Common ivy (Hedera helix) is one of the most popular plants, both in ornamental and medicinal use. Known for its ability to coil around buildings and trees, this plant is also prized for its rich composition of nutrients. Due to the content of saponins, flavonoids and other active ingredients, ivy has found wide application in folk medicine and cosmetology.
Ivy: biological description
Ivy is a climbing plant of the Araliaceae family that can reach several meters in length. Its characteristic feature is pentagonal, dark green leaves with a shiny surface. Ivy is often found in forests, parks, gardens, and even on the walls of buildings, as it is able to cling tightly to vertical surfaces thanks to its aerial roots. The plant not only decorates the landscape, but also has unique medicinal properties.
The main medicinal properties of ivy
Common ivy has a powerful therapeutic potential, which is due to its rich chemical composition. Its leaves contain saponins, flavonoids, carotenoids, organic acids and tannins. Saponins provide an expectorant effect, which is especially valuable for respiratory diseases. Flavonoids have an antioxidant effect, protecting body cells from the effects of free radicals, and tannins have antiseptic and astringent properties. These components make ivy useful in treating inflammatory processes, fighting infections and strengthening the immune system. In addition to this, ivy has an antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory effect, which helps to improve the general condition of the body in a number of diseases.
Ivy use for respiratory tract diseases
Ivy is especially effective in treating respiratory disorders such as bronchitis, tracheitis, asthma, and pneumonia. The main component that contributes to this is saponins, which have an expectorant effect. They stimulate the production of secretions in the respiratory tract, thin sputum and facilitate its excretion. This makes ivy a great helper in the fight against a dry and painful cough. Ivy extracts are often found in pharmaceuticals designed to treat coughs, such as syrups and lozenges. Ivy can also be used in the form of decoctions and inhalations to facilitate breathing and relieve inflammation.
Additionally, ivy has an anti-inflammatory effect, which helps to reduce irritation in the respiratory tract and promotes a faster recovery. Folk healers often recommend it for protracted bronchitis and chronic diseases of the respiratory system.
Ivy in cosmetology: benefits for skin and hair
Ivy is also widely used in cosmetology due to its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing properties. Extracts from ivy leaves are often added to cosmetics for skin and hair care. When used on the skin, ivy helps fight breakouts, acne, and acne. It has the ability to tighten pores, cleanse the skin and prevent inflammation. Due to the content of antioxidants, ivy helps to protect the skin from aging and environmental influences, which makes it an excellent component for anti-aging cosmetics.
For hair, ivy is useful because it strengthens the roots, promotes growth and prevents hair loss. Its extract improves blood circulation in the scalp, which stimulates hair follicles. Ivy also helps manage dandruff by reducing inflammation and irritation of the scalp. As part of shampoos and hair masks, ivy can be a great tool for maintaining healthy and beautiful hair.
Recipes for folk medicine using ivy
In folk medicine, ivy is widely used. Decoctions and infusions for external and internal use are prepared from its leaves and stems. For example, ivy infusion is used for compresses for rheumatism and arthritis, and gargling decoction helps with sore throat and inflammation of the gums. However, despite its popularity, it is important to observe dosages and precautions when using the plant.
Contraindications and precautions for the use of ivy
Ivy is not a poisonous plant, but its leaves and berries contain saponins, which can cause skin irritation or digestive upset if used incorrectly. It is important to remember that the internal use of ivy preparations should be carried out only under the supervision of a doctor, especially when it comes to pregnant, lactating women and children. It is also important to avoid contact with the sap of the plant, as it can cause allergic reactions.
Literature:
- Thermal blanketing by ivy (Hedera helix L.) can protect building stone from damaging frosts (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-018-28276-2)
- Six positive effects of Ivy (https://www.meristemdesign.co.uk/blog/2019/11/15/six-positive-effects-of-ivy#:~:text=The%20findings%20were%20positive%20showing,from%20frost%2C%20salt%20and%20pollution.)
- Ivy leaf (Hedera helix) for acute upper respiratory tract infections: an updated systematic review (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8275562/)
- In favour of ivy – why it’s brilliant for wildlife (https://www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org/news/favour-ivy-why-its-brilliant-wildlife)
Author: Natalia Kandybey, Candidate of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Quality Director of PJSC Pharmaceutical Factory “VIOLA”
