Glechoma hederacea, commonly known as ground ivy, has a long history of traditional use in European herbal medicine, particularly for ailments affecting the respiratory tract, including the sinuses. Historically, the plant was used in British and European folk medicine for “catarrh” (mucous membrane inflammation), coughs, colds, and sinus congestion. Herbalists valued it for its purported decongestant, anti-inflammatory, and expectorant properties, and it was often included in preparations for “sinus cleansing” or as a tea for respiratory comfort.

While these traditional uses are well documented in historical texts and herbal compendia, there is currently a lack of robust modern scientific research specifically validating the effectiveness of Glechoma hederacea for supporting sinus health. Some laboratory studies have identified mild anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial compounds within the plant, but these findings have not been translated into clinical trials or direct evidence for sinus support in humans. Therefore, its reputation for sinus support is primarily traditional, and while some plausible mechanisms exist, scientific validation remains limited.