The Herb Garden
The Joy of Growing and Using Herbs:
Ivy
by Rachel McLeod
Common, traditional or folk names of plants are delightful to use; they vary
from country to country and within countries from place to place, and are easy
to remember. But to be sure of the identity of a plant and to find out about its
characteristics, it is wise to use the botanical name.
The confusion that common names may produce is well illustrated by plants
described by name as different kinds of ivy. It was earlier in the year that I
wrote about the true English ivy and its use as a herb. I omitted to mention
that many years ago when visiting a French herb farm I was interested to see
them making up bales of ivy which they told me was used as a catalyst in their
herbal cosmetics. This was apparently a secret operation and they did not
vouchsafe any further information and I have never since seen any reference to
such use.
As well as English or common ivy there are at least two plants with herbal
qualities, which are listed in many herb books as ivy. Neither bears any real
resemblance to the true ivy (Hedera helix) and probably it is their
creeping stems and the rather vague ivy look of the leaves that gave rise to the
common name. The first is a modest plant known as Ground Ivy, Creeping Charlie,
Gill-over-the-ground and many more popular names. Its botanical name is
Glechoma hederacea. Almost certainly you will have met it, probably as a
nuisance weed insinuating itself among the grass blades in the lawn almost
without being noticed until the small flowers appear. The leaves grow in pairs
opposite each other and are dark green, rather soft and hairy, and evergreen
under the snow. The flowers are blue. They appear in early spring in whorls of
three or four at the base of the leaves. The plant was brought to North America
from Europe by the early settlers and has naturalized. It is now found
throughout the continent. The whole plant is very aromatic and a bit spicy.
Although Ground Ivy may be a nuisance as an invasive weed, it is useful as a home
remedy, usually as a pleasant tea if honey is added. It is used for nervous
headaches, coughs and indigestion. It is also a diuretic and a stimulant. In
addition, the plant was used before hops were grown to clarify and flavour ale
which gave it still another name....Alehoof.
The second plant has a bad reputation. Poison Ivy (Rhus radicans) is
well known, perhaps because 70 percent of the population are allergic to it and
there is no doubt it produces a very painful rash in those who are sensitive to
its oil. For them it is well named poison ivy. I can only guess the early
settlers decided it was a suitable name as its habit of crawling along the
ground and then climbing the nearest trees is similar to the way ivy grows in
warmer climates.
Poison ivy, however, is hardier than true ivy and is able to
climb high to reach the sun, where it flowers, the fruit ripens, and it provides
food for migratory birds in the fall. Research has shown that its berries are
one of the ten most important food sources for birds. I have eradicated all that
I can find in and around our garden and now feel guilty. I wonder where I could
safely allow it to grow and climb and provide food for wildlife. It is very
beautiful in the fall with red leaves and gray berries.
 In spite of its poisonous properties, poison ivy has herbal qualities. An
extract was prepared from the leaves and used to treat chronic skin problems,
acute rheumatism and paralysis. It is now only used in homeopathic preparations
and is considered one of the best treatments for nettle rash. There are also
records that the juice used to be used as an indelible ink and, of all things,
in shoe polish.
Finally, a suggestion for dealing with the effects of poison ivy. I personally
find that washing with a strong soap as soon as possible after contact works
well for me. But there are plants whose juice may counteract the effects of
poison ivy. Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis) is one of these and the juicy
yellow flowered plant is often found growing near stands of poison ivy. Crushed
leaves from this plant can be spread on the area affected. Also sweet fern (Comptonia
asplenifolia) has an ingredient which seems to act on the poison ivy oil and
lessens its effect.
Lastly, Mugwort (Artemesia vulgaris) has been used for
the same purpose. I have not been able to test either of the last two. Aloe vera
will also alleviate the itch over small areas. However for widespread exposure,
which can make people very ill, it is best to consult a doctor to find an
antidote. Best of all is to watch for the plant, even in winter....my family got
a rash by tobogganing over a patch of “dead” poison ivy!
Rachel McLeod founded Kiln Farm Herb Garden in Puslinch, Ontario in 1974.
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