{"id":41993,"date":"2025-02-28T11:57:14","date_gmt":"2025-02-28T11:57:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/?post_type=herb&p=41993"},"modified":"2025-06-16T15:57:22","modified_gmt":"2025-06-16T14:57:22","slug":"ground-ivy","status":"publish","type":"herb","link":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/herb\/ground-ivy\/","title":{"rendered":"Ground ivy"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"featured_media":42023,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","beyondwords_generate_audio":"1","beyondwords_project_id":"47224","beyondwords_content_id":"6f5e700c-9d5f-4eba-b5b0-d2aca1b8ec8c","beyondwords_preview_token":"57171274-2992-4c47-a7b9-9051681be229","beyondwords_player_content":"","beyondwords_player_style":"","beyondwords_language_code":"","beyondwords_language_id":"","beyondwords_title_voice_id":"","beyondwords_body_voice_id":"","beyondwords_summary_voice_id":"","beyondwords_error_message":"","beyondwords_disabled":"","beyondwords_delete_content":"","beyondwords_podcast_id":"","beyondwords_hash":"","publish_post_to_speechkit":"","speechkit_hash":"","speechkit_generate_audio":"","speechkit_project_id":"","speechkit_podcast_id":"","speechkit_error_message":"","speechkit_disabled":"","speechkit_access_key":"","speechkit_error":"","speechkit_info":"","speechkit_response":"","speechkit_retries":"","speechkit_status":"","speechkit_updated_at":"","_speechkit_link":"","_speechkit_text":""},"tags":[],"conditions":[685,701,695,697],"sustainability":[1576],"sense":[17,31,18,527,27],"western_action":[992,993,994,1000,1001,1003,1007,1008,1010,1021,1025],"chinese_action":[],"ayurvedic_action":[],"energetics_action":[1908,1499,1498,1487,1379,1495],"region":[1893],"class_list":["post-41993","herb","type-herb","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","conditions-digestive-system","conditions-immune-system","conditions-respiratory-system","conditions-urinary-system","sustainability-green-sustainability-status","sense-aromatic","sense-astringent-taste","sense-bitter","sense-salty","sense-sweet","western_action-anti-inflammatory","western_action-antimicrobial","western_action-antioxidant","western_action-astringent","western_action-bitter","western_action-carminatives","western_action-diaphoretic","western_action-diuretic","western_action-expectorant","western_action-stomachic","western_action-vulnerary","energetics_action-aromatic","energetics_action-astringent","energetics_action-bitter","energetics_action-dry","energetics_action-hot","energetics_action-salty","region-western-herbs"],"acf":{"last_reviewed":"20250228","herb_author":1910,"banner_text":"Ground ivy is a gentle herb for clearing catarrh in the head and lungs","latin_name":"Glechoma hederacea<\/span><\/i>","pseudonym_name":"","family_name":"Lamiaceae","herb_summary":"Ground ivy is a herb for the upper respiratory tract, clearing congestion and supporting the mucous membranes. It also supports the digestive and urinary systems.","key_benefits":"Anticatarrhal\r\nDecongestant\r\nExpectorant\r\nSinusitis\r\nCongestion\r\nTinnitus","how_does_it_feel":"Ground ivy is pleasant tasting and can be used in a tincture or infusion blend. The volatile oils will be easily lost from an infusion, which needs to be covered while the drink is steeping.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nGround ivy is in the mint family and has a strong aromatic smell when fresh, which is somewhat retained when it is dried and tinctured. It does not have the same minty taste or high notes as other mint family herbs, it has more of a rounded aromatic aroma and taste.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe tincture is strongly aromatic tasting, fresh and cleansing in the mouth. Inhaling the vapours through the nose with a closed mouth feels clearing and uplifting. There is a mild astringency left in the mouth from the tannins and volatile oils.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe tea smells slightly aromatic, but mostly earthy, savoury and salty. The taste is aromatic, rounded and full-bodied, feeling hearty and nourishing from the abundant mineral content. There is a slight bitterness from the terpenes (bitter principles) and volatile oils. These volatile oils provide the antiseptic and antimicrobial actions, and the clearing sensation in the sinuses (1). After drinking, the astringent tannins and polyphenols can be sensed in the mouth. As an infusion, the effect can be felt moving into the digestive system through its relaxing carminative properties accompanied by digestive stimulation from the bitter principles.<\/span>\r\n\r\nGround ivy is very aromatic and clearing for the mind and senses. The plant grows rapidly, creeping along the ground and has a strong connection to the earth. It brings clarity and a feeling of being grounded \u2018in the body\u2019 and held by the earth.<\/span>","hdif_image_1":42016,"hdif_image_2":42018,"hdif_image_3":42020,"hdif_video":"https:\/\/youtu.be\/d9H0-umWy8U","sense":[17,31,18,527,27],"what_can_i_use_it_for":"[caption id=\"attachment_42023\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"600\"]\"Ground Ground ivy (Glechoma hederacea<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nGround ivy grows abundantly in the UK and throughout Europe and can easily be gathered in handfuls for drying and medicine making. It is not to be confused with English ivy (<\/span>Hedera helix<\/span><\/i>), which has some similar actions, but is in a different plant family (2). Once a staple herb in\u00a0 herbal apothecaries, ground ivy is one of the forgotten herbal medicines that has fallen out of fashion, but many of its traditional uses still apply (3,4). Despite the name, ground ivy is not related to common ivy, and the name is attributed to the resemblance of its foliage and trailing stems (5).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nGround ivy is a decongestant, astringent, diaphoretic, anti-inflammatory, tonic and is high in vitamins including vitamin C, and minerals including iron (2,6). It is specifically used as a decongestant and clearing herb for both bronchial and nasal catarrh (3). It is useful for chronic bronchial catarrh, as well as <\/span>bronchitis<\/span><\/a>, which are often accompanied by a persistent <\/span>cough<\/span><\/a>. Ground ivy is specific for tinnitus or ringing in the ears, as well as sinusitis and glue-ear (1,6).\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe astringent and antimicrobial actions make it good for treating sore throats and mouth issues as a mouth rinse, throat spray or by drinking as a tea (6).<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe aromatic volatile oils have a carminative action, which will relax the digestive tract and help with spasms, gripping pains and trapped wind. The astringent and anti-inflammatory actions help with the treatment of indigestion (dyspepsia), gastritis, diarrhoea, and IBS symptoms (7).<\/span>\r\n\r\nGround ivy is pleasant tasting and can be taken as a tea or tincture, used as an ingredient in cooking, or added raw to salads and garnishes. It is a good source of vitamin C, iron and potassium, making it a nutritious addition to the diet. To capture the full value of the volatile oils it is best to use it fresh, which is convenient because it grows almost the whole year round (8).<\/span>","into_the_heart_of":"In vitro<\/span><\/i> and <\/span>in vivo<\/span><\/i> animal research demonstrates that ground ivy is astringent, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant (2,9). The astringent activity documented for ground ivy has been attributed to the tannins and the polyphenol- rosmarinic acid (1). The anti-inflammatory properties are associated with flavonoids, and particularly rosmarinic acid and ursolic acid (1,7).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe volatile oils in ground ivy, particularly the terpineol constituents, are the components responsible for the antiseptic and antimicrobial actions (1). However, constituents in the volatile oils can be irritant to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and kidneys (1). Pulegone in particular is an irritant, hepatotoxic, and abortifacient, and some caution is required with use, see the Safety section below (1).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe bitter taste comes from the terpenes (bitter principles), particularly glechomin and marrubiin (1).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nEnergetically, ground ivy is hot and dry (6,7). The warming, pungent aromatics and volatile oils warm cold tissue states (10). The astringent tannins tighten damp, relaxed tissue states. Together, this suits ground ivy to cold and depressed tissue states due to congestion, which causes heaviness and fatigue (10). <\/span>","tradtional_uses":"[caption id=\"attachment_42018\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"600\"]\"Ground Ground ivy (Glechoma hederacea<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nThe current uses of ground ivy are much reflected in its traditional indications for bronchitis, tinnitus, diarrhoea<\/a>, haemorrhoids, cystitis, gastritis, and chronic bronchial catarrh (1,6). Ground ivy was regarded as a stimulating tonic, and pectoral, recommended for diseases of the lungs, kidneys, and liver, particularly with jaundice (11).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nIn 1640, English physician John Parkinson described ground ivy as a sharp and bitter herb, which is hot and dry, used to open, cleanse and purify (6). It was considered to be a \u201cgood wound herb\u201d for external wounds and skin afflictions such as scabies, wheals, fistulas, eruptions, and internal wounds such as ulcers (6,12).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nOne of the main traditional uses was as a bitter to stimulate digestion and a tonic for the stomach, ideal for cases of weakness in the digestive organs (5,13). It was used for colic in the stomach with griping pains and wind, and to help with jaundice by \u201copening obstructions of the stomach, gallbladder, liver and spleen\u201d (6,12). This correlates to the commonly stated traditional use for gallstones. An infusion of the leaves was highly recommended as a preventative and cure for\u00a0\u2019lead colic\u2019, a common affliction in painters due to the lead content of the paint (5,11).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nA decoction in wine was used for sciatic pains and gout of the hands, knees and feet, as it was thought to dissolve and disperse these conditions (6). Ground ivy was used as a tonic for the kidneys, and the diuretic action was used to treat kidney diseases (5). However, today this is considered a contraindication for use, due to the volatile oil content.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nFor sore throats, the decoction in wine was used as a gargle, or drunk with honey (6). The fresh juice or powdered leaves snuffed up the nose was said to cure\u00a0headaches, particularly the dull, congestive kind (5,11)<\/span>.<\/span><\/i>\r\n\r\nGround ivy was often used for treating consumption (tuberculosis), and the accompanying severe cough (5,13). In the 1736 <\/span>London Pharmacopoeia<\/span><\/i> it was presented as \u201cmightily used both in shops and common prescriptions, prescribed in almost all distemper of the lungs\u201d (10).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nOne of the common uses that remains today is for tinnitus, an indication that was reported by Gerard in 1597, \u201cbeing put into them, it is commended against the humming noise and ringing sound of the ears, and for them that are hard of hearing\u201d (5). The indication for tinnitus was recorded by Hildegard of Bingen in the 12<\/span>th<\/span> century (7).<\/span>\r\n\r\nCulpeper suggested combining ground ivy with <\/span>greater celandine<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Chelidonium majus<\/span><\/i>), and daisy (<\/span>Bellis perennis<\/span><\/i>), to be dropped into the eyes for \u201cpainful, red and watering eyes\u201d, and for \u201cthe web and skins and films growing over the sight\u201d, presumably referring to glaucoma and cataracts, respectively (12).\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nBefore the use of hops for making beer and ale, ground ivy was one of the key ingredients for clarifying the brew, as well as increasing the palatability with a pleasant flavour (6,13). In 1587, John Gerarde stated \u201cthe women of our northern parts, especially Wales and Cheshire, do turn Herbe-Ale-hoof into ale<\/span>\u201d <\/span><\/i>(13).<\/span>\r\n\r\nBy the end of the 18<\/span>th<\/span> century, ground ivy had disappeared from many pharmacopoeias and is still omitted from many modern materia medica publications today, possibly due to a lack of confidence in efficacy or the replacement with other herbs with similar actions (7).<\/span>","what_practioners_say":"[caption id=\"attachment_42015\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"600\"]\"Ground Ground ivy (Glechoma hederacea<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n

Respiratory<\/h3>\r\nGround ivy is most commonly used by herbalists as an expectorant and decongestant, specific for upper respiratory tract infections and nasopharyngeal catarrh (2). This includes bronchial and nasal congestion, clearing phlegm, and is particularly useful for a chronic, persistent cough. Ground ivy as either a hot infusion or tincture will help to loosen congestion that feels stuck in the lungs, and the expectorant action supports the expulsion of mucus via a cough. The pleasant taste lends ground ivy to a hot infusion, which assists the decongestant action, as well as supporting a fever and gently heating the body to loosen and clear the congestion.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nGround ivy is excellent for clearing catarrh from the head and sinuses, suiting it to head colds, middle ear congestion and infections, and allergies causing congestion. Congestion and blockage in the sinuses, eustachian tubes and ear canals provides a stagnant breeding ground for infection to develop. The volatile oils in ground ivy have an expectorant and antimicrobial action, clearing catarrh and supporting the immune system to tackle any infection. In cases of ear, nose or throat infections or <\/span>sinusitis<\/span><\/a>, ground ivy combines well with other herbs to support the immune system and clear the infection, such as <\/span>echinacea<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Echinacea purpurea\/angustifolia<\/span><\/i>), <\/span>thyme<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Thymus vulgaris<\/span><\/i>), <\/span>eucalyptus<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Eucalyptus <\/span><\/i>spp.) and <\/span>calendula<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Calendula officinalis<\/span><\/i>).<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe astringent tannins tighten the mucous membranes, which can help to dry up any excess secretions (14). This helps with increased mucus production caused when these surfaces are irritated by congestion, infection or allergies. Ground ivy can be added to a remedy for <\/span>hay fever<\/span><\/a> or other allergies, combining well with <\/span>elderflower<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Sambucus nigra<\/span><\/i>), <\/span>nettle<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Urtica dioica<\/span><\/i>) and <\/span>plantain<\/span><\/a> leaf (<\/span>Plantago lanceolata\/major<\/span><\/i>).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nGround ivy is often used to treat tinnitus, a disorder which causes a ringing or buzzing in the ears. Tinnitus can arise from a range of causes, including age-related hearing loss, otitis media (middle ear infection), otosclerosis (damage to the small bones in the ear), loud noise exposure, damage to the ear canal, cerumen impaction (blockage from a build-up of earwax), Meniere\u2019s disease, MS, medication, atherosclerosis, <\/span>stress<\/span><\/a> and anxiety (15). Ground ivy will be effective if the tinnitus is from a catarrhal origin, due to congestion, blockage or infection in the middle ear (16). For catarrhal deafness, ground ivy combines well with <\/span>eyebright<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Euphrasia officinalis<\/span><\/i>), elderflower, goldenrod (<\/span>Solidago canadensis<\/span><\/i>), <\/span>ginger<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Zingiber officinale<\/span><\/i>) and <\/span>chilli<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Capsicum minimum<\/span><\/i>).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe astringent and antimicrobial actions are helpful for treating sore throats and mouth problems such as ulcers, as well as helping to tone and strengthen soft and bleeding gums (6,13). It works well as a mouth rinse, throat spray or as an infusion\/tea (6). A soothing, protective and antimicrobial throat spray can be made by combining tinctures of bay leaf, thyme, <\/span>oregano<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Origanum vulgare<\/span><\/i>), <\/span>sage<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Salvia officinalis<\/span><\/i>) and <\/span>peppermint <\/span><\/a>(<\/span>Mentha piperita<\/span><\/i>).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nOther herbs with a similar decongestant, expectorant and drying action on the mucous membranes include eyebright, goldenrod, <\/span>elecampane<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Inula helenium<\/span><\/i>), <\/span>hyssop<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Hyssopus officinalis<\/span><\/i>), peppermint, <\/span>horseradish<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Amoracia rusticana<\/span><\/i>) and plantain.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

Digestive<\/h3>\r\nAlthough ground ivy is not the first herb to turn to as a carminative, the aromatic volatile oils will relax the digestive system and make a useful addition to a blend for griping pains and wind. Ground ivy stimulates the digestive organs, treating digestive weakness and congestion in the liver and spleen (7). Bloating and colicky pains can often be due to congestion and in the gastrointestinal tract, which will be supported by the bitter stimulation (10). The bitter aromatics stimulate digestion and increase appetite, working well in those who dislike the strong bitter taste of more traditional appetite stimulants like <\/span>dandelion<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Taraxacum officinale<\/span><\/i>) and <\/span>gentian root<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Gentiana lutea<\/span><\/i>).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nGround ivy was traditionally used as a treatment for gallstones, though this is not a herb commonly used for this ailment in modern herbal medicine. A recent research study using an animal model demonstrates an antilithic effect of ground ivy extract on cholesterol gallstones (17). This suggests potential for this herb to be included in formulas for treating gallstones and protecting the liver via an antioxidant action (17).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe astringent and anti-inflammatory actions protect the gut lining from irritation and indicate ground ivy for dyspepsia, gastritis, <\/span>diarrhoea<\/span><\/a>, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) (3,18).<\/span>\r\n

Urinary<\/h3>\r\nDue to its antiseptic and diuretic actions, ground ivy is often used as an infusion for bladder infections and <\/span>cystitis<\/span><\/a> (4,14). It combines well with buchu (<\/span>Agathosma betulina<\/span><\/i>), goldenrod and <\/span>uva ursi<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Arcostaphylos uva ursi<\/span><\/i>). Ground ivy is a tonic for the kidney in healthy individuals, but caution is needed if there are any kidney issues.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

Topical<\/h3>\r\nGround ivy is anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and cooling for the skin, and can be used on skin inflammations, wounds, sunburn and sun damage. Research has shown that a ground ivy lotion can reduce the inflammation and redness from sunburn, and improve recovery of the skin pigmentation after UV damage (19).<\/span>","research":"[caption id=\"attachment_42019\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"600\"]\"Ground Ground ivy (Glechoma hederacea<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nThere is a lack of clinical evidence to support the use of ground ivy, and most indications are based on traditional uses, and the pharmacological activity of the constituents.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nOne placebo-controlled clinical trial explored the effect of a topic ground ivy preparation on UV induced skin inflammation (19). A ground ivy extract lotion (1%) was applied twice daily for eight weeks following ultraviolet (UV) light exposure. Compared to the placebo group, the ground ivy group had a greater decrease in inflammation and redness, and a faster recovery of skin pigmentation. The ground ivy lotion also reduced pigmentation of existing pigmented spots when compared with the placebo. Skin stinging and itching was reported by some of the participants, although this was minor, and only occurred during the first two weeks of treatment, and disappeared with continued use (19).<\/span>\r\n\r\nA study using a rodent model demonstrated a protective effect of ground ivy extract against gallstone formation, and an antilithic effect via the breakdown of existing cholesterol gallstones (17). After three weeks of treatment with ground ivy extract (Hitrechol\u00ae) three times per day, there was a significant decrease in the size and amount of gallstone crystals and total cholesterol in mice with gallstones, as well as an increase in antioxidant enzyme levels in the liver (17).<\/span>","did_you_know":"Many of the common names come from the traditional use of ground ivy as a key ingredient for flavouring ale, until it was largely replaced by hops \u2014 alehoof, alehove, tunhoof, turnhoof, Gill-go-by-the-street, Gill-over-the-ground, Gill-run-over<\/span>. \u2018<\/span><\/i>Gill\u2019 comes from the French <\/span>guille<\/span><\/i>, meaning \u2018to ferment\u2019, and \u2018tun<\/span>\u2019<\/span><\/i> referring to the cask used for brewing (3,13). \u2018Hoof\u2019 is derived from the shape of the leaf, which resembles an animal hoof (3).\u00a0 <\/span>","additional_information_right":{"illustration":108640},"additional_information_left":{"botany":"Ground ivy is a perennial, low growing subshrub, reaching 0.1\u20130.5 m in height (23,24,25). It is aromatic, usually hairy and has a widespread distribution due to its rhizomatous method of reproduction via long trailing stolons (24,25). It spreads vigorously to form dense mats which can take over areas of lawn, and is considered a potentially invasive or aggressive weed (24,25). It creeps along the ground, shooting roots into the ground and a set of leaves at each root joint, then stems and flowers (12). The foliage is evergreen and grows throughout the year, flowering in spring, from March to June (25,26).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe leaves are opposite, stalked, roundish kidney shaped, with crenate-serrate leaf margins (25,27). The leaves vary in size according to the growing situation, and are smaller on the new shoots and erect stems than on the creeping runners (5 8). The flowers are small labiate flowers, with four joined petals, and a two lipped, open-mouthed upper petal (27).\u00a0 The flowers are arranged in whorls of 2\u20133 flowers at the leaf axils along the square stem, usually blue-violet (4,25,27).\u00a0<\/span>","common_names":"