Contents:
Common Names | Parts Usually Used | Plant(s) & Culture | Where Found | Medicinal Properties
Legends, Myths and Stories | Uses | Formulas or Dosages | Warning | Bibliography
Scientific Names
- Hedera helix L.
- Araliaceae
- Ginseng family
Common Names
- Gum ivy
- True ivy
Parts Usually Used
Leaves
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Description of Plant(s) and Culture
English ivy is a climbing evergreen vine; grows to the length of over 50 feet, bears air roots along its length which enable the plant to cling to smooth surfaces. The leathery, glossy, dark-green leaves are variously 3 to 7 loved. The small, green or yellowish-green flowers appear in umbels from August to October. The fruit is a black berry; ripens in winter.
Another variety: American ivy, also known as woodbine, Virginia creeper, or wild wood vine (Vitis quinquefolia) is a common shrubby vine of the grape family.
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Where Found
Grows commonly in the temperate climates of Europe and Asia; introduced into the United States. Found in woods and along walls, upon trees, climbing stone walls, houses, churches, etc.
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Medicinal Properties
Antispasmodic, exanthematous
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Legends, Myths and Stories
Ivy is dedicated to the Greek god of wine, Dionysus, who is often pictured crowned with an ivy wreath. According to one myth, Dionysus when a youth used ivy to foil some sailors who abducted him in hopes of selling him as a slave in Egypt. But their ship would not proceed toward Egypt, for Dionysus caused the ship to be bound and fastened with ivy and grape vines. In Greece ivy is called “cissos”, after the nymph Cissos, who is said to have joyously danced herself to fatal exhaustion before Dionysus. Feeling pity, he turned her to ivy.
Another myth states the maiden Cissos danced before Bacchus and kissed him often, making such mirth and joy, that being overcome with the same fell to the ground and killed herself. But as soon as the earth knew her, she brought forth immediately the ivy vine, bearing still the name of the young damsel Cissus, which as soon as it grows up a little, comes to embrace the grape vine, in remembrance that the damsel wanted to love and embrace Bacchus the God of wine.
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Uses
English ivy is primarily for external use; as a wash for sores, burns, cuts, dandruff, and other skin problems.
In the right quantity, this herb will reduce swollen glands, calm fevers, and cure dropsy.
Ointment: for external use; the pulped leaf soothes stiff joints and aching muscles. Also the fresh crushed leaves rubbed on the site are said to be effective against the pain of bee or wasp stings.
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Formulas or Dosages
The whole plant, including the berries, is poisonous. Use only under medical supervision.
Cold extract: use 1 tsp. leaves with 1 cup cold water; let stand for 8 hours. Use only externally.
Tincture: gather ivy leaves and cut off some of the green bark, then pass them all through a mincer. Pour alcohol (not rubbing alcohol) over the mash and let it stand for a week or so. When ready, press through a sieve, filter and bottle. A few drops of this tincture rubbed lightly on a sting will quickly relieve the pain.
Compresses: made with salt water to which a few drops of ivy tincture is added. Also good for poison ivy.
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Warning
The leaves may cause dermatitis in sensitive people. Small doses taken internally are said to dilate the blood vessels and large doses to constrict them. English ivy is also said to break down red blood corpuscles by releasing their hemoglobin.
The whole plant, including the berries, is poisonous. Use only under medical supervision.
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Bibliography
Culpeper’s Complete Herbal & English Physician: Updated With 117 Modern Herbs
The Herb Book
Indian Herbalogy of North America
The Herbalist Almanac
The Magic of Herbs
The Nature Doctor: A Manual of Traditional and Complementary Medicine
Webster’s New World Dictionary
