How does it feel?
Ground ivy is pleasant tasting and can be used in a tincture or infusion blend. The volatile oils will be easily lost from an infusion, which needs to be covered while the drink is steeping.
Ground ivy is in the mint family and has a strong aromatic smell when fresh, which is somewhat retained when it is dried and tinctured. It does not have the same minty taste or high notes as other mint family herbs, it has more of a rounded aromatic aroma and taste.
The tincture is strongly aromatic tasting, fresh and cleansing in the mouth. Inhaling the vapours through the nose with a closed mouth feels clearing and uplifting. There is a mild astringency left in the mouth from the tannins and volatile oils.
The tea smells slightly aromatic, but mostly earthy, savoury and salty. The taste is aromatic, rounded and full-bodied, feeling hearty and nourishing from the abundant mineral content. There is a slight bitterness from the terpenes (bitter principles) and volatile oils. These volatile oils provide the antiseptic and antimicrobial actions, and the clearing sensation in the sinuses (1). After drinking, the astringent tannins and polyphenols can be sensed in the mouth. As an infusion, the effect can be felt moving into the digestive system through its relaxing carminative properties accompanied by digestive stimulation from the bitter principles.
Ground ivy is very aromatic and clearing for the mind and senses. The plant grows rapidly, creeping along the ground and has a strong connection to the earth. It brings clarity and a feeling of being grounded ‘in the body’ and held by the earth.
What can I use it for?
Ground ivy (Glechoma hederacea) Ground ivy grows abundantly in the UK and throughout Europe and can easily be gathered in handfuls for drying and medicine making. It is not to be confused with English ivy (Hedera helix), which has some similar actions, but is in a different plant family (2). Once a staple herb in herbal apothecaries, ground ivy is one of the forgotten herbal medicines that has fallen out of fashion, but many of its traditional uses still apply (3,4). Despite the name, ground ivy is not related to common ivy, and the name is attributed to the resemblance of its foliage and trailing stems (5).
Ground ivy is a decongestant, astringent, diaphoretic, anti-inflammatory, tonic and is high in vitamins including vitamin C, and minerals including iron (2,6). It is specifically used as a decongestant and clearing herb for both bronchial and nasal catarrh (3). It is useful for chronic bronchial catarrh, as well as bronchitis, which are often accompanied by a persistent cough. Ground ivy is specific for tinnitus or ringing in the ears, as well as sinusitis and glue-ear (1,6).
The astringent and antimicrobial actions make it good for treating sore throats and mouth issues as a mouth rinse, throat spray or by drinking as a tea (6).
The aromatic volatile oils have a carminative action, which will relax the digestive tract and help with spasms, gripping pains and trapped wind. The astringent and anti-inflammatory actions help with the treatment of indigestion (dyspepsia), gastritis, diarrhoea, and IBS symptoms (7).
Ground ivy is pleasant tasting and can be taken as a tea or tincture, used as an ingredient in cooking, or added raw to salads and garnishes. It is a good source of vitamin C, iron and potassium, making it a nutritious addition to the diet. To capture the full value of the volatile oils it is best to use it fresh, which is convenient because it grows almost the whole year round (8).
Into the heart of ground ivy
In vitro and in vivo animal research demonstrates that ground ivy is astringent, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant (2,9). The astringent activity documented for ground ivy has been attributed to the tannins and the polyphenol- rosmarinic acid (1). The anti-inflammatory properties are associated with flavonoids, and particularly rosmarinic acid and ursolic acid (1,7).
The volatile oils in ground ivy, particularly the terpineol constituents, are the components responsible for the antiseptic and antimicrobial actions (1). However, constituents in the volatile oils can be irritant to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and kidneys (1). Pulegone in particular is an irritant, hepatotoxic, and abortifacient, and some caution is required with use, see the Safety section below (1).
The bitter taste comes from the terpenes (bitter principles), particularly glechomin and marrubiin (1).
Energetically, ground ivy is hot and dry (6,7). The warming, pungent aromatics and volatile oils warm cold tissue states (10). The astringent tannins tighten damp, relaxed tissue states. Together, this suits ground ivy to cold and depressed tissue states due to congestion, which causes heaviness and fatigue (10).
Traditional uses
Ground ivy (Glechoma hederacea) The current uses of ground ivy are much reflected in its traditional indications for bronchitis, tinnitus, diarrhoea, haemorrhoids, cystitis, gastritis, and chronic bronchial catarrh (1,6). Ground ivy was regarded as a stimulating tonic, and pectoral, recommended for diseases of the lungs, kidneys, and liver, particularly with jaundice (11).
In 1640, English physician John Parkinson described ground ivy as a sharp and bitter herb, which is hot and dry, used to open, cleanse and purify (6). It was considered to be a “good wound herb” for external wounds and skin afflictions such as scabies, wheals, fistulas, eruptions, and internal wounds such as ulcers (6,12).
One of the main traditional uses was as a bitter to stimulate digestion and a tonic for the stomach, ideal for cases of weakness in the digestive organs (5,13). It was used for colic in the stomach with griping pains and wind, and to help with jaundice by “opening obstructions of the stomach, gallbladder, liver and spleen” (6,12). This correlates to the commonly stated traditional use for gallstones. An infusion of the leaves was highly recommended as a preventative and cure for ’lead colic’, a common affliction in painters due to the lead content of the paint (5,11).
A decoction in wine was used for sciatic pains and gout of the hands, knees and feet, as it was thought to dissolve and disperse these conditions (6). Ground ivy was used as a tonic for the kidneys, and the diuretic action was used to treat kidney diseases (5). However, today this is considered a contraindication for use, due to the volatile oil content.
For sore throats, the decoction in wine was used as a gargle, or drunk with honey (6). The fresh juice or powdered leaves snuffed up the nose was said to cure headaches, particularly the dull, congestive kind (5,11).
Ground ivy was often used for treating consumption (tuberculosis), and the accompanying severe cough (5,13). In the 1736 London Pharmacopoeia it was presented as “mightily used both in shops and common prescriptions, prescribed in almost all distemper of the lungs” (10).
One of the common uses that remains today is for tinnitus, an indication that was reported by Gerard in 1597, “being put into them, it is commended against the humming noise and ringing sound of the ears, and for them that are hard of hearing” (5). The indication for tinnitus was recorded by Hildegard of Bingen in the 12th century (7).
Culpeper suggested combining ground ivy with greater celandine (Chelidonium majus), and daisy (Bellis perennis), to be dropped into the eyes for “painful, red and watering eyes”, and for “the web and skins and films growing over the sight”, presumably referring to glaucoma and cataracts, respectively (12).
Before the use of hops for making beer and ale, ground ivy was one of the key ingredients for clarifying the brew, as well as increasing the palatability with a pleasant flavour (6,13). In 1587, John Gerarde stated “the women of our northern parts, especially Wales and Cheshire, do turn Herbe-Ale-hoof into ale” (13).
By the end of the 18th century, ground ivy had disappeared from many pharmacopoeias and is still omitted from many modern materia medica publications today, possibly due to a lack of confidence in efficacy or the replacement with other herbs with similar actions (7).
Traditional actions
Herbal actions describe therapeutic changes that occur in the body in response to taking a herb. These actions are used to express how a herb physiologically influences cells, tissues, organs or systems. Clinical observations are traditionally what have defined these actions: an increase in urine output, diuretic; improved wound healing, vulnerary; or a reduction in fever, antipyretic. These descriptors too have become a means to group herbs by their effects on the body — herbs with a nervine action have become the nervines, herbs with a bitter action are the bitters. Recognising herbs as members of these groups provides a preliminary familiarity with their mechanisms from which to then develop an understanding of their affinities and nuance and discern their clinical significance.
Traditional energetic actions
Herbal energetics are the descriptions Herbalists have given to plants, mushrooms, lichens, foods, and some minerals based on the direct experience of how they taste, feel, and work in the body. All traditional health systems use these principles to explain how the environment we live in and absorb, impacts our health. Find out more about traditional energetic actions in our article “An introduction to herbal energetics“.
Western energetics
What practitioners say
Ground ivy (Glechoma hederacea) Respiratory
Ground ivy is most commonly used by herbalists as an expectorant and decongestant, specific for upper respiratory tract infections and nasopharyngeal catarrh (2). This includes bronchial and nasal congestion, clearing phlegm, and is particularly useful for a chronic, persistent cough. Ground ivy as either a hot infusion or tincture will help to loosen congestion that feels stuck in the lungs, and the expectorant action supports the expulsion of mucus via a cough. The pleasant taste lends ground ivy to a hot infusion, which assists the decongestant action, as well as supporting a fever and gently heating the body to loosen and clear the congestion.
Ground ivy is excellent for clearing catarrh from the head and sinuses, suiting it to head colds, middle ear congestion and infections, and allergies causing congestion. Congestion and blockage in the sinuses, eustachian tubes and ear canals provides a stagnant breeding ground for infection to develop. The volatile oils in ground ivy have an expectorant and antimicrobial action, clearing catarrh and supporting the immune system to tackle any infection. In cases of ear, nose or throat infections or sinusitis, ground ivy combines well with other herbs to support the immune system and clear the infection, such as echinacea (Echinacea purpurea/angustifolia), thyme (Thymus vulgaris), eucalyptus (Eucalyptus spp.) and calendula (Calendula officinalis).
The astringent tannins tighten the mucous membranes, which can help to dry up any excess secretions (14). This helps with increased mucus production caused when these surfaces are irritated by congestion, infection or allergies. Ground ivy can be added to a remedy for hay fever or other allergies, combining well with elderflower (Sambucus nigra), nettle (Urtica dioica) and plantain leaf (Plantago lanceolata/major).
Ground ivy is often used to treat tinnitus, a disorder which causes a ringing or buzzing in the ears. Tinnitus can arise from a range of causes, including age-related hearing loss, otitis media (middle ear infection), otosclerosis (damage to the small bones in the ear), loud noise exposure, damage to the ear canal, cerumen impaction (blockage from a build-up of earwax), Meniere’s disease, MS, medication, atherosclerosis, stress and anxiety (15). Ground ivy will be effective if the tinnitus is from a catarrhal origin, due to congestion, blockage or infection in the middle ear (16). For catarrhal deafness, ground ivy combines well with eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis), elderflower, goldenrod (Solidago canadensis), ginger (Zingiber officinale) and chilli (Capsicum minimum).
The astringent and antimicrobial actions are helpful for treating sore throats and mouth problems such as ulcers, as well as helping to tone and strengthen soft and bleeding gums (6,13). It works well as a mouth rinse, throat spray or as an infusion/tea (6). A soothing, protective and antimicrobial throat spray can be made by combining tinctures of bay leaf, thyme, oregano (Origanum vulgare), sage (Salvia officinalis) and peppermint (Mentha piperita).
Other herbs with a similar decongestant, expectorant and drying action on the mucous membranes include eyebright, goldenrod, elecampane (Inula helenium), hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis), peppermint, horseradish (Amoracia rusticana) and plantain.
Digestive
Although ground ivy is not the first herb to turn to as a carminative, the aromatic volatile oils will relax the digestive system and make a useful addition to a blend for griping pains and wind. Ground ivy stimulates the digestive organs, treating digestive weakness and congestion in the liver and spleen (7). Bloating and colicky pains can often be due to congestion and in the gastrointestinal tract, which will be supported by the bitter stimulation (10). The bitter aromatics stimulate digestion and increase appetite, working well in those who dislike the strong bitter taste of more traditional appetite stimulants like dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) and gentian root (Gentiana lutea).
Ground ivy was traditionally used as a treatment for gallstones, though this is not a herb commonly used for this ailment in modern herbal medicine. A recent research study using an animal model demonstrates an antilithic effect of ground ivy extract on cholesterol gallstones (17). This suggests potential for this herb to be included in formulas for treating gallstones and protecting the liver via an antioxidant action (17).
The astringent and anti-inflammatory actions protect the gut lining from irritation and indicate ground ivy for dyspepsia, gastritis, diarrhoea, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) (3,18).
Urinary
Due to its antiseptic and diuretic actions, ground ivy is often used as an infusion for bladder infections and cystitis (4,14). It combines well with buchu (Agathosma betulina), goldenrod and uva ursi (Arcostaphylos uva ursi). Ground ivy is a tonic for the kidney in healthy individuals, but caution is needed if there are any kidney issues.
Topical
Ground ivy is anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and cooling for the skin, and can be used on skin inflammations, wounds, sunburn and sun damage. Research has shown that a ground ivy lotion can reduce the inflammation and redness from sunburn, and improve recovery of the skin pigmentation after UV damage (19).
Research
Ground ivy (Glechoma hederacea) There is a lack of clinical evidence to support the use of ground ivy, and most indications are based on traditional uses, and the pharmacological activity of the constituents.
One placebo-controlled clinical trial explored the effect of a topic ground ivy preparation on UV induced skin inflammation (19). A ground ivy extract lotion (1%) was applied twice daily for eight weeks following ultraviolet (UV) light exposure. Compared to the placebo group, the ground ivy group had a greater decrease in inflammation and redness, and a faster recovery of skin pigmentation. The ground ivy lotion also reduced pigmentation of existing pigmented spots when compared with the placebo. Skin stinging and itching was reported by some of the participants, although this was minor, and only occurred during the first two weeks of treatment, and disappeared with continued use (19).
A study using a rodent model demonstrated a protective effect of ground ivy extract against gallstone formation, and an antilithic effect via the breakdown of existing cholesterol gallstones (17). After three weeks of treatment with ground ivy extract (Hitrechol®) three times per day, there was a significant decrease in the size and amount of gallstone crystals and total cholesterol in mice with gallstones, as well as an increase in antioxidant enzyme levels in the liver (17).
Did you know?
Many of the common names come from the traditional use of ground ivy as a key ingredient for flavouring ale, until it was largely replaced by hops — alehoof, alehove, tunhoof, turnhoof, Gill-go-by-the-street, Gill-over-the-ground, Gill-run-over. ‘Gill’ comes from the French guille, meaning ‘to ferment’, and ‘tun’ referring to the cask used for brewing (3,13). ‘Hoof’ is derived from the shape of the leaf, which resembles an animal hoof (3).
Additional information
Botanical description
Ground ivy is a perennial, low growing subshrub, reaching 0.1–0.5 m in height (23,24,25). It is aromatic, usually hairy and has a widespread distribution due to its rhizomatous method of reproduction via long trailing stolons (24,25). It spreads vigorously to form dense mats which can take over areas of lawn, and is considered a potentially invasive or aggressive weed (24,25). It creeps along the ground, shooting roots into the ground and a set of leaves at each root joint, then stems and flowers (12). The foliage is evergreen and grows throughout the year, flowering in spring, from March to June (25,26).
The leaves are opposite, stalked, roundish kidney shaped, with crenate-serrate leaf margins (25,27). The leaves vary in size according to the growing situation, and are smaller on the new shoots and erect stems than on the creeping runners (5 8). The flowers are small labiate flowers, with four joined petals, and a two lipped, open-mouthed upper petal (27). The flowers are arranged in whorls of 2–3 flowers at the leaf axils along the square stem, usually blue-violet (4,25,27).
Common names
- Alehoof
- Creeping Charlie
- Field balm
- Field balsam
- Hedge maids
- Purple chickweed
- Blue runner
- Candlesticks
- Cat’s foot
- Cat’s paws
- Creeping Jenny
- Crow victuals
- Crow’s guts
- Devil’s candlestick
- Gill-go-by-the-street
- Gill-over-the-ground
- Gill-run-over
- Hay maids
- Hayfoot
- Hayhoof
- Hen and chickens
- Alehove
- Jill-on-the-ground
- Robin-run-away
- Robin-run-in-the-hedge
- Runaway Robin
- Tunhoof
- Turnhoof
- Wandering Jenny
- Wild snakeroot
Safety
All of the above-ground parts of ground ivy are safe to consume, although some caution is warranted in some individuals due to the volatile oil constituents.
Topical application may cause skin irritation and itching, and a patch test is recommended before use.
Interactions
Avoid large doses with medications that are potentially hepatotoxic, such as tetracycline and methotrexate (18). Both ground ivy and pennyroyal contain pulegone, which is potentially hepatotoxic, creating a potential additive toxicity if consumed together (20).
Contraindications
Ground ivy contains pulegone which can be irritant to the GI tract and kidneys and should be avoided in individuals with renal disease (1). Pulegone is hepatotoxic and should be avoided or only taken under the guidance of a medical herbalist in individuals with hepatic conditions (21). However, these cautions are theoretical and not supported by any toxicity data in humans (9).
Avoid in pregnancy and when breast-feeding due to a lack of safety and toxicity data, and the potential cytotoxic activity of ursolic acid (1).
You can find qualified medical herbal professionals on our Find a herbalist page.
Preparations
- Tincture
- Infusion (tea)
- Wash
- Throat gargle
- Throat spray
- Lotion
Dosage
- Infusion: 2–4 g dried herb, three times per day (1,9)
- Tincture (1:5 | 25%): 5–10 ml, three times per day (9). Up to 20–40 ml/week of a 1:2 extract (2,22)
- FE (1:1 | 25%): 2–4 ml, three times per day (1,9)
- Topical: 1% cream, applied twice a day (19)
Plant parts used
- Aerial parts: Leaf and flower
Constituents
- Terpenes: Oleanolic acid, α-ursolic acid, β-ursolic acid; bitter principle (glechomin); diterpene lactone (marrubiin), saponins (1)
- Volatile oils (0.03–0.06%): Various terpenoid components including p-cymene, linalool, limonene, menthone, α-pinene, β-pinene, pinocamphone, glechomafuran (sesquiterpene), pulegone and terpineol (1)
- Amino acids: Asparagic acid, glutamic acid, proline, tyrosine and valine (1)
- Flavonoids: Flavonol and flavone glycosides; quercetin, apigenin, hyperoside, isoquercitrin, rutin, luteolin diglucoside, cosmosyin, cynaroside and cosmoriin (1,9)
- Phenolics: Rosmarinic acid; tannins (1)
- Steroids: β-sitosterol (1)
- Fatty Acids: Including palmitic acid (1)
- Other constituents: Succinic acid, vitamin C, choline, potassium, iron, gum, and wax (1,6,21)
Habitat
Native distribution of this species is from Europe to Siberia and Xinjiang (24). It is widely distributed and naturalised across North America, and grows primarily in the temperate biome (23,24). It grows in woodland, coppices, hedges, banks, grassland, meadows, waste places and sometimes as a weed of cultivated land growing in shaded damp soils (24,26).
Sustainability
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) European assessment of Glechoma hederacea in 2012 lists it as “Least Concern” (24). The species is widely distributed and abundant across Europe, temperate Asia, and North America, with stable populations, currently no major threats reported and there is no risk of extinction (23,24). The Vascular Plant, Red Data List for Great Britain also list ground ivy as least Concern (LC) (28). A species is Least Concern when it has been evaluated against the criteria and does not qualify for critically endangered, endangered, vulnerable or near threatened (28).There is currently no legislation from the Convention on International Trade in endangered species of wild fauna and flora (29) regarding the trade of this species (29).
Ground ivy is not ranked by Nature Serve, however it is common and well distributed across North America, and does not appear on the U.S. or Canadian Endangered Species acts (30). It is not on the United Plant Savers list of plants at risk (31).
Habitat loss and over-harvesting from the wild are two of the biggest threats faced by medicinal plant species. There are an increasing number of well-known herbal medicines at risk of extinction. We must, therefore, ensure that we source our medicines with sustainability in mind.
The herb supplement industry is growing at a rapid rate and until recent years a vast majority of medicinal plant produce in global trade was of unknown origin. There are some very real and urgent issues surrounding sustainability in the herb industry. These include environmental factors that affect the medicinal viability of herbs, the safety of the habitats that they are taken from, as well as the welfare of workers in the trade.
The botanical supply chain efforts for improved visibility (transparency and traceability) into verifiably sustainable production sites around the world is now certificated through the emergence of credible international voluntary sustainability standards (VSS).
Read our article on Herbal quality and safety: What to know before you buy and Sustainable sourcing of herbs to learn more about what to look for and questions to ask suppliers about sustainability.
Quality control
Herbal medicines are often very safe to take; however, their safety and efficacy can be jeopardised by quality issues. So, it is important to buy herbal medicines from a reputable supplier, from sources known to test their herbs to ensure there is no contamination, adulteration or substitution with incorrect plant matter, as well as ensuring that recognised marker compounds are at appropriate levels in the herbs.
Some important quality assurances to look for are certified organic labelling, the correct scientific/botanical name, and the availability of information from the supplier about ingredient origins. A supplier should be able to tell you where the herbs have come from, what contaminants are not in the herb, and what the primary compounds are.
How to grow
Ground ivy can be propagated by division in spring or autumn, or by softwood cuttings in late spring (25). It tolerates a range of soils and positions but prefers to grow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade (25). Pruning is required to keep it under control and prevent invasive spreading (25). The aerial parts are harvested just prior to and throughout the flowering season (9).
Recipe
Ground ivy ale*
Ingredients
- 5 pounds (2.3 kg) malted barley
- 4 gallons (15 litres) water
- 2 pounds (900 g) brown sugar
- 3 oz (85 g) dried ground ivy
- Yeast
Method
- Mash the barley in water at 150°F (65°C) for 90 minutes.
- Sparge with [slowly add] boiling water until a total of four gallons is added.
- Add the ground Ivy and boil for one hour.
- Strain, add the brown sugar and stir until dissolved.
- Cool to 70°F (21°C) and pour into the fermenter, and add the yeast.
- Ferment for approximately one week, until fermentation is complete.
- Syphon into bottles primed with half a teaspoon of sugar.
- Cap and store.
- Ready to drink in 10 days to two weeks.
* From: Buhner, Sacred and Herbal Healing Beers: The secrets of ancient fermentation (13)
References
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- McIntyre, A. The Complete Herbal Tutor: The Definitive Guide to the Principles and Practices of Herbal Medicine. Aeon Books, 2019.
- Bone K and Mills S. Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy: Modern Herbal Medicine. Elsevier Health Sciences; 2013.
- Waddell G. Plant Medicine: A collection of the teachings of herbalists Christopher Hedley and Non Shaw. Aeon; 2023.
- Xiao M, Yang M, Ji X, Li D, Xie Y, Lyu Y, Zuo Z. Protective effect of Glechoma hederacea extract against gallstone formation in rodent models. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2021;21(1):199. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-021-03368-1
- McIntyre A, Boudin M. Dispensing with Tradition: A Practitioner’s Guide to Using Indian and Western Herbs the Ayurvedic Way. Anne McIntyre & Michelle Boudin; 2012.
- Ha JH, Kang WH, Lee JO, Cho YK, Park SK, Lee SK, Cho HK. Clinical evaluation of the depigmenting effect of Glechoma Hederacea extract by topical treatment for 8 weeks on UV-induced pigmentation in Asian skin. European Journal of Dermatology. 2011 May 1;21(2):218-22. https://doi.org/10.1684/ejd.2010.1232
- Natural Medicines Professional Database. Therapeutic Research Centre. Ground Ivy Professional Monograph. Published Oct 20, 2022. Accessed January 27, 2025. https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com/
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