Glechoma hederacea (commonly known as ground ivy) has a history of use in traditional herbal medicine for various ailments, including gout. The traditional rationale for its use in gout lies in its perceived anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties, which were thought to help reduce swelling and assist in the elimination of uric acid, a key contributor to gout attacks. Historical texts, such as those from European herbal medicine in the Middle Ages, mention ground ivy as a remedy for "gouty and rheumatic complaints," though details are often sparse and not specific to modern understandings of gout pathology.

Despite its traditional use, there is a lack of robust scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of Glechoma hederacea for treating or managing gout. Modern pharmacological studies on ground ivy focus mostly on its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective effects, but these studies are preliminary and not directly related to gout or uric acid metabolism. No clinical trials or well-conducted studies have demonstrated its effectiveness or established a mechanism relevant to gout management. As a result, its use for gout is primarily based on tradition rather than scientific validation.