Ground ivy
Scientific names: Glechoma hederacea, Nepeta glechoma, Nepeta hederacea
Family: Lamiaceae/Labiatae
Alternate names: Alehoffs, Alehoof, Catsfoot, Cat's-Paw, Couronne de Terre, Courroie de Terre, Courroie de la Saint-Jean, Creeping Charlie, Gill-Go-By-The-Hedge, Gill-Go-Over-The-Ground, Glécome Lierre, Haymaids, Hedgemaids, Herbe de Saint-Jean, Lierre Terrestre, Lizzy-Run-Up-The-Hedge, Robin-Run-In-The-Hedge, Tierra-Hiedra, Tun-Hoof, Turnhoof
Actions: Anticancer, Anti-inflammatory, Dermatologic
Background
Ground ivy (Glechoma hederacea) is a plant found in Europa, Asia, and North America. The dried plant and crushed leaves are used to make medicine.
Ground ivy contains chemicals that might reduce swelling. It's also a rich source of potassium and iron.
People use ground ivy for sunburn and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Ground ivy is sometimes called catsfoot. Don't confuse this with another plant known as cat's foot. These are not the same.
Ground ivy contains chemicals that might reduce swelling. It's also a rich source of potassium and iron.
People use ground ivy for sunburn and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Ground ivy is sometimes called catsfoot. Don't confuse this with another plant known as cat's foot. These are not the same.
Safety Safety definitions
When taken by mouth: Ground ivy is possibly safe in the amounts used to flavor foods. There isn't enough reliable information to know if it is safe to use in larger amounts as medicine.
When applied to the skin: Ground ivy extract 1% lotion is possibly safe when used for up to 8 weeks. It might cause stinging or itching in some people.
Breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if ground ivy is safe to use when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Kidney disease: Ground ivy contains a chemical that can irritate the kidneys. Don't use ground ivy if you have kidney problems.
Liver disease: Ground ivy contains a chemical that can harm the liver. It could make existing liver disease worse. Don't use ground ivy if you have liver problems.
When applied to the skin: Ground ivy extract 1% lotion is possibly safe when used for up to 8 weeks. It might cause stinging or itching in some people.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy: Ground ivy is likely unsafe when used during pregnancy. It might cause a miscarriage. Avoid use.Breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if ground ivy is safe to use when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Kidney disease: Ground ivy contains a chemical that can irritate the kidneys. Don't use ground ivy if you have kidney problems.
Liver disease: Ground ivy contains a chemical that can harm the liver. It could make existing liver disease worse. Don't use ground ivy if you have liver problems.
Effectiveness
Effective Effectiveness definitions
There is interest in using ground ivy for a number of purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Dosing & administration
There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of ground ivy might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.
Interactions with pharmaceuticals
It is not known if Ground Ivy interacts with any medicines. Before taking Ground Ivy, talk with your healthcare professional if you take any medications.
Interactions with herbs & supplements
Pennyroyal: Both ground ivy and pennyroyal contain a chemical called pulegone that can harm the liver. Using these two herbs together might increase the risk for liver damage.
Interactions with foods
There are no known interactions with foods.
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This monograph was last reviewed on 04/07/2024 10:00:00 and last updated on 19/04/2018 21:25:36. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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Natural Medicines rates safety based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Likely Safe, Possibly Safe, Possibly Unsafe, Likely Unsafe, Unsafe, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate. For more information about Natural Medicines’ Safety Rating System, click here.
The Natural Medicines Effectiveness Ratings are assigned for specific indications. A product might be rated "Possibly Effective" for one condition, but be rated "Likely Ineffective" for another condition, depending on the evidence. For more info click here.
