COMMON IVY - HEDERA HELIX
COMMON IVY - HEDERA HELIX
Local name: კავკასიური სურო
Where to find it: Guria, Imereti, Racha-luchkhumi, Adjara, Kartli and Trialeti
Terrain: from sea level up to around 1200 meters; In both urban and natural settings, demonstrating resilience in landscapes with varying terrain – climbing walls, trees, or fences in urban gardens or spreading as ground cover in woodlands and forested areas.
Description:
Common Ivy is a versatile evergreen plant appreciated for its distinctive features and adaptability. Its glossy, dark green leaves, often with three to five pointed lobes, contribute to a lush and vibrant appearance. What sets Common Ivy apart is its ability to climb vertical surfaces, reaching remarkable heights of up to 30 meters or more, or spread horizontally along the ground, creating dense ground cover. With a preference for shade but the capacity to thrive in varying light conditions, English Ivy showcases its flexibility in different environments. During late summer, small yellow-green flowers emerge, eventually giving way to dark purple to black berries. However, it’s crucial to note that these berries are mildly toxic if ingested.
Usable parts: Leaves
Medicinal properties:
The leaves of Common Ivy have been traditionally used in herbal medicine, particularly for their use in addressing respiratory issues. The leaves are believed to act as an expectorant, facilitating the expulsion of mucus from the respiratory tract. This property has led to their historical use in folk remedies for conditions such as coughs, bronchitis, and other respiratory ailments.
Common Ivy leaves are also thought to possess anti-inflammatory properties. These properties have prompted their use in traditional topical remedies for inflammatory skin conditions. Some herbal formulations may include preparations of English Ivy leaves in ointments or poultices to address skin inflammation and irritation.
Undesired effects:
English Ivy contains substances called saponins, which can be toxic. if consumed in large quantities symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain
Preparation:
Traditionally, Common Ivy leaves have been prepared in the form of an infusion or tea. After harvesting and thoroughly drying the leaves, they are crushed or cut into smaller pieces. A teaspoon of the crushed leaves is then placed in a cup, and hot water is poured over them. Allowing the leaves to steep for about 5-10 minutes, the liquid is strained to remove plant material, and the tea can be consumed in moderation, optionally sweetened with honey.
For topical applications, such as ointments or poultices, fresh or dried Common Ivy leaves are harvested and cleaned. The leaves are then crushed into a paste and mixed with a carrier oil or incorporated into an ointment base. The resulting mixture can be applied topically to areas like inflamed skin.
Harvest time:
Late spring to early summer
Harvest method:
To harvest, one should choose healthy plants, preferably in the morning after the dew has dried but before the day becomes too warm. Using clean and sanitized tools, individual leaves can be carefully harvested, leaving some behind to ensure the plant’s continued growth and vitality. It’s crucial to avoid stripping entire branches to maintain the plant’s health.
Conservation:
Air drying – freshly harvested leaves are spread in a single layer in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight. Dehydrators can also be employed to expedite the drying process.
Frozen preservation includes blanching the leaves briefly in boiling water before freezing them in airtight containers. Flash freezing on trays can prevent leaves from sticking together.
Herbal tinctures, made by steeping leaves in high-proof alcohol, and infused oils, created by steeping leaves in a carrier oil, can preserve active compounds.
Grinding dried leaves into a powder is another method, and the resulting powder is stored in airtight containers.
Regardless of the method chosen, it’s crucial to ensure the leaves are clean and thoroughly dry before preservation to prevent mold. Storage in a cool, dark place and proper labeling with preservation dates are essential for maintaining potency over time.
