{"id":259745,"date":"2025-12-16T19:16:05","date_gmt":"2025-12-16T19:16:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/?post_type=herb&p=259745"},"modified":"2026-04-16T14:30:51","modified_gmt":"2026-04-16T13:30:51","slug":"common-ivy","status":"publish","type":"herb","link":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/herb\/common-ivy\/","title":{"rendered":"Common ivy"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"featured_media":259780,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","beyondwords_generate_audio":"1","beyondwords_integration_method":"rest-api","beyondwords_project_id":"47224","beyondwords_content_id":"cae70fa4-8b10-4c8d-9ff3-5acec8089d94","beyondwords_preview_token":"eef135dd-8124-48a0-bcc9-4a81d685e41b","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":[],"sustainability":[1576],"sense":[17,18],"western_action":[992,993,996,997,998,1002,1010,1020],"chinese_action":[1033,1039,1037,1030,1167],"ayurvedic_action":[],"energetics_action":[1510,1499,1515,1498,1512,1382,1533,1487,1546,1554,1543,1552,1497,1539,1549],"writer":[1298],"region":[1893],"class_list":["post-259745","herb","type-herb","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","sustainability-green-sustainability-status","sense-aromatic","sense-bitter","western_action-anti-inflammatory","western_action-antimicrobial","western_action-antirheumatic","western_action-antispasmodic","western_action-antitussive","western_action-bronchodilator","western_action-expectorant","western_action-stimulant","chinese_action-clear-heat-and-relieve-toxicity","chinese_action-cool-and-transform-phlegm-heat","chinese_action-dispel-wind-damp","chinese_action-release-the-exterior-jie-biao","chinese_action-treat-cough-stop-wheezing","energetics_action-acrid-taste-chinese","energetics_action-astringent","energetics_action-astringent-taste-chinese","energetics_action-bitter","energetics_action-bitter-taste-chinese","energetics_action-cool","energetics_action-cooling","energetics_action-dry","energetics_action-dry-quality","energetics_action-kapha-minus","energetics_action-light-quality","energetics_action-pitta-minus","energetics_action-pungent","energetics_action-pungent-katu","energetics_action-vata-plus","writer-jonas-brab","region-western-herbs"],"acf":{"last_reviewed":"20251212","herb_author":1298,"banner_text":"Ivy is used to support respiratory health","latin_name":"Hederay helix<\/span><\/i>","pseudonym_name":"","family_name":"Araliaceae","herb_summary":"Ivy, the resilient, shade-loving evergreen, climbs and carpets the woodlands. Rich in saponins and steeped in folklore, this versatile vine offers relief from conditions associated with coughs.","key_benefits":"","how_does_it_feel":"Ivy is perhaps one of the most common plants to be found in the UK. It can cover whole forest floors, trees, walls or buildings. One of the only native, evergreen flowering plants, it is incredibly resilient to all weather, sun or shade and grows on a variety of soils. As such, it might not often be noticed, and just form part of the green wall, when out in nature. Its leaves are dark green, with lighter coloured veins and can bring even in the darkest and coldest of winter, a sense of life and hope for spring. <\/span>\r\n\r\nIndeed in ancient times, this plant was seen as a symbol for immortality, fidelity and resilience. It was traditionally used for wedding ceremonies, as a symbol for the strength of the union, of the ones to be betrothed. The flowers are delicate and tend to bloom late in the year \u2014 offering vital pollen to bees in times when most flowers have perished. On a warm autumn day, one can often hear the hum of bees within an ivy thicket. But there is also something dark about its nature.<\/span>\r\n\r\n Neither the leaves, with their leathery texture nor the dark berries (which are toxic) seem very inviting to be gathered for eating or to be made into a brew, signalling to stay away. Perhaps it is also the fact that it can often be found on graveyards and old decaying buildings \u2014 a constant reminder of our impermanence \u2014 in contrast to its own seaming immortality.\u00a0<\/span>","hdif_image_1":259781,"hdif_image_2":259784,"hdif_image_3":259782,"hdif_video":"","sense":[17,18],"what_can_i_use_it_for":"Whilst this herb doesn\u2019t seem to be very popular with the modern herbalist in the UK, it has a long history of medicinal use, as well as modern research. In some countries such as Germany and Poland, ivy leaf cough syrups are readily available over the counter in modern pharmacies (1).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nIts main indications are for the respiratory system, where it is used as an <\/span>expectorant<\/span><\/a> for conditions associated with productive <\/span>coughs<\/span><\/a>, including <\/span>asthma<\/span><\/a>, upper respiratory tract infections and <\/span>bronchitis<\/span><\/a> (1,2,3). It acts as a <\/span>bronchodilator,<\/span><\/a> antispasmodic<\/span><\/a> and by watering down thick mucus (4).\u00a0<\/span>","into_the_heart_of":"[caption id=\"attachment_259785\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"511\"]\"Ivy Ivy (Hederay helix<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nIvy makes an appearance in various ancient cultures, as it can be commonly found across Northern Africa, Asia and Europe. In ancient Egypt ivy was associated with the Osiris, god of the underworld, and who represented immortality and life after death. In ancient Greece ivy was sacred to the Greek god Dionysus, the god of wine, pleasure, and celebration. He was often depicted with an ivy crown and staff, and myths connect the plant to his divine birth and his life. <\/span>\r\n\r\nIt was believed that ivy could protect someone from the negative side effects of getting drunk. The Romans had a similar association with their god of wine Bacchus, and it became tradition to hang ivy above tavern doors to signal a good quality drink, and the metaphor of ivy embracing a tree was used as a symbol for marriage. In christianity, ivy became a commonly found symbol for both faithfulness and eternal life (5).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nIn Geradd's Herbal it explores ivy\u2019s energetic qualities, which seem to be contradicting in nature, as it has both cooling, as well as heating qualities. While it is green and fresh, it contains an earthy, cold, binding nature, which, upon drying,\u00a0 becomes hot and biting (6).<\/span>","tradtional_uses":"[caption id=\"attachment_259781\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"513\"]\"Ivy Ivy (Hederay helix<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nThe traditional use of ivy is rooted in European herbal medicine where the leaves, rather than the berries, have been employed most consistently as a remedy for respiratory conditions and certain topical complaints. However, in the past the berry was also used in various ways.<\/span>\r\n\r\nAccording to Culpepper, the berries used to be used for treating jaundice and parasitic worms, and were seen as a preventative and remedy for the plague. Interestingly, the berries had different uses depending on their level of ripeness. Taken in wine, they were also used as a diuretic and to stimulate menstruation. Fresh ivy leaves were boiled in vinegar and applied externally to ease stitches, aches, and <\/span>headaches<\/span><\/a>. Fresh leaves boiled in wine were applied to infected wounds and burns and the juice of fresh berries or leaves were applied to ulcers (7). Externally, ivy was also used to treat ringworm and other skin conditions.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nAnother remedy mentioned is the use of young ivy shoots, extracted in butter, which is applied to the skin to aid with sunburn (8).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nFor more than a century ivy leaf extracts have been prepared as teas, syrups and standardised dry or liquid extracts used to relieve productive coughs by loosening mucus and facilitating expectoration. This clinical application is reflected in modern regulatory assessments and monographs, such as the European Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products that describe ivy leaf as an expectorant for bronchitic and cough-associated mucus production (2).<\/span>\r\n\r\nPhytochemically, the therapeutic activity is often attributed to triterpenoid saponins (notably hederacoside C and related glycosides) that reduce mucus viscosity and exhibit mild antispasmodic and bronchodilator effects on bronchial smooth muscle; additional anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial actions have also been reported in preclinical and clinical literature. These pharmacological findings support the longstanding use of ivy in productive coughs (9).<\/span>","what_practioners_say":"

\"RespiratoryRespiratory<\/span><\/h3>\r\nToday, ivy leaf is best known and understood as a remedy for chest ailments \u2014 especially for productive coughs, bronchitis and other conditions involving mucus-laden airways (1,2). It is used both for chronic conditions, such as <\/span>asthma<\/span><\/a>, but also acute conditions such as upper respiratory infections or bronchitis, and its use is considered safe for children from two years of age onwards (2). To understand the medicinal actions of ivy, much research has focused on the saponins present in the plant. <\/span>\r\n\r\nThe saponins of <\/span>Hedera helix<\/span><\/i> have been extensively studied; especially \u03b1-hederin and hederacoside C have been in the focus of research. \u03b1-hederin in particular has been shown to increase the production of surfactant in the lungs, leading to a decreased mucus viscosity, as well as to increased bronchodilation and decreased spasm of the bronchi musculature (10). However, other phytochemicals present, such as the dicaffeoylquinic acids and flavonol derivatives also contribute to ivy\u2019s overall antispasmodic effects (11). The saponins also showed anti-inflammatory, <\/span>antimicrobial <\/span><\/a>and antioxidant effects but often they were extracted and used in much higher concentrations than present in the leaves, which makes it difficult to use these results when talking about the whole plant extracts (11).\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

Musculoskeletal<\/span><\/h3>\r\nIvy has traditionally been used to treat rheumatism. The herb can be taken internally, or applied externally, directly on the affected joints. A decoction of fresh leaves (200 g\/l water) may be used externally for rheumatism or a poultice can be made by mixing fresh <\/span>Hedera helix<\/span><\/i> leaves with linseed meal at a 1 to 3 ratio (11). <\/span>\r\n\r\nResearch into the anti-arthitic effects of <\/span>Hedera helix<\/span><\/i> is restricted, but shows initial promising results (12,13). One study compared an ivy-gel with placebo and with diclofenac gel (NSAID) for the treatment of osteoarthitis of the knee in 150 patients. It found that the ivy-gel significantly reduced morning stiffness, daytime stiffness, and physical function compared to the placebo group (14).<\/span>\r\n

Skin<\/span><\/h3>\r\nHedera helix<\/span><\/i> has been used for various skin conditions in the past, and indeed is seen as an effective treatment for cellulite and also having wound healing properties (11). Note, that the fresh herb can cause allergic reactions on the skin due to its falcarinol content (11). With potential skin irritants, it is always advised to conduct a patch test first, and discontinue treatment, should any irritation skin occur.<\/span>","research":"[caption id=\"attachment_259783\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"512\"]\"Ivy Ivy (Hederay helix<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n

Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and wound-healing properties of the methanolic extracts from <\/span>Hedera helix<\/span><\/i> fruits and leaves\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\r\nThe study evaluated methanol extracts from fruits and leaves of <\/span>Hedera helix<\/span><\/i> (ivy) for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing effects. The fruit extract had slightly higher total phenolic content (100 GAE mg\/g) than leaf extract (\u224889.5 GAE mg\/g), while the leaf extract had higher flavonoid (\u224837.1 TE mg\/g) and tannin (\u224824.8 GAE mg\/g) levels. Antioxidant tests (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP) showed both extracts neutralise free radicals, with fruit extract stronger in DPPH\/FRAP and leaf extract slightly better in ABTS.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nIn an <\/span>in vitro<\/span><\/i> assay of albumin denaturation \u2014 a marker of inflammation \u2014 the leaf extract inhibited denaturation more effectively than the fruit extract, suggesting a higher anti-inflammatory potential.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nIn a rat skin-wound model, ointments made with the extracts significantly accelerated wound-closure compared to a plain ointment: By day 12, wounds treated with leaf-extract ointment had the greatest contraction (~95.8%), indicating enhanced healing. Overall, the study provides evidence that ivy leaf and fruit extracts exert antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing effects \u2014 supporting traditional uses and potential for topical therapeutic applications (15).<\/span>\r\n

Unveiling the antibacterial and antioxidant potential of <\/span>Hedera helix<\/span><\/i> leaf extracts: Recent findings\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\r\nIn this study the authors prepared an ethanolic extract from ivy leaves and measured its chemical composition, antioxidant capacity and antibacterial activity.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe extract was rich in phenolic compounds (\u2248134.3 mg gallic-acid equivalents \/g) and flavonoids (\u224842.4 mg catechin equivalents \/g).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nIn laboratory assays, the extract showed substantial antioxidant activity \u2014 in the DPPH assay it inhibited ~65% of free radicals (at 80 \u00b5g\/ml) and in the FRAP assay showed a reducing power of ~9.5 mmol Fe\u00b2\u207a \/g dry weight.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nAs for antibacterial effects, the ivy-leaf extract inhibited the growth of two respiratory-relevant pathogens: <\/span>Staphylococcus aureus<\/span><\/i> and <\/span>Klebsiella pneumoniae<\/span><\/i> \u2014 showing zones of inhibition of ~23.2 mm and ~18.5 mm, respectively. However, it did not inhibit <\/span>Escherichia coli<\/span><\/i> or <\/span>Pseudomonas aeruginosa<\/span><\/i> under the test conditions.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe study provides evidence that ivy-leaf ethanolic extract has both antioxidant and selective antibacterial properties, supporting its potential for combating oxidative stress and some bacterial infections \u2014 including possibly respiratory pathogens \u2014 though further research is needed to further understand these implications (16).<\/span>","did_you_know":"[caption id=\"attachment_259782\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"510\"]\"Ivy Ivy (Hederay helix<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nIvy is commonly seen as a type of weed, which can strangulate trees, take over gardens or damage buildings. And whilst ivy can indeed damage trees and buildings, it is not as all or nothing as it seems.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nIvy doesn't strangulate trees. It is not parasitic to trees either and doesn\u2019t damage healthy trees. However, if a tree is already weakened and has a very light canopy, then ivy can grow all the way into the crown and shade out the already sparse leaves of the tree it grows on. In this way, it can then outcompete the tree for light.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nIvy roots cannot penetrate sound masonry, however if cracks and holes are already present, then the roots may penetrate them and enlarge them as the root grows in diameter. Additionally ivy can lift up roof tiles, if it isn\u2019t regularly managed. If left to grow unmanaged, ivy can indeed cause damage to buildings, particularly if they are old or have damp issues. On the flipside, it has been shown that ivy can increase the insulation efficiency of buildings, ivy covered walls being 1.4\u00b0C warmer throughout the night and 1.7\u00b0C cooler during the middle of the day, than walls not covered in ivy (17,18). In summary, if left to grow unmanaged, ivy can indeed cause damage to buildings, but if managed well, it may well improve insulation.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nIvy provides shelter and food for countless animals, including insects, mammals, and birds. The leaves provide shelter year round making it a favourite nesting and hibernation plant for many animals. Its leaves are a food source to many caterpillars of native butterflies, and are also grazed by fallow, roe and red deer in deepest winter, when little else is available. Sheep also love grazing on ivy (perhaps for its <\/span>anthelmintic<\/span><\/a> effects) (19). Ivy typically flowers late in the year (September) and thus provides a great source of pollen and nectar at a time when little else is around. <\/span>\r\n\r\nAnalysis of honey bees in the autumn showed that 89% of all pollen in the sampled hives consisted of ivy pollen and bees also gathered a high proportion of ivy nectar (20). Taxa of insects foraging on ivy included honey bees (21%), bumble bees (<\/span>Bombus<\/span><\/i> spp., 3%), ivy bees (<\/span>Colletes hederae<\/span><\/i>, 3%), common wasps (<\/span>Vespula vulgaris<\/span><\/i>, 13%), hover flies (<\/span>Syrphidae<\/span><\/i>, 27%), other flies (29%) and butterflies (4%) (20). The berries are a vital food source for birds throughout the winter. Perhaps unsurprising for such a common plant \u2014 many animal species rely on it in various ways for their survival.\u00a0<\/span>","additional_information_right":{"illustration":259793},"additional_information_left":{"botany":"Ivy is an evergreen, woody climbing plant, often found on trees or walls, but it can also be found crawling over the ground. As a climbing vine, <\/span>H. helix<\/span><\/i> uses specialised aerial rootlets to adhere to surfaces, allowing it to occupy vertical spaces and compete effectively for light.<\/span>\r\n\r\nRound, branching twigs with dark green, 3\u20135-lobed leaves grow out of the stem that holds onto the supporting surface with tiny roots. The leathery leaves, glossy on the upper surface and with light-colored veins, are winter hardy. Leaves on flower bearing twigs tend to have an oval to lance-shaped appearance. The plant only develops little umbels of flowers when it is 8\u201310 years old, it propagates mainly vegetatively. The flowers develop quite late in the year, flowering from September to October, ripening into berries the following year. The berries turn from a light green colour to a purple\/black colour when ripe (25). <\/span>","common_names":"