
General Information
OTHER NAMES: English Ivy (Hedera helix)
HISTORY: Mentions from ancient Greece - Hippocrates
PROPERTIES: Expectorant, a bronchodilator, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antioxidant, antibiotic (may help treat staph, e.coli, klebsiella), antifungal, anesthetic, antiviral, antispasmodic
Considered Uses
Respiratory: Bronchitis, asthma, bronchiectasis, emphysema and pneumonia, descreases cough (wet and dry cough), flu, expectorant and lubricates airway, chronic bronchitis, emphysema
Gastrointestinal: Dysentry, liver disorders, spleen, gallbladder, dysentery, parasites
Musculoskeletal: Gout, joint pain, arthritis, joint pain and swelling
Neurologic: Nerve pain (neuropathy)
Skin: Burns, calluses, skin infections, warts
Cancer: May have cancer-preventing properties
Other: Prevents intoxication from alcohol. Weight loss properties.
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SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, upset stomach, rash/dermatitis (skin irritation), headache, dizziness
CAUTION/CONTRAINDICATIONS: Eating intact leaves may be mildly poisonous
FORMS: Extract, tea, cough syrup (Prospan)
Note: Often used as a component of some popular over-the-counter herbal remedies
DOSAGE: As directed
Reported doses - often NOT supported by evidence reported by various sources (WebMD, RxList, Epocrates, German Commission E, NIH publications and others). Read dosages and instructions carefully when available on the label.
300-800 mg by mouth daily or 150 - 400 mg 2 times daily
*Disclaimer: The material above is for informational purposes only. This information is not intended to diagnose or treat a condition. The uses listed above are tentative; some have or are undergoing research trials, but many are not FDA-approved. It is essential that you investigate these supplements further before deciding to use them. Check interactions and contraindications on sites like Drugs.com, German Commission e or WebMD. Do not attempt to treat a serious condition like liver, kidney problems, high blood pressure, heart, cancer, diabetes, or thyroid issues without discussing it with a healthcare provider first. If you are pregnant, do not use supplements without discussing it with your healthcare provider.