Ground Ivy, better known as creeping Charlie is a balsamic mint that came to us from Europe and has spread throughout much of North America.
There was a time when ground ivy was very well accepted for its therapeutic, as well as its culinary properties. But, currently it is considered a weed because it invades lawns.
Ground Ivy contains a volatile oil which aids in relieving congestion and inflammation of mucous membranes associated with colds, flu, and sinusitis. Ground ivy tea or juice is well tolerated and can be given to small children.
The Herb was reportedly used for centuries to prevent and treat a type of lead poisoning called “painter’s colic” and other heavy metals, making it a great herb to add to a detox formula. This herb is also a great diuretic, helping to eliminate waste and toxins from the kidneys and liver. Herbalists Matthew Wood and David Winston have both used ground ivy for mercury poisoning.
It is also beneficial for liver and kidney function, since it is said to relieve gravel and stones. Combined with Yarrow or/and Chamomile Flowers it is used to make a poultice for abscesses, gatherings and tumors.
Ground ivy has a reputation for being a tonic for the kidneys and bladder.
It is used as a bitter tonic, as a nutritive tea high in Vitamin C, and as an excellent remedy for a stubborn cough.
The fresh leaf can be bruised and applied to ease cuts and insect bites.
If you search this plant on the internet you will find a lot of information on how to kill it once it has invaded your lawn. Gardeners hate the Creeping Charlie! Needless to say – I have it everywhere now! It is quite invasive, but because I know how beneficial the Herb is, he and I are in a very good symbiotic relationship!
“In Spring he is found;
He creeps on the ground;
But someone’s to blame
For the rest of his name—
For Ivy he’s not!
Oh dear, what a lot
Of muddles we make!
It’s quite a mistake,
And really a pity
Because he’s so pretty;
He deserves a nice name—
Yes, someone’s to blame!”
~Ground Ivy Fairy~
Glechoma hederacea
The aerial part of the herb, gathered from early in May to late June, when most of the flowers are still fresh.
Pleasant, moderately aromatic, mild flavor – minty and musky with a touch of bitterness.
Key actions: Antibacterial, Antiviral, Antiseptic, Anti-inflammatory, Anti-allergenic, Antihistamine, Antioxidant, Antispasmodic, Anti-tumor, Expectorant, Diuretic, Tonic, Immune-stimulant, gentle Sedative.
Uses: colds, flu, sinusitis, digestive disorders, gastritis, diarrhea, kidney & Liver diseases, indigestion, lead & mercury poisoning. Arthritis. Joint and muscle pain (rheumatism). Ringing in the ears (tinnitus). Diarrhea. Hemorrhoids. Stomach problems. Bladder and Kidney stones. Wounds or other skin conditions, when applied directly to the skin.
Constituents: Vitamin C, flavanoids, volatile oil, sesquiterpenes, a bitter principle (glechomine), caffeic acids and tannins.
Growing: Ground Ivy is an invasive weed, you may not need to grow it. It thrives in shady and sunny areas alike, on the outskirts of woods, and along paths and hedges. Ground Ivy is a great herb for wild-crafting, due to its abundance. If you don’t keep an eye on it – it will invade your garden and may expel the plants which grow near it. It loves to grow on the edges of grass, covering exposed soil and creeping around as far as it can go. If you notice a somewhat minty smell when you are mowing the lawn, you’ve probably mowed some ground ivy!
Harvest: As early in May. Gather leaves, flowers and stems year-round. Although most herbs are harvested very soon after they go into flower, with ground ivy it is preferable to wait until a bit after the middle of its flowering period. This is because the flowering stalks that you harvest are relatively small It is best to wait until they are almost at their maximum height. I usually harvest it from early to mid June. As with all the other herbs it is absolutely best to pick them around midday after a few dry days.
Other than making an herbal tea with dried Ground Ivy, the young leaves maybe cooked similar to spinach, used in the form of a flavoring and/ or added to soups, stews and other foods, or juiced. Dry Ground Ivy can be crushed and added to spice blends.
Fresh juice: Take in 1 tsp. doses 3 times a day.
Herbal tea:
Pour 1 cup of water brought to a rolling boil, over 2 tsp of dried herb, steep/infuse for 30 min to 10 hours. Flavor with honey to taste. Take in one cup doses 2-4 times a day.
Children Dosage:
Our first go to cough remedy and also great to give as a preventative in the winter months! The formulation of this Homemade Cough Syrup is not to stimulate the immune system, but rather support it with Vitamin C rich & Nutrient-dense Organic Ingredients.
This herbal tea formula is focused on the whole Respiratory system recovery and on supporting the body’s natural detox pathways and vitality with necessary nutrients. Will work great for flu, cold, sore throat, dry persistent cough and other respiratory issues.
Safety:
this herb is safe in small medicinal doses.
Considered Unsafe if you trying to become or is Pregnant or breast-feeding.
Resources: My invisible notes:
Ground ivy (Glechoma) Spring’s Healing Yard Weed
https://www.herbs2000.com/herbs/herbs_ground_ivy.htm
https://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/i/ivygro16.html
https://altnature.com/gallery/groundivy.htm
https://michaelvertolli.blogspot.com/2013/07/harvesting-ground-ivy.html
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** Information on the traditional uses and properties of herbs that are provided on this site is for educational use only, and is not intended as medical advice. Every attempt has been made for accuracy, but none is guaranteed. Many traditional uses and properties of herbs have not been validated by the FDA. If you have any serious health concerns, you should always check with your health care practitioner before self-administering herbs. **
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9 thoughts on “Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederacea) Benefits, uses, facts, recipes & more.”
I am dealing with Oral Lichen Planus ,caused from the new 2 part Shigles shot .( I only took the first shot ) Within less than 2 weeks I noticed great discomfort in my mouth with white Lacey lines inside my cheeks.
Sad to say there is no cure for this condition. It causes canker sores to the lining of the mouth I am now at a year and a half having sores in my mouth consistently. I think only a total of 3 weeks in the 1 1/2 years have I not had a sore .
The body thinks a bacteria is present and fights it Simply put, a comprised immune system.
I have been researching home remedies as a list of prescribed medications have not helped at all. You can
I also have suffered with tenitis for many years .
Planning on giving this herb a big go in hopes to gain relief.
You page is the first one I have found to show ways to dose or drink or administer a home remedy. Thank you for that inside
Sincerely,
A. Moore
I just found your site and it is early July. Can I still harvest the ivy for tea now or only when it is flowering in Spring? Thank you.
It is most potent while it’s flowering, yes. as long as there are some flowers on it, you can cut the whole stem off and dry it or use fresh in teas and infusions. I am not aware of if the herb is usable or not after it stops blooming. My guess that it is still great, but It’s just my guess.
Thank you… I just transplanted some into my garden because I thought it pretty and now read it is good for so many things
I am interested in useing it against tinitus… what is the best way ??
Put a couple of tablespoons in a teapot with boiling water and leave to steep overnight. Then pour the ‘tea’ into a glass and drink throughout your day. Might not be the best taste, but you can always add a sweetener such as honey. And if you add licorice it will amplify the ground ivy”s benefits because licorice is a synergist, plus it tastes sweet! win-win! 🙂
Thank you for the above information. However, if you know I am wondering if there is anything unsafe/harmful about Creeping Charlie? How about the leaf oils? Thanks again.
Thank you for your question, Allison! This herb is safe in small medicinal doses. Except for pregnant, trying become pregnalnt and breastfeeding women. Volatile(Essential) oils of Grown Ivy is also safe, but as most oils should be heavily diluted. That said, many herbs and drags can and are harmful in large doses. With herbs though you would need a very large amount to overdose. Most studies that were done on herbs use “exctracts” – a concentrated remedy for their experiments. If you just make teas and infusions you got nothing to worry about. Unless it’s Beladonna or any other highly poisonouse herb! One other way herbs can be harmful comes from the growing conditions, therefore you always have to be careful where you source your herbs! Blessings! Milla.
What a fascinating herb, it does look very familiar. Its wonderful that there is so much detailed Info about the herb and ways to consume it and its many uses as well as the the doses for both adults and little ones. …..how very useful….. ..Thank you milla:)
This makes learning about herbs less difficult and much more interesting.
Thank you! I’m happy that was helpful! 🙂