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Ivy
Leaf |
Botanical name: Hedera
helix
Parts used and where
grown
Ivy
is an evergreen climber native to the damp woods
of western, central, and southern Europe. The
leaf is used medicinally. It should be carefully
distinguished from poison ivy found in the
Americas.
Ivy has been used in
connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health
concern for complete
information):
| Health
Concerns |
|
Asthma
Bronchitis
Chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease
(COPD) |
|
Cough
Stretch marks
(topical) |
Historical or
traditional use (may or
may not be supported by scientific
studies)
Ivy
leaves were held in high regard by the ancients.
They formed not only the poet’s crown but also
the wreath of the Greek god of wine, Dionysus.
The ancient Greeks believed that binding the
forehead with ivy leaves would prevent the
effects of inebriation. Greek priests presented
a wreath of ivy to newlyweds, and ivy has been
traditionally regarded as a symbol of fidelity.
Romans regarded ivy as excellent feed for their
cattle. Traditional herbalists have used ivy for
a wide number of complaints, including
bronchitis, whooping cough,
arthritis, rheumatism, and dysentery. Decoctions
of the herb were applied externally against
lice, scabies, and
sunburn.
Active
constituents
Although ivy’s composition has not been
subject to detailed scientific investigations,
it is known to contain 5–8% saponins. Other
constituents in the leaf include an alkaloid
called emetine that is similar to one found in
the herb tylophora. Although emetine
typically induces vomiting, in ivy leaf it seems
to increase the secretion of mucus in the lungs.
While the emetine content is very low in ivy,
this could in part explain its traditional use
as an expectorant (a substance that promotes the
removal of mucous from the respiratory tract).
Animal studies have shown the saponins found in
ivy extract prevent the spasm of muscles in the
bronchial area.
While
very few human clinical trials have been
performed on ivy, a controlled trial in a group
of children with bronchial asthma found that 25
drops of ivy leaf extract given twice per day
was effective in improving airflow into the
lungs after only three days of use. However, the
incidence of cough and shortness of
breath symptoms did not change during the short
trial period. Ivy leaf is approved by the German
Commission E for use against chronic
inflammatory bronchial conditions and productive
coughs due to its actions as an expectorant. One
double-blind human trial found ivy leaf to be as
effective as the drug ambroxol for treating the
symptoms of chronic
bronchitis.
In
addition to the use of ivy to treat asthma,
clinical reports from Europe suggest that
topical cream preparations containing ivy,
horsetail, and lady’s mantle
are beneficial in reducing, although not
eliminating, skin stretch
marks.11
How much is usually
taken?
Standardized ivy leaf extract can be
taken by itself or in water at 25 drops twice
per day as a supportive treatment for children
with asthma. At least double this
amount may be necessary to benefit adults with
asthma. However, ivy is not intended to replace
standard medical therapies and should only be
used following consultation with a healthcare
professional. A similar amount can be used for
people with a cough or bronchitis.
Are there any side
effects or interactions?
The
0.3 gram daily tea preparation of the herb,
suggested in the German Commission E monographs,
is not recommended for pediatric use because the
quantities of the saponins it contains are too
variable and could induce nausea and vomiting.
Since ivy contains small amounts of emetine, it
is not recommended during pregnancy,
as this specific alkaloid may increase uterine
contractions. In addition, the leaf itself can
be quite irritating when handled and may cause
allergic skin
reactions. | | | |
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