Ivy belongs to the genus Ivy and the family Araliaceae. It is an evergreen plant with very variable life forms. As a medicinal plant, it plays only a minor role today, but in November 2009 it was named medicinal plant of the year 2010.
Occurrence and cultivation of the common ivy.
In Central Europe, common ivy is the only root climber. Its shoot axes begin to lignify after a few years and develop into semi-shrubs, shrubs and lianas (climbers). The name ivy is short for the scientific name common ivy (Hedera helix). Ivy is a very perennial plant that can take on different growth forms depending on environmental conditions. Initially, it is a herbaceous plant, which after a certain time occupies very large areas. It initially grows in a creeping manner and climbs up obstacles such as fences, trees or walls by means of its adhesive roots. It can grow up to 30 meters in height. In Central Europe, the common ivy is the only root climber. Its shoot axes begin to lignify after a few years and develop into semi-shrubs, shrubs and lianas (climbers). In rare cases, lignification can extend to the point where ivy appears as a tree. The woody stems sometimes reach a diameter of 10 to 30 centimeters. Ivy forms two distinct leaf shapes as it develops. This phenomenon is called leaf diphormism. Thus, the creeping young shoots bear angular-lobed leaves, while the leaves have a smooth edge when the plant is fully grown. The leaves then grow in a pear shape with the stems free in the air. Spherical flowers form in late summer. Black, poisonous berries develop from these flowers in winter. Ivy is native to western, central and southern Europe. In the course of European colonization, the common ivy reached North America, Australia and New Zealand.
Effect and application
Of the ivy, all parts of the plant are poisonous. However, the toxicity also depends on the dose of active ingredients. Therefore, ivy can also be used as a medicinal and medicinal plant. Thus, preparations of ivy leaves at low concentrations have an expectorant and antispasmodic effect. Therefore, they are used in bronchial diseases, as well as in irritable and spasmodic cough. However, at higher doses, irritation of skin and mucous membranes occurs. This effect is caused by alpha-hederin. Alpha-hederin is formed during the decomposition of saponins contained in the leaves, wood and berries of ivy. This substance accounts for 80 percent of the toxins contained in ivy. Another toxic substance is falcarinol. Several plant species, including ivy, produce falcarinol to ward off pests and fungi. At low concentrations, this substance has been found to have cancer-preventive, antibacterial, fungicidal, and analgesic properties. However, in larger quantities it is toxic and can cause allergies and skin irritation. Therefore, light protective measures are also recommended when cutting ivy. The toxicity of ivy is also the reason why it is rarely used as a medicinal plant today. It used to be a popular medicinal plant and was even considered a sacred plant in ancient times and antiquity. It was used for diarrheal diseases, diseases of the spleen and respiratory diseases. People at that time also relied on the healing power of ivy for rheumatism, gout, jaundice and even the plague. Today, only the leaves and flowers may be used in its application. The black berries have too high a concentration of poison. For internal use, the concentration must not be too high. Therefore, mixed teas with ivy are suitable for this purpose as bronchial teas. Externally, however, the application is safe. Here it is used in the form of baths, poultices and compresses for wounds, ulcers and pain. Ivy can also be used as an ointment or oil extract.
Importance for health, treatment and prevention.
Ivy has healing properties for various respiratory diseases, ulcers, gout, rheumatism and various pains. It is also antipyretic, heals wounds and is even used for cellulite. Ivy poultice is also recommended for nerve pain, so-called neuralgia. In November 2009 it was proclaimed medicinal plant of the year 2010.For ivy extracts are used today as cough syrups or medicinal teas for the treatment of stuck mucus in the bronchi. However, because of the toxicity of the active ingredients, these extracts can only be considered as medicines. The dosage must not be too high. Also, only the leaves may be used for their preparation. They contain up to 6 percent triterpene saponins. In addition to alpha-hederin, the substances hederacoside B and C also play a role in their effectiveness. These active substances liquefy the mucus, relax the bronchial muscles and thus decongest the airways. These extracts are also very effective in chronic inflammatory bronchial diseases and whooping cough. In addition to cough syrups and teas, ivy extracts are also used as drops. In higher dosages, however, there are unpleasant side effects or even severe poisoning. Especially in the pulp of the black berries of ivy, the content of alpha-hederine is so high that their consumption is very dangerous. Already with the ingestion of 2 to 3 berries, the first symptoms of poisoning can occur. There is nausea, vomiting, rapid pulse, irritation of the stomach and intestines, and headache. Consumption of a large quantity of berries even leads to severe vomiting diarrhea, convulsions and respiratory arrest. Fatal courses of these poisonings have also been observed. Even external contact with ivy can cause severe irritation of the skin and allergies due to the influence of the same active ingredient.
