Ivy leaves are used to treat a wide variety of inflammatory diseases, primarily of the respiratory tract. The leaves can be used for therapy and prevention of chronic inflammatory diseases of the bronchi, such as spastic bronchitis.
Traditional use of ivy
Furthermore, ivy is also suitable for the treatment of acute inflammation of the respiratory tract, inflammation of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract (catarrh), colds, coughs and supportive to facilitate expectoration in whooping cough. From a traditional point of view, ivy generally helps to loosen mucus in the respiratory tract.
Ivy leaves are also said to be effective against fungi such as Candida albicans, the causative agent of various fungal diseases of the skin and mucous membranes, and parasites.
Ivy in folk medicine
Ivy leaves have also been used in folk medicine for a long time to treat inflammation of the respiratory tract. Extracts from the wood of the plant are further applied externally in the form of creams and lotions to relieve itching in skin problems. Ivy is also an ingredient in various skin care products for the treatment of cellulite.
Homeopathic use of ivy
In homeopathy, the fresh and unwoody shoots are used for the treatment of acute inflammation of various organs such as the upper and lower respiratory tract, liver, gastrointestinal tract, pancreas and musculoskeletal system, as well as in thyroid disorders.
Ingredients of ivy
Ivy leaves contain 2.5-6% triterpene saponins, including the so-called hederacosides B to I. Of these, hederacoside C is the most important, accounting for up to 7%. This is present as an inactive precursor and is converted in the body into the active α-hederin. According to the European Pharmacopoeia, a minimum content of 3% heteracoside C should be contained in the drug.
Other efficacy-determining ingredients include flavonoids, polyacetylenes, and chlorogenic acid esters.
Ivy: for what indication?
Typical applications of ivy are:
- Inflammation of the respiratory tract
- Inflammations of the mucous membranes
- Colds
- Catarrh
- Spastic bronchitis
- Cough
- Whooping cough
- Fungi
- Parasites
