Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederacea)
Overview
Ground ivy (Glechoma hederacea), sometimes called “alehoof,” is a creeping perennial growing to about 6 in (15 cm), with long rooting runners, scallop-edged kidney-shaped leaves, and purple-blue whorled flowers. Mildly bitter and astringent, it has a history of traditional use in respiratory, digestive, and ear-nose-throat complaints.
Traditional uses & properties
Tonic & Diuretic: Encourages gentle fluid release and overall fortification. Decongestant: Valuable for chronic ear, sinus, and chest congestion—often used to address lingering mucus (e.g., “glue ear”). Gastrointestinal Aid: Soothes stomach and intestinal membranes, helping relieve excess acidity, indigestion, and diarrhea. Respiratory Support: Helps clear phlegm in the throat and chest, beneficial in coughs and colds with heavy mucus.
Safety & precautions
General Safety: Considered well-tolerated for most, including children. No Major Warnings: Typically safe as an occasional remedy. Discontinue if any adverse reactions occur.
Habitat
Native to Europe and western Asia, it is naturalized in many temperate regions, including North America. Often found at woodland edges, paths, and hedgerows, it is harvested in summer for its aerial parts.
Traditionally used for
Related herbs
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Eucalyptus, a traditional Aboriginal remedy, is a powerful antiseptic used all over the world for relieving coughs and colds, sore throats, and other infections. It is warming and stimulating, and for many people its scent conjures up days spent in bed during childhood with eucalyptus and other oils smothered on the chest. Eucalpytus is a common ingredient in many over-the-counter cold remedies.
- Garlic (Allium sativum)
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- Gentian (Gentiana lutea)
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- Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis)
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- Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana)
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- Pau d'Arco (Tabebuia impetiginosa)
Pau d'arco is an evergreen tree that can reach 100 feet in height, producing pink flowers. The bark of this South American tree has been treasured for centuries in traditional medicine for its extensive health benefits. Indigenous peoples including the Incas and the Callawaya valued it as a cure-all. The tree grows in both mountainous terrains high in the Andes and in low-lying areas of Paraguay and Brazil. The prized inner bark is collected from wild-growing trees throughout the year.
- Triphala (Terminalia chebula blend)
Triphala is not a single herb but a traditional Ayurvedic blend of three fruits: haritaki (Terminalia chebula), bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica), and amalaki or Indian gooseberry (Emblica officinalis). Haritaki has balanced energy with five flavors (bitter, sour, astringent, salty, and sweet), acting as a mild laxative that tones intestinal membranes, lubricates tissues, and relaxes muscle spasms. Bibhitaki is pungent, warming, antispasmodic, and serves as an expectorant and decongestant for respiratory conditions. Amalaki also has balanced energy with five flavors (sour, astringent, sweet, pungent, and bitter), containing small amounts of anthraquinones while being astringent, thus both laxative and bowel-toning, correcting both constipation and diarrhea.