Ground Ivy, Creeping Charlie Botanical Name
Glechoma hederacea , Nepeta hederacea
Family
Lamiaceae
Ground Ivy likes to grow in moist areas in woodlands, sun, slopes, roadsides…It is considered a noxious weed by some.
photo from: www.wildlifetrust.org.uk/
Collection and preparation
Collect in May and June, when the plant is vigorous and flowering; the whole plant is used.
Tincture the fresh plant in brandy, or use Ground Ivy fresh or dried in an infusion, herbal oils, baths, etc.
Energetics
It is considered a stimulant and tonic, diuretic and cooling. It has a bitter, acrid, metallic taste.
Historical Uses
Painters used to use it to prevent or treat lead poisoning. It was used as a general internal healer in Culpepper’s time, and Gerard used it to treat tinnitus and plugged ears.
Use in Chinese/Ayurvedic Medicine
It is used in cases of trauma, kidney stones, and flu, arthritis and skin conditions in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Indications for Usage
Ground Ivy is used for chronic catarrhal conditions in the sinus or chest. It will help in cases of bronchitis. It is also beneficial in cases of tinnitus with stopped-up ears. If you look at the plant, the leaves look like ears! Ground Ivy is also used in kidney complaints, cystitis, diarrhea, hemorrhoids. It is considered an astringent, diuretic, expectorant, and vulnerary.
Possible Side Effects
None known. Ground Ivy is generally recognized as safe
Sources
The New Holistic Herbal by David Hoffmann, botanical.com
The Earthwise Herbal by Matthew Wood
Dawn’s enchantedgarden.com,
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