Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederacea)
December 18, 2009 by Becki Baumgartner
Filed under Herbology, Wild Foods & Foraging
Harvesting:
Gather leaves, flowers and stems year round. Can be dried for later herb use.
Edible: Leaves can be used in salads.
Medicinal: Used as a spring tonic, appetite stimulant. Contains a volatile oil which aids in relieving congestion and inflammation of mucous membranes associated with colds, flu, and sinusitis. It is Anti-allergenic, Antibacterial, Anti-flu, Antihistaminic, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Antiviral, Cancer-Preventive, Expectorant, Immuno-stimulant, and Sedative. Ground ivy tea or juice is well tolerated and can be given to small children. The fresh juice or a medicinal tea is used to treat digestive disorders, gastritis, acid indigestion, and diarrhea. It is also beneficial for liver and kidney function, said to relieve gravel and stones. Added to bath as an emollient to soften skin and has a sedative effect.
Recipe for Spring Tonic: Steep 2 tsp. of fresh or dried herb in 1 cup water for 10 min. flavor with peppermint or honey to taste take in ½ cup doses twice a day.
Recipe for colds and flu: Express fresh juice with press. Take in 1 tsp. doses 3 times a day, ½ tsp. for children. Use 2 or 3 drops in nose twice a day for sinusitis.
Sources:
Alternative Nature Online Herbal, (n.d.), extracted October 23, 2009 from
http://www.altnature.com/gallery/Ground_Ivy.htm
Moonrose, Cindy. Nashville, TN. Eatable Weed Walk (live) October 21, 2009.
Related Links
- Health Improvement: Use Sound Therapy to Improve Your Health
- Herbal Remedy Cures eBook
- Marharishi Ayurveda: Herbal Remedies and Supplements Produced Through Vedic Tradition and Knowledge
- Standardized Herbs: Nature’s Sunshine Utilizes over 600 Tests to Guarantee the Quality of Herbs, Supplements, Essential Oils and Other Natural Health Care Products!
- Self Sufficient Life Website
- Super Antioxidant Juice MonaVie for a daily dose of Acai – the highest rated antioxidant currently known on the planet!
- Ultimate Guide to Vitamins and Minerals Book Info
Disclaimer: The statements in this article are for educational purposes only and have not been evaluated by or sanctioned by the FDA. Only your doctor can properly diagnose and treat any disease or disorder. The remedies discussed herein are not meant to treat or cure any type of disease. The user understands that the above information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician or a pharmacist.