English Ivy
Parts Usually Used
Leaves
Description of Plant(s) and Culture
English ivy is a climbing evergreen vine; grows to the length of over 50 feet, bears air roots along its length which enable the plant to cling to smooth surfaces. The leathery, glossy, dark-green leaves are variously 3 to 7 loved. The small, green or yellowish-green flowers appear in umbels from August to October. The fruit is a black berry; ripens in winter. Another variety: American ivy, also known as woodbine, Virginia creeper, or wild wood vine (Vitis quinquefolia) is a common shrubby vine of the grape family.
Where Found
Grows commonly in the temperate climates of Europe and Asia; introduced into the United States. Found in woods and along walls, upon trees, climbing stone walls, houses, churches, etc.
Medicinal Properties
Antispasmodic, exanthematous
Legends, Myths and Stories
Ivy is dedicated to the Greek god of wine, Dionysus, who is often pictured crowned with an ivy wreath. According to one myth, Dionysus when a youth used ivy to foil some sailors who abducted him in hopes of selling him as a slave in Egypt. But their ship would not proceed toward Egypt, for Dionysus caused the ship to be bound and fastened with ivy and grape vines. In Greece ivy is called “cissos”, after the nymph Cissos, who is said to have joyously danced herself to fatal exhaustion before Dionysus.
Feeling pity, he turned her to ivy. Another myth states the maiden Cissos danced before Bacchus and kissed him often, making such mirth and joy, that being overcome with the same fell to the ground and killed herself. But as soon as the earth knew her, she brought forth immediately the ivy vine, bearing still the name of the young damsel Cissus, which as soon as it grows up a little, comes to embrace the grape vine, in remembrance that the damsel wanted to love and embrace Bacchus the God of wine.
Uses
English ivy was historically employed primarily as an external preparation. Herbalists prepared washes from the plant for sores, burns, cuts, dandruff, and various other skin complaints. Traditional accounts also credited the herb with reducing swollen glands, calming fevers, and addressing dropsy. In folk practice, an ointment made from the pulped leaves was applied externally to stiff joints and aching muscles, while the fresh crushed leaves were traditionally rubbed onto the skin for bee and wasp stings.
Warning
The leaves may cause dermatitis in sensitive people. Small doses taken internally are said to dilate the blood vessels and large doses to constrict them. English ivy is also said to break down red blood corpuscles by releasing their hemoglobin. The whole plant, including the berries, is poisonous. Use only under medical supervision.
Bibliography
Culpeper’s Complete Herbal & English Physician: Updated With 117 Modern Herbs , by Nicholas Culpeper, Meyerbooks, publisher, PO Box 427, Glenwood, Illinois 60425, 1990, (reprint of 1814) The Herb Book , by John Lust, Bantam Books, 666 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY. copyright 1974. Indian Herbalogy of North America , by Alma R. , Horticultural Hall, 300 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, 1973 The Herbalist Almanac , by Clarence Meyer, Meyerbooks, publisher, PO Box 427, Glenwood, Illinois 60425, copyright 1988, fifth printing, 1994 The Magic of Herbs , by David Conway, published by Jonathan Cape, Thirty Bedford Square, London, England.
(Out of print) The Nature Doctor: A Manual of Traditional and Complementary Medicine , by Dr. A. , 27 Pine Street (Box 876) New Canaan, CT. 06840-0876. Copyright Verlag A. , 15 Columbus Circle, New York, NY 10023