Common ivy (Hedera helix), a plant very popular in Poland, often found in home gardens, evokes mixed feelings. On the one hand, it has healing properties - it works well in the treatment of coughs and in the treatment of catarrh of the respiratory system. On the other hand, we must remember that ivy is poisonous.
Common ivy( hedera helix ) is a green self-eating climber from the Araliaceae family. It has several varieties, most of them are found in Europe. Famous varieties of poison ivy are found in North America and Canada. Ivy in some countries, e.g. in Poland, is a plant that is partially under protection, but there are regions of the world where ivy is considered a weed, forbidding cultivation and even the import of seedlings.
Ivy has beautiful, dark green leaves that grow on thin creeping or climbing vines that can reach a length of about 20 meters. From September to October, ivy blooms, giving off an odor and producing hemispherical panicles with characteristic balls. Some varieties of ivy produce inedible berries that resemble tiny grapes in spring.
Ivy as a medicinal plant
Ivy raises many doubts, also when it comes to its properties. On the one hand, it is considered a medicinal plant. For hundreds of years, folk medicine has known it and uses it as a panacea for various ailments, from lung diseases, through alcoholism, to head lice and venereal diseases.
In the past, ivy was attributed even magical properties, for example it was considered a symbol of fidelity and was planted in cemeteries at the graves of married couples buried together.
On the other hand, modern medicine draws attention to its very strong action, potentially dangerous when used alone.
In professional publications, we can find the opinion that it is safe to use only ready-made preparations, processed in pharmaceutical plants and available in pharmacies.
As with other medications, strictly follow the dosage given in the leaflet or on the packaging.
Using homemade preparations on your own or taking doses higher than recommended may be dangerous to your he alth, irritate the stomach and intestines, and also otherunwanted effects such as vomiting or diarrhea.
- Ivy soothes cough and cleanses the bronchi
Hedera has long been considered a cough remedy. Ivy extracts are a component of lozenges and syrups recommended for the treatment of catarrh of the respiratory system.
Ivy saponins relax the smooth muscles of the bronchi, which facilitates expectoration and cleansing of the bronchial secretions.
On the other hand, phytoncides inhibit the growth of many bacteria and viruses, have a strong antifungal effect, which prevents respiratory yeast infections and supports their treatment.
Preparations containing ivy extract are recommended not only in chronic bronchitis, but also in asthma and whooping cough.
- Ivy fights cellulite
Flavonoids and rutin, present in ivy leaves, seal the walls of capillaries, improve blood circulation, soothe local inflammation and facilitate lymph outflow, preventing swelling.
They also help to break down body fat. As a result, ivy leaf extracts are a very desirable, as an effective ingredient of preparations designed to combat cellulite.
- Ivy supports the treatment of intimate infections
Itching, burning, unpleasant smell - yeast is the most common cause of intimate problems. Then it is worth using a preparation with ivy extract for intimate hygiene or using a decoction of its leaves to wash it - it soothes inflammation and helps to fight infection.
- Ivy reduces scalp seborrhea
Ivy saponins have antiseptic properties and at the same time soften the epidermis. As a result, they prevent excessive keratinization of the hair follicles and cleanse the pores of the skin. At the same time, they regulate the work of the sebaceous glands and restore the balance of the scalp. That is why ivy extracts are used in cosmetics used in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis, for oily hair and prone to dandruff.
- Ivy fights acne
Ivy leaf extract is a component of many cosmetics designed for the care of oily skin and acne-prone skin. It regulates the secretion of sebum, thoroughly cleanses the skin of all impurities and unclogs pores, and thanks to its antiseptic properties, it reduces inflammation, i.e. it does everything that helps to fight acne. Additionally, cosmetics with ivy extract eliminate shine of oily skin.
- Ivy removes unpleasant odorsfeet
The strong antifungal properties of ivy extract are very helpful in the problems caused by strongly sweating feet. Baths in an infusion of ivy help fight yeast infections of the skin and eliminate the unpleasant smell, characteristic of such an infection.
- Ivy helps during menstruation
For infusions of ivy, rich in saponins, routin and flavonoids, it is worth reaching during menstruation accompanied by abdominal pain or painful breast swelling. The relaxant, anti-swelling and anti-inflammatory properties of the compounds contained in ivy effectively relieve menstrual discomfort.
- Ivy improves skin firmness
Cosmetics containing ivy extract inhibit enzymes that have a destructive effect on collagen and elastin fibers, thanks to which the skin retains its elasticity and firmness for longer. On the other hand, ivy-derived saponins have a stabilizing effect on the connective tissue structure, at the same time softening the skin and epithelium and facilitating the penetration into the tissues of other active ingredients contained in cosmetics, e.g. anti-aging cosmetics. As a result of their action, the skin regains its elasticity and youthful appearance.
Ivy leaf tincture
30 g of coarsely chopped ivy leaves and pour the second as many violet flowers in plain vodka so that the herbs are covered. Close the vessel tightly and shake it daily. After a month, strain and store in a dark glass bottle. Take half a teaspoon once a day in case of cough, bronchitis and laryngitis.
Ivy: toxic ingredients
This popular ornamental plant is potentially dangerous due to the presence of toxic substances that are harmful to human and animal he alth.
A climber growing in gardens and balconies has poisonous properties, so it is better to avoid breeding it where children play or where dogs and cats live.
Common ivy contains, among others saponins, chemicals belonging to glycosides. They are found in all parts of the plant, although the most common causes of poisoning are its berries, which may resemble candy or edible grape fruit.
Fortunately, for poisoning you would have to eat a lot of them, and they are unpalatable and bitter, so such cases rarely occur. Eaten blueberries can be dangerous and cause:
- breathing problems
- burning and swelling in the mouth and throat
- stomach pains
- diarrhea
The juice from the branches or leaves of ivy, which has properties, can also be dangerous to he althirritating. Therefore, it is better to wear gloves when caring for the plant and make sure that you do not touch your hands, e.g. eyes, while trimming the plant.
Ivy can also cause allergies in people sensitive to allergens - the strong smell of flowers can sensitize (typical symptoms are shortness of breath, watery eyes, sneezing).
Ivy: beware of pets!
Poison ivy is also dangerous to pets. Cats and dogs, as well as domestic poultry, should be protected against access to this plant.
Ivy leaves and its berries are the most toxic for pets and birds. Their consumption or biting may cause, for example, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea and drooling in a cat.
For a dog, eating ivy can irritate the mucous membranes and conjunctiva. Consuming large amounts of the plant may result in respiratory arrest, hallucinations, and numbness.
Worth knowingPoison Ivy
The American ivy variety, popularly known as poison ivy, is very famous for its toxic properties.
Contact with its leaves leads to severe allergic reactions: dermatitis, damage to the mucous membranes, digestive and respiratory systems, and even to anaphylactic shock.
Poison ivy contains a highly toxic substance, urushiol, which is dangerous not only in direct contact, but also transmitted to the hair of animals or objects, for example.
If you suspect you have touched poison ivy, wash your hands or other parts of your body as soon as possible and see a doctor.
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