Ivy as an Herb

(Hedera spp.)

English Ivy

English ivy and its close cousin Atlantic or Irish ivy are well-known European vines that have been widely used in North America landscapes. Type of vine is evergreen and well-adapted to the mild Pacific Northwest climate.

English ivy will always be a favorite among gardeners and yardeners alike for its versatility.

Contrary to common belief, English ivy does not kill trees if it is allowed to cover their trunks. However, it will eventually damage stucco walls or old grouting between bricks or stones.

Medicinal Uses for Ivy

Medicinally, the fresh leaves are utilized, from which a fluid extract is prepared. The fluid extract is mostly given in the form of a tincture, in doses of 5 to 30 drops.

In 1798, a physician named Du Fressoy, noticed a young man who had been cured of a herpetic eruption on his wrist of six years' standing on being accidentally poisoned by Ivy. He then tried the use of the plant in the treatment of obstinate herpetic eruptions as well as in palsy, with many cases yielding well to the drug. Since then it has rapidly gained a place in general practice, meeting with some success in the treatment of paralysis, acute rheumatism and articular stiffness, and in various forms of chronic and obstinate eruptive diseases.

Ivy is used extensively by homoeopathists for rheumatism, ringworm and other skin disorders, and is considered by them one of the most useful remedies in a great majority of cases of Nettlerash, especially if caused by a particular food reaction or allergy.

Ivy has been recommended in cases of incontinence of urine.

The milky juice of ivy is also used as an indelible ink for marking linen, and as an ingredient of liquid dressings or varnishes for finishing boots or shoes.

Poisen Ivy

The American Poison Ivy is one of the species of Sumachs, an attractive group of plants widely distributed in Europe, Asia and North America.

Amazingly, there are almost as many antidotes for the inflammation caused by Poison Ivy as for the bites of the rattlesnake. Alkaline lotions, especially carbonate of soda, alum and hyposulphite of soda, are all recommended. A patient is advised to moisten the skin constantly with the agent in solution. A hot solution of potassium permanganate applied locally is also recommended as a cure, in addition to solutions of lead and ammonia.

The blistering rash caused by poison ivy is the direct result of contact with the oily toxicant, known as "urushiol." Urushiol is found in resin ducts within the plant's phloem. These ducts are found throughout the plant, including the roots, stems, bark, leaflets and certain flower parts. The plant has to be crushed, broken, or in some way injured to release the resin. The injury may be something as little as an insect chewing on the plant.

Once urushiol is released, it can find its way to your skin by direct contact with the plant and then spread by touching other parts of the body. Because the sticky, oily substance is easily transmitted, there are indirect ways to contact it, for instance, from the fur of the family pet, garden tools, garden gloves, clothing, golf balls or other objects that have come in contact with an injured plant. Contrary to popular belief, the rash from poison ivy cannot be transmitted from touching the oozing blisters.

If you know you have contacted poison ivy, wash the area as soon as possible with soap and cool water. Warm water may cause the resin to penetrate the skin faster. Because urushiol can penetrate in a matter of minutes, you may still get a rash, but at least you have contained the infected area. A visible reaction, redness and swelling may be apparent within 12 to 24 hours. Contact your family physician or pharmacist for recommendations for effective non-prescription medication.

Folklore

Ivy (non poisonous varieties) is grown to grow up the outside of the home to act as a guardian and protector. It is worn or carried by brides to bring luck to the marriage and is known as a symbol of friendship and fidelity.

Culinary

Not recommended for culinary use.

Caution

Anyone who has ever experienced the blisters, swelling, and extreme itching from an unfortunate encounter with poison ivy, learns quickly to avoid it whenever possible. It grows in non-cultivated sites, such as along stream banks, roadways, fencerows, and woodlands. It can even make an appearance in your ornamental shrub or perennial borders. Therefore, knowing how to identify and control it are the best defenses against accidental contact.

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DISCLAIMER: These pages are presented solely as a source of INFORMATION and ENTERTAINMENT and to provide stern warnings against use where appropriate. No claims are made for any historical herbal treatment. In no way can the information provided here take the place of the standard, legal, medical practice of any country. Some plants are extremely toxic and should be used only by licensed professionals. Some plants used for illness in the past have proven to be ineffective for the problems to which they were applied.