Plant Profile: Ground Ivy (A.K.A. Creeping Charlie)

Ground Ivy (A.K.A. Creeping Charlie)

(Nepeta hederacea; Glechoma hederacea)

Family: LABIATAE

Energetics: Cooling. Drying. 

Taste: Acrid. Bitter. 

Tissue States: 

Systems Affected: Respiratory. 

Parts Used: Aerial parts. 

Key Components: Bitters. Tannins. Volatile oils (sesquiterpenes). Resin. Saponin. Hydroxy fatty acids. Flavonoids. Iron. Copper. Iodine. Phosphorus. Potassium. 

Preparations & dosage: Infusion: Tincture: In alcohol or glycerin. 

Actions: 

Foundational: Astringent. Aromatic.
Primary: Vulnerary. Diuretic. Expectorant. 
Secondary: Anti-catarrhal. 

Uses: 

Great for children. Supporting drainage around the eustachian tubes. Chronic ear infections. Gentle respiratory lymphatic. Long term upper respiratory mucous membrane support. Works well with calendula or goldenrod as a tonic for upper respiratory system. 

Congestion! Particularly upper respiratory. 
Inflammation of the mucous membranes. Sinus congestion. Bronchitis. Cough. 

Problems in the inner ear: Inflammation and thick mucous build up in the middle ear causing tinnitus (humming, ringing, difficulty hearing). 

Head colds that cause clogged hearing. Blockage in the eustachian tubes. Matthew Wood and Margie Flint also indicate to work on kidneys when these problems arise. 

I think of lax tissues that are also possibly leaking fluids. 

Diarrhea. Hemorrhoids. 

Can be used as plantain for bites or stings. 

Digestive issues with griping & gas. 

Mouth sores and ulcers (damp). 

Teething, colic and restlessness in babies. 

Said to have been used as a traditional remedy for cancer, indicated when the tongue is dark red in the center, otherwise red and the center looks like ground meat. 

Some say it has the ability to chelate heavy metals such as mercury, lead and aluminum as well as petrochemical pollutants. 

Combines well with: Coltsfoot. White horehound. Elecampane. Goldenrod. 

Identifying: 

Growing:

Harvesting: At its peak when in flower but can be harvested anytime of year and even dug out from under snow if necessary. 

Contraindications: No Known. 

Sources: 

The Complete Herbs Sourcebook: David Hoffman. Pg 266-267

The Earthwise Herbal: Volume 1: Matthew Wood. 280-283

Studies:



This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, nor is it intended to replace medical advice. For educational purposes only.