Ivy
|
Botanical Name |
Hedera helix |
|
Family |
Araliaceae |
|
Habitat |
Trees, rocks, cliffs, hedges |
|
Description |
Perennial evergreen climber up to 30m/100ft Stem: branched Leaves alternate, stalked glossy dark green with white veins. Upper leaves -ovate Flowers: small green, yellow stamen in umbels September-December Fruit: black berries late winter – early spring |
|
Native to |
Europe, Asia |
|
Introduced to |
North America |
|
Cultivation |
Rich well drained soil, full or semi –shade. Prune in spring |
|
Part Used |
Whole plant |
|
Harvesting |
As required |
|
Actions |
Anthelmintic, antispasmodic, astringent, cathartic, diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant, febrifuge |
|
Constituents |
Saponins –based on oleanolic acid, bayogenin and hederagenin – hederasaponins B, C, D, alpha hederin, beta hederin, hederacolchischiside, Sterols –campesterol, beta sitosterol Polyacetylenes –falcarinol and derivatives Essential oil –methyl ethyl ketone, astragalin Caffeic acid derivatives –chlorogenic, neochlorogenic, protocatechuic, rosmarinic acids Alkaloids, iodine |
|
Respiratory |
Coughs, whooping coughs, bronchitis, asthma |
|
Other Notes |
Magically a protective herb Dedicated to the Roman god Bacchus, the god of intoxication who is often depicted wearing a wreath of ivy It is also associated with the Greek god Dionysus and the Egyptian god Osiris It some countries it was banned from being part of Christmas decorations in churches Hedera is derived from the Latin word plant It is symbolic of fidelity and is used in wedding ceremonies It is said to bring luck and prosperity if worm on midsummer’s day A bunch of ivy was kept outside houses to could indicate the future – if it flourished the future but if it died then it was an omen of death Young girls carried sprigs of ivy in their pockets – the first men she met was destined to be her husband It was said to have the power to neutralise the effects of alcohol In England drinking tents at fairs were often decorated with ivy, later it was replaced with an inn sign hence the saying “A good wine needs no bush” Planet: Saturn Element: Earth |
|
Caution |
Do not use internally |
Ivy American
|
Botanical Name |
Parthenocissus quinquefolia |
|
Family |
Vitaceae |
|
Other Names |
Cissus hederacea, Virginia creeper, woodvine |
|
Native to |
North America |
|
Parts Used |
Bark, twigs |
|
Actions |
Astringent, expectorant, tonic |
|
Constituents |
Anthocyanins |