy, is a valuable herb with a long history of traditional use and researched benefits, particularly in the treatment of respiratory disorders. Its expectorant, bronchodilator, and anti-inflammatory properties make it a valuable natural remedy for promoting respiratory health and relieving symptoms of coughs, bronchitis, and asthma. Whether consumed internally or used externally, ivy offers a natural approach to supporting health and well-being for both people and animals.

Kate Scott, aka The Drover's Daughter, has over 25 years experience in farming and is a qualified Medical Herbalist with a special interest in native British plants for ruminant health. Kate comes from a long line of sheep farmers and drovers and is passionate about teaching farmers how to boost health and immunity through the power of herbs and medicinal plants. With her husband she runs a farm consultancy service and also sells bath and beauty products online using botanicals and milk from her own flock.
Follow Kate on Facebook.

Further Information:

Visit the WHAg Learning Hub for a range of webinars on herbs and medicinal plants by Kate and other farm health experts.

To get access to a range of downloads and information on herbs and other natural methods and products become a free member.