Nepeta hederacea

Nepeta hederacea [Image]. [2014]. Retrieved from: http://www.eattheweeds.com/ground-ivy/

Common name: 
Ground Ivy
(Hoffman, 1983, p. 205)

Latin binomial: 
Nepeta hederacea
(Hoffman, 1983, p. 205)

Family: 
Lamiaceae
(Strauss, Brigham, Ceurvels, Giese, 2013).

Parts used: 
Aeriel parts 
(Hoffman, 1983, p. 205)

Active constituents:

• Bitter principle (glechomine), 
• Tannins
• Volatile oil 
• Resin
• Saponin

(Hoffman, 1983, p. 205)

Actions:

• Astringent
• Anti-catarrhal
• Expectorant
• Diuretic
• Vulnerary

(Hoffman, 1983, p. 205)

Indications:

• URT catarrh: Middle ear infection (tinnitus), blocked ears, sinus congestion, 
• Mouthwash / gargle local inflammation
• Chronic bronchial catarrh
• Inflammation in GIT
• Haemorrhoids 

 (Hoffman, 1983, p. 205).

Contraindications: 

• Known allergy/hypersensitivity to (Glechoma hederacea), its constituents, or other members of the Lamiaceae family, including mint, rosemary, basil, oregano, thyme, and lavender
• Not recommended in pregnancy and lactation due to lack of sufficient available data 

(Strauss, Brigham, Ceurvels, Giese, 2013).

Cautions:

• Use cautiously in patients with impaired kidney function, as ground ivy oil may irritate the kidneys
• Use cautiously in patients with impaired liver function or taking pulegone-containing herbs, due to the presence of hepatoxic pulegone in ground ivy
• Use cautiously in patients with seizure disorders

(Strauss, Brigham, Ceurvels, Giese, 2013).

Dosage:

 Oral:

• General: 2g dried plant three times daily has been used; duration was not noted.
• Liquid extract: 2-4mL (1:1 in 25% alcohol) three times daily has been used; duration was not noted.
• Tea: One cup tea (2-4g dried plant steeped in 150mL boiling water for 5-10 minutes) three times daily has been used; duration was not noted.

 (Strauss, Brigham, Ceurvels, Giese, 2013).

Topical:

• Note: There are currently no high quality studies on the medicinal applications of ground ivy, and the following dosing information is based on traditional use and expert opinion.
• General: Crushed leaves applied to the affected area have been used; duration not noted.

(Strauss, Brigham, Ceurvels, Giese, 2013).

Combinations: 
For coughs it can be used with coltsfoot, white horehound and Elecampane. For sinus catarrah combine with Golden seal

(Hoffman, 1983, p. 205) 

References:

Hoffman, D. (1983) The holistic herbal. Element books: Dorset.

Strauss, Brigham, Ceurvels, Giese. (2013), Natural Standard proffesional monograph.