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The Apothecary: Ground Ivy
By Adam Kane |
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While many of us are going to be going crazy trying to keep the weeds at bay this spring, we should also try to realize that some can be very useful in
herbalism.
One such plant is ground ivy (glechoma hederacea). Many consider ground ivy a weed because it creeps along the ground and grows so quickly, blanketing many moist areas. Its long creeping stems yield clusters of round leaves with wavy edges. Between these leaves you can find clusters of three to seven small, elongated indigo flowers. The flowers are almost trumpet shaped with two lips. Ground ivy can be found blooming from March through July; sometimes the flowers will stay right through the summer.
Ground ivy is also known by many other names. It has been called alehoof, cat's foot, turn-hoof, hay maids, and gill-go-by-ground. The Saxons made use of the herb in the making of their beer and ale. The leaves were often added to help in the flavoring and in fermentation.
The flowers of ground ivy are commonly used by herbalists in infusions. These infusions can be used internally to treat many bladder and kidney problems. It gently stimulates bladder activity aiding in eliminating infections of the urinary track and bladder.
The infusion is also taken as a general tonic because of its stimulant, diuretic and diaphoretic properties. This will help cleanse the body of impurities and boost your energy. It can also be used internally to help ease indigestion.
Ground ivy can also be used externally. The infusion can be used as a vulnerary or astringent. If used on cuts or wounds it will help them heal and will also help small cuts stop bleeding.
Poultices can be made from ground ivy flowers. These are then used externally to treat cuts, bruises, and abscesses. Most commonly ground ivy is used in equal part with chamomile flowers and ground down to make the poultice. It should also be noted that it is important to use fresh herbs for poultices; this is because they have the right consistency and still contain their volatile oils.
The herb is useful all year round if it is dried. It can be used to make a tea to ease tension headaches and can also be used in a cough syrup. For the cough syrup you should use equal parts of ground ivy, horehound, and coltsfoot Boil the herbs in a little water and then let them simmer for about half an hour. You can then strain the mixture, add some honey or sugar, and then simmer the mixture again until it thickens into a syrup
Ground ivy has been valued for its medicinal purposes for centuries now. So the next time you are out weeding your garden keep an eye out for this useful herb. |
  
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