Benefits of ivy plant and side effects

Discover the benefits of the ivy plant and its side effects.

Common ivy, also called hedera helix, is a medicinal plant with shiny green leaves that contain flavonoids,  saponins, and polyphenolic acids which help in the treatment of cough and some respiratory diseases.

This plant is used in the composition of some beauty products, such as anti-cellulite and anti-wrinkle creams, and some pharmaceutical cough syrups. It can be purchased in natural product stores and some manipulation pharmacies in the form of syrup, ointments, cream, shampoo, capsules, or infusion.

It is important that before using any presentation that contains common ivy, consult your doctor, nutritionist, or physiotherapist to guide the necessary dose and the appropriate time of use according to the alteration to be treated.

Benefits of ivy plant

Common ivy has several properties that help in the treatment of diseases such as bronchitis or cold, for example, the main ones being:

1. Helps expel phlegm

Common ivy contains saponins, α-hederin, and heterogenic, which are compounds that act on inflamed bronchi, helping them to expand and expel phlegm, in addition to relieving cough, so the extract of this plant is used in cases of bronchitis and acute cough, reducing symptoms. 

2. Fight infections

Common ivy extract affects infections caused by bacteria, fungi, and parasites, this is because it contains saponins, α-hederin, falcarinol, and falcarinol acetylenes which help treat infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella, Shigella, E. Coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and candida.

3. Relieves pain and inflammation

The ethanolic extract and the purified extract of common ivy have been shown to reduce inflammation due to the compounds hederacoside C and saponins, which relieve symptoms of swelling and even pain.

4. Prevents liver diseases

The α-header in compounds and the amides found in the extract of common ivy leaves have demonstrated a protective action on the liver against the use of drugs that are metabolized in this organ, such as paracetamol, since they avoid liver damage, preventing its deterioration and the onset of diseases such as liver failure, for example. 

5. Fight venous insufficiency

Common ivy has saponins and α-hederin, which have lipolytic properties, that is, they help prevent the accumulation of fat in the blood, in addition to helping the absorption of other compounds, such as Centella Asiatica, for example, which can be used in cases of venous insufficiency.

How to take ivy to expel phlegm through cough?

The EMA approves the well-established use of ivy leaf extract as an expectorant to help better expel phlegm. Cough is a defense mechanism of our body to eliminate irritating agents from the respiratory mucosa, so when we have a cold, it is normal to have episodes of productive cough. In these cases, ivy is a natural solution to combat phlegm, since it facilitates its expulsion.

Phytotherapeutic preparations based on ivy extract can be found in liquid (syrup) or solid form for oral administration. Some preparations combine ivy with other medicinal plants, such as sundew or fir buds, which have expectorant and bronchodilator properties.

Cough and phlegm are frequent symptoms of respiratory tract problems that can be alleviated with the help of medicinal plants, which are a safe way to maintain health. Remember that Nature, always wise, has an answer to every health problem.

Drosinula is our food supplement based on a fresh sundew plant extract, ivy, and fir bud shoots.

Side effects of ivy

Side effects of ivy or products containing ivy include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, contact allergy, and respiratory distress. Also, in cases of excessive dosage, common ivy can be life-threatening. 

Contraindications

This plant is contraindicated in pregnant women or those who suspect pregnancy since it could cause abortion, nor should it be ingested during breastfeeding, in children under 2 years of age, in cases of hyperthyroidism, as well as in those who are already taking some antihyperthyroid medication.

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