For those in a hurry
- Ivy is not only a decoration, it’s also a medicine. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may help with cough, asthma and bronchitis.
- Ivy is rich in plant compounds called saponins and flavonoids, which can reduce inflammation and oxidative damage in the body.
- Ivy can be used as an herbal supplement or extract, alone or in combination with other herbs like primrose and thyme.
- Ivy is generally safe, but it may cause allergic reactions or interact with some medications. Consult your doctor before using ivy.
What is ivy and where does it come from?
Ivy is a climbing evergreen plant that can grow on walls, trees and rocks. It has dark green leaves and small yellow-green flowers. The most common type of ivy is English ivy (Hedera helix), which originates from Europe but can now be found worldwide.
Ivy has been used as an ornamental plant for centuries, but it also has a long history of medicinal use. Traditional folk medicine used ivy for various conditions, such as liver, spleen and gallbladder disorders, gout, arthritis, rheumatism, dysentery, burns, ulcers and parasitic infections.
How does ivy work as a medicine?
Ivy contains many active substances that can have beneficial effects on the body. The most important ones are saponins and flavonoids, which are types of polyphenols. Polyphenols are plant compounds that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Antioxidants are molecules that can prevent or reduce the damage caused by free radicals, which are unstable atoms that can harm the cells. Inflammation is a natural response of the immune system to injury or infection, but it can also cause pain, swelling and tissue damage if it becomes chronic or excessive.
Saponins and flavonoids can help protect the cells from oxidative stress and inflammation, which may contribute to various diseases. For example, one animal study found that ivy extract protected rats from diabetes by reducing blood sugar levels and oxidative damage in the liver. Another test-tube study found that ivy extract inhibited the release of an inflammatory marker called interleukin-6 from immune cells.
What are the benefits of ivy for respiratory health?
One of the main uses of ivy is for respiratory problems, especially those involving cough and mucus production. Ivy can act as an expectorant, which means it can help loosen and clear the phlegm from the lungs and airways. This can make breathing easier and reduce coughing.
Ivy may be helpful for people with asthma, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or common colds. Several studies have shown that ivy extract can improve lung function, reduce cough frequency and severity, and increase quality of life in people with these conditions.
Ivy can be used alone or in combination with other herbs that have similar effects, such as primrose and thyme. Ivy can be taken as a supplement in capsules or tablets, or as a liquid extract or syrup.
Are there any side effects or precautions for using ivy?
Ivy is generally considered safe when used as directed, but it may cause some side effects or interactions in some people. Some possible side effects include:
- Allergic reactions: Some people may be allergic to ivy or its components, which can cause skin rashes, itching, swelling or difficulty breathing. If you have any signs of an allergic reaction, stop using ivy and seek medical attention.
- Gastrointestinal problems: Ivy may irritate the stomach or intestines, causing nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or abdominal pain. To reduce this risk, take ivy with food or water.
- Drug interactions: Ivy may interact with some medications that affect blood clotting (such as warfarin), blood pressure (such as beta-blockers) or blood sugar (such as insulin). If you are taking any medications, consult your doctor before using ivy.
Conclusion
Ivy is a plant that has many potential benefits for respiratory health. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may help with cough, asthma and bronchitis. It can be used as an herbal supplement or extract, alone or in combination with other herbs.
However, ivy may also cause some side effects or interactions in some people. Therefore, it is important to use ivy with caution and under medical supervision.
