Summary

Herbalists primarily use English ivy for coughs. The German " Commission E confirms ivy leaf as a treatment for catarrhs of the respiratory passages and symptoms of chronic inflammatory bronchial conditions. " Systematic reviews concluded that ivy leaf extract is an effective and safe option for the treatment of cough due to URTIs and bronchitis. The active ingredients are related to the saponins that increase the excretion of fluid in the lungs to facilitate the expulsion of phlegm. In addition, the herb has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties and research shows it has the potential in treating arthritis.

Indications

Respiratory
• cough
• catarrh of the respiratory tract: colds, influenza, bronchitis

Musculoskeletal
• osteoarthritis
• rheumatoid arthritis

Actions

• antitussive
• expectorant
• anticatarrhal
• anti-inflammatory
• analgesic

Constituents

• saponins - triterpenoid glycosides (Hederacoside C)
• flavonoids

Posology

• Infusion (dry herb): 2-4 g tid

Safety

• SAFE - generally considered safe
• side-effects - high amounts can cause irritation of the gastrointestinal tract leading to nausea and vomiting.
• Pregnancy & lactation - safe to be used in short term during pregnancy

References

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Barnes J, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines, 3rd ed. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 2007.

Bone K. Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 2000.

Bone K. A Clinical Guide to Blending Liquid Herbs: Herbal Formulations for the Individual Patient. St Louis, MO: Churchill Livingstone, 2003.

Brinker F. The Toxicology of Botanical Medicines, 3rd ed. Sandy, Oregon: Eclectic Medical Publications, 2000.

Felter HW, Lloyd JU. King's American Dispensatory. 1898. http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/eclectic/kings/main.html. Accessed: August 19, 2006.

Hoffman D. Medical Herbalism. Rochester, Vermont: Healing Arts Press, 2003.

Weiss RF. Herbal Medicine. Beaconsfield, England: Beaconsfield Publishers Ltd, 1988.

Williamson EM, ed. Major Herbs of Ayurveda. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 2002