Evidence supporting the use of: Ground Ivy
For the health condition: Congestion (bronchial)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederacea) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in Europe. Historically, it was employed as a remedy for respiratory ailments, including bronchial congestion, coughs, and catarrh. Records from medieval herbalists and folk medicine practices describe the use of ground ivy infusions or syrups to help clear phlegm and ease breathing. The plant contains volatile oils, saponins, and tannins, which were believed to have mild expectorant and anti-inflammatory effects, potentially supporting the clearing of mucus from the bronchial passages.
However, there is limited modern scientific research to validate these traditional uses. A few phytochemical studies have identified compounds in ground ivy with possible anti-inflammatory or antimicrobial properties, but direct evidence from clinical trials for its effectiveness in treating bronchial congestion is lacking. The rating of 2 reflects the presence of substantial traditional use and some plausible phytochemical mechanisms, but little to no high-quality scientific validation. As such, while ground ivy continues to be used in some herbal traditions for respiratory support, its efficacy has not been conclusively demonstrated by contemporary scientific standards.
Other ingredients used for Congestion (bronchial)
allspicealoe vera
alpha-pinene
waterhyssop
basil
benegut perilla (proprietary)
beta-pinene
black cumin
black currant
black pepper
Indian frankincense
bupleurum falcatum
bасора
caffeine
capsaicinoids
chamomile
chen pi
Chinese salvia root
clove
Coptis chinensis
cowage seed
turmeric
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
ethanol
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
grape
onion
green tea
horseradish
Indian tinospora
licorice root
lovage
mustard seed
n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
spruce
ophiopogon root
oregano
perilla
phellodendron amurense
platycodon root
pomegranate
quercetin
rosemary
scrophularia root
shiitake mushroom
spearmint leaf
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
vitamin C
yellow root
squawvine
boneset
mullein
hyssop
cardamom
atractylodes
capsicum
mugwort
malabar nut
alpinia galangal
ferula assafoetida
inula racemosa
anise
blackboard tree
lingusticum wallichii
buckthorn
fritillaria
lemongrass
yerba santa
elecampane
coltsfoot
chrysanthemum
juniper berries
siler root
sweet flag
oriental arborvitae
trichosanthes
zanthoxylum
eucalyptus
menthol oil
aster root
abies spectabilis
horehound
Sichuan pepper
cayenne pepper
soursop
Alcohol
Agastache
Anamarrhena
Alpha-terpineol
Ardisia
Angelica
Allicin
Asarum heterotropoides
Aconite
Asafoetida
Andrographolide
Adrenergic amines
Asteracea
Allyl Sulfide
Adenophora
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
Arisaema
Asarum sieboldii
Alantolactone
Atractylone
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Black spruce
Bicarbonate
Blepharis
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Boswellic Acid
Bayleaf
Black galingale
Barleria
Bitter Grass
Bisabolene
Bael
berry
Boswellia
Baccharoides anthelmintica
black salt
Bee products
Bombax
Buddha's Hand
Borage
Bupleurum
Balloon Flower
Belamcanda
Borneol
Camellia sinensis
Chinese Silkvine
Curry leaf
Chinese Mountain Ant
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Citrus
Cineole
Cajuput
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Curcumen
Cistus
Curcuma
Calamus
Cinnamaldehyde
Carthamus
Culvers Root
Chondrus
Dragonhead
Diterpenes
Ephedra
European Elder
Eclipta
Echinacea
Elder
Essential Oil Blend
Ephedrine
Galangal
Ivy
Mustard
Mallow
Sandalwood
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by Ground Ivy
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Afterbirth Pain
Appetite (deficient)
Asthma
Bites and Stings
Bleeding (external)
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Canker Sores
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Cuts
Digestion (poor)
Dyspepsia
Ear Infection or Earache
Eczema
Eye Infections
Fever
Gall Bladder (sluggish or removed)
Glands (swollen lymph)
Gout
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Headache (tension)
Inflammation
Injuries