Search This Blog

I Heart Herbs~Ivy

*Please note - The information provided is collected from my various herbal books, classes, and personal research. I am not a doctor. Always, always, always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider before beginning any new treatment. Do your own research and think for yourself. Don't believe everything you read. Questions are good!

Ivy


Latin Name:Hedera Helix


Plant Family: Araliaceae - Ginseng family

Character: bitter

Constituents: saponins, flavonol glycosides

Parts Used: leaves, woody stems

Blooming period: July to August

Actions: antibacterial, antispasmodic, antifungal, expectorant, pyretic, respiratory

Contraindications: Falcarinol, which is found mainly in the leaves, can cause contact dermatitis. Oral ingestion of the bitter ivy berries can be toxic.


Ivy is used by some practitioners to treat cancer, rheumatism, ammenorrhea, swelling, tumors, lymphatic tumors, chronic catarrh, and candida infections.

Ivy has an expectorant effect in dry cough, common cold, and chronic respiratory tract disorders.


Extracts have been used as antispasmodics and as topical treatments of dermal infections and itching, 
as well as for weight loss.

It is used externally in cosmetics.

Ivy is a prominent plant in legend and lore.
Artist Unknown
It is associated with the god Bacchus.

Ivy was highly respected by the Ancient Greeks who wove it into crowns worn to celebrate victory.

Its tenacity and ability to survive most climates possibly led to its reputation as an herb symbolic of fidelity and valor.

Ivy is an herb of love, immortality, and consecration.

Ivy is associated with the suit of Pentacles.

Ivy is used with quite a few sabbats - 
Beltane, Yule, and Candlemas. 

Wreaths of Ivy may be worn for Beltane Eve.

Ivy may be woven into wreaths and included in floral arrangements when one is decorating for the union of a couple.



Ivy is part of the ancient Druid alphabet,
The Ogham

Ivy represents prosperity.


Ivy is growth, development and
abundance.

Ivy is "school" ~ new lessons to be learned.

Color: Green
Stone: Aventurine, Malachite
Animal: Cow




Peace, Inspiration, & Love,
~Amy
The Magick Muse 

Amy Riddle is an empowerment coach, crafter of sorts, writer,
herbalist, reverend, and all out muse.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Alternative Medicine with an emphasis on herbs. 
She is a certified professional life coach with the Life Coach Institute of Orange County. 
Amy craves to inspire others to be healthy and whole in body, mind, and spirit. 
She has an affinity for striped socks, stinging nettle, and all things faery.