Production
The dried leaves of the non-flowering ivy are used medicinally. Mainly aqueous-alcoholic dry extracts are produced. Pharmacologically, the ivy leaves contain active ingredients such as flavonoids, triterpene saponins, sterols, polyins and essential oils.
The extracts obtained from the ivy leaves are contained in many juices, drops or suppositories. The ivy is considered poisonous. A large amount of leaves, as well as a small amount of fruit can be released when ingested by mouth!
- Vomiting
- Cramps and
- Diarrhea
Therapy – application – effect
The medical effectiveness of preparations made from dry ivy leaf extracts has been proven in many scientific studies. The applications of the medicinal plant ivy are recommended for respiratory tract infections, especially for chronic bronchial diseases. The healing effect comes mainly from the ivy leaves.
The saponins contained in the leaves, which liquefy the mucus, contribute to healing. The hederasaponins and some flavonoids have an antispasmodic effect. In animal experiments, inflammation could be prevented by ivy leaf extracts.
The use of ivy juice is particularly suitable for children. There are many dosage forms available on the market especially for children. Drops, suppositories or dragees made from ivy leaf extracts have an analgesic, antispasmodic and mucolytic effect on the bronchi.
The medicinal plant ivy can also reduce the storage of water in the tissue (medical edema). For this reason, ivy extracts are used to treat cellulite (orange peel skin). Ivy extracts are also used in folk medicine. They are used internally. Externally, ivy extracts are used in folk medicine for
- Liver
- Spleen
- Gallstones
- Gout and
- Rheumatism
- Ulcers
- Burns
- Parasites (lice)
- Phlebitis and
- Cellulite.
Side effect and interaction
Preparations from ivy leaves can cause allergies. However, if the ivy extract is dosed according to the instructions, only few side effects are to be expected. If the ivy extracts are overdosed, this may cause allergies.For medical use only alcoholic-aqueous extracts of ivy but no ivy tea can be used.
Please always consult your doctor before taking ivy extracts! During pregnancy and lactation you should avoid preparations of the medicinal plant ivy.
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea and
- Headaches
