Ground Ivy is also called Creeping Charlie, Alehoof, and Gill-over-the-Ground. Talk about eating crow! Scott Cunningham A tea of Gill-over-the- Ground may be sipped to help overcome shyness. After picking this ground ivy (Glechoma hederacea), I stuffed it into a pint-size jar to make a tincture of it. Ground Ivy is our favorite go-to remedy for the early stages of earache and sinus infections, especially indicated when there is fluid stagnation in the ears, sinuses, and ENT lymphatic vessels. Poison Ivy or Poison Oak is almost never a fun experience! Infuse for 5-10 minutes. It can be eaten fresh, although it’s a bit tangy. Or containers are good for all mints, such as lemon balm, peppermint, sage, etc. Medicinal use of Ground Ivy: Ground ivy is a safe and effective herb that is used to treat many problems involving the mucous membranes of the ear, nose, throat and digestive system. Who knew? I would say things like “if I found out it cured cancer, I still would hate this stinking weed.” Now I find out that it Might cure cancer. This is the problem with HOA’S, everything except grass and flowers from a store are considered a weed worthy of killing. Ground Ivy Herb Recipes: Spring Tonic: Steep 2 tsp. Thank you for providing that. If not drying, I would try to preserve as tincture (glycerite, if alcohol is an issue). Is it the same? In addition, ground ivy has a reputation for being a tonic for the kidneys and bladder. Nature's Life English Ivy Leaf Extract Tablets, 136 Mg, 90 Count 4.7 out of 5 stars 33 Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederacea) Tincture, Dried Herb Liquid Extract (Brand Name: HerbalTerra, Proudly Made in USA) 4 fl.oz (120 ml) Ground ivy, like violet flower, is high in Vitamin C. The plant is antibacterial, antiviral,, antiseptic and a expectorant. This looks like what we call “Creeping Charlie” in our area. are the leaves slightly fuzzy? Pour the oil in small bottles. Mullein is an easily recognizable plant found in fields, meadows, and anywhere the ground has been disturbed in a wide array of habitats. Thank you for sharing. gee wiz….only a few days ago I was sitting outside next to my compost pile seeing this weed. I find that often what we most need is right there near us, practically under our feet. Yes, the mints are greedy. This has always been my favorite herb as well as a lovely tiny flower and fabulous ground cover. I guess I will have to learn to appreciate this ‘stinking weed’! Place in a dark cupboard or in a paper bag on a shelf. Using a solvent like alcohol, vinegar, or glycerin, you can extract a greater spectrum of the whole plant and preserve the medicine much longer than an infusion or a decoction. Grass won’t fed you and it won’t be medicine…let’s encourage edible and healing gardens. Mayernik Kitchen - Now Open Pompton Plains NJ, Garlic Mustard - What's Growing Wednesday. If any of the plant has floated above the alcohol and turned color, remove that part. Shannon graduated from the Academy of Culinary Nutrition in 2015 and became a Master Food Preserver in 2019. Info MUCH appreciated. Ground ivy is pleasant tasting and contains volatile oils, which relieve  congestion and inflammation of mucous membranes affiliated with colds, flu, and sinusitis. Fill a quart jar with: 1 oz (28g) decarboxylated cannabis (to adjust strength see calculating tincture dosage below) 2. Gill-over-the-ground, Creeping Charlie, Catsfoot, Run-away-robin, Hedge maids, Alehoof, Tunhoof … these are just a few of the names given to ground ivy, a member of the mint family found in moist shady areas, along hedgerows and buildings, and creeping through gardens and lawns. I shake or rotate the drying plant daily. All the cleavers would have been one plant option to help. Ground Ivy Tincture Gather a few handfuls of ground ivy leaves and flowers on a sunny day. Use 1 teaspoon of dried herb to one cup of boiling water to make a tasty tea. I’m glad the info is useful. Make sure they have not been sprayed with any insecticide. I wish I would have come across this artical sooner. From shop ReverenceBotanicals. Ground Ivy – a perennial weed that will creep all over your garden/lawn/compost pile, many pull it and try to rid it, but not here in the Mayernik Garden. Ground Ivy Tincture, Ground Ivy extract, Sinus herb, Tinnitus, Detox herb Glechoma hederacea ReverenceBotanicals. Enter your email and receive your 10% off code. *This information on the uses of herbs  is not intended as a substitute for consulting with your physician or other health care provider. Ground Ivy Tincture. Ground Ivy is a creeping perennial that helps aid in digestion, congestion and menstrual cramps. No misinformation at all and was so educating and informative. I love empowering you to work with plants yourself for health and wellness. I’d gladly take it off the hands of anyone who’d let me pick it! Before learning how to make a tincture, it is important to learn what a tincture is! The medicinal uses for Glechoma hederacea, or creeping charlie, are as extensive as the plant itself.The list includes congestive headaches, toothache, indigestion, bloating, gas, earaches, sore throats, bronchitis, chest colds and even depression. I make a fresh plant tincture using aerial parts (leaves/flower) when glechoma is blooming. The American Extra Pharmacopoeia by David Winston. I intend to post more as I can. Matthew wood suggests  a dosage of tincture is 3-30 drops  3 times a day , while others suggest up to 1-3 ml 3 times a day. It does not cover all possible uses, actions, precautions, side effects, or interactions of the herbs/plants discussed. Two days later, he ended up in emergency with pain and kidney stones. Preparation of Ground-ivy tincture. Add more alcohol if needed. Here at ETW we have have the solution. Herbalist  Matthew Wood recommends it be taken internally for ear aches, infections and for colds that start in the ears. It’s a creeping plant with tiny, roundish leaves and purple lipped flowers . Leaves can be cooked just as you would spinach. Mother Earth Living and the  author are not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any of the information discussed. I enjoyed the intense odor from the ground ivy as I picked it for the tincture. After 6 weeks, strain your tincture through a sieve, non-bleached coffee filter or piece of cheesecloth into a clean jar or bottles. Alternatively add half a teaspoon (2.5 ml) of tincture to a cup of warm water for a quick alternative to tea. Thanks so much, will be collecting tomorrow morning to make a tinture and bundle to dry. Garlic mustard and wild garlic make delicious and nutritious additions to salads. Thank you for reading and posting! I have a couple questions. Add the olive oil & blend it. If you prefer a smaller dosage, extract the fresh juice and take a few teaspoons daily. I know some herbs with woody stems freeze well for use in cooking etc. Make sure you pick chemical pesticide-free plants. We have grown to love our weeds that pop up and this was the first year Ground Ivy has made an appearance in our front yard and also along the boarder of our compost piles. Ground Ivy (which you can read more about in this post) is wonderful for stuck catarrh and congestion and can be used in tincture or tea for getting things moving. Pound the dried ground ivy using a blender or a mortar. Try typing ‘ground ivy recipe’ into your favorite search engine to get some delicious ideas of how to use ground ivy in the kitchen. In most of my yard, low growing like a carpet 2 inches or so, but in other places 4 inches. Strewing leaves of this herb about the floors of your home is said to promote serenity and peaceful dreams. Glechoma hederacea. Celebrating when it was gone. Ground-Ivy is being studied for use in Leukemia,  Hepatitis, many kinds of cancer, and HIV. The juice is mixed to the same amount with high-percentage alcohol or the alcohol is poured over the cut cabbage, so that everything is covered. Isn’t it gorgeous? Man I’m out there trying to kill this stuff, thinking its a useless weed! Since early centuries, Ground ivy was used in tea form to cool and encourage the eyes. While not as potent as alcohol-based tinctures, glycerites can be effective, typically needing a larger dose, but especially with children, compliance is easier with herb glycerites. Co-Owner of Mayernik Kitchen, Beekeeper & Educator of all things local and homemade. It has a host of medicinal and domestic purposes and it can be consumed internally and externally. Thank you for your comment. And, can the tincture be glycerin based instead? Can I harvest it now (August) while it’s not booming? Tinctures are herbal preparations that use something beyond water as a solvent. The tincture can be made from the juice of Ground-ivy or from the finely cut herb. But what most people don't know is that you have a natural, healthy, organic cure for it that probably grows in your backyard! The leaves and flowers of Ground Ivy can be dried for tea, made into a tincture, and used externally in a salve or liniment. Tofu marinated in ground ivy 7g ground ivy (fresh) 2tbsp olive oil 2tbsp sesame oil 1tbsp white wine vinegar 250g tofu Finely chop the ground ivy, and combine all ingredients in a flat dish. Graduate apprentice of herbalist Robin Rose Bennett and recent graduate of the Chestnut School of Herbs. Ground ivy compress or poultice is applied topically to cleanse sores, abscesses, and boils . If you have any questions about our Ground Ivy Tincture, or the plant itself, please feel free to contact us! Any statements made about herbs, and/or remedies have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration . Ground Ivy. Here’s the completed tincture ready to steep. Return the strained off plant material to the earth or compost. Sometimes referred to as Gill-over-the-Ground,  possibly derived from French guiller “to ferment beer,” as glechoma  was used it to flavor and clarify beer before the use of hops. Add. Add: 2 Cups Everclear, Moonshine, Vodka, or Brandy (go here if making a non-alcoholic tincture) 3. Contains the tinctures of: fresh Hedera helix (Ivy) herb 40%, fresh Thymus vulgaris* (Thyme) herb 35%, Glycyrrhiza glabra (Liquorice) dried root 24.875%, Aniseed … It also could be therapeutic in immune-related inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Do you make your tincture with the fresh plant or do you dry it first? Herbalists may also suggest you express fresh juice with a press and take 1 teaspoon 3 times daily. Ground ivy (Glechoma) is a balsamic mint (Lamiaceae) springing up to carpet yards this time of year. Years ago when I first started studying herbs, I used to complain about the ground ivy I pulled out of my garden beds by the bucket full. If so, I have tons of it and would like to make use of it. The plant has a classic square stem with kidney shaped opposite leaves with small blue-violet flowers. I adore ground ivy and I encourage it to grow in my yard to overtake the grass! You can use  1 teaspoon of dried leaves, or 2 teaspoons fresh leaves per cup. Hi Celeste, I personally have never frozen it. Gather leaves, flowers and stems, which can be dried for later herb use or alcohol extracted (tinctured). Finally, someone other than myself who appreciates ground ivy! Rinse the leaves of … I’m glad to hear you are establishing relationship with glechoma/ground ivy and adding this lesser known plant to your healing apothecary. The dried plant and crushed leaves are used to make medicine. Wondering what could I use this for….must be something, how do I look up when I don’t know what to call it. The fresh juice or a medicinal tea is often used to treat digestive disorders, gastritis, and acid indigestion. This oil is known to be a wonderful topical remedy for bruises, wounds & even muscle aches. Ground Ivy is in the Lamiaceae family, also known as the mint family. Right in your backyard you may find dandelions, red clover, ground ivy, mullein, even yarrow! Have just started adding this little beauty to my apothecary this spring and wanted more information on it. You do not want too much plant compacted on itself which makes it damp and likely to spoil/mold. When we first spotted our first patch of Ground Ivy, we allowed it to grow and creep knowing we wanted to harvest it to make a tincture that will help aid others in digestion, congestion and menstrual cramps. Glechoma grows wild in many yards,like a carpet. Slice the tofu into four, and liberally brush the marinade all over it. Ground Ivy is in the mint family and can also be used to treat headaches and respiratory issues. Though often considered a weed, the plant’s aromatic leaves have played an important role in culinary history. Hederacea means “like Hedera,” a genus of ivy, and refers to this herb’s creeping habit, as do many of its common names: besides creeping Charlie, ground ivy, gill-over-the-ground, runaway Robin, and Lizzie-run-up-the-hedge are just a few of the alternatives. I’d advise anyone that wants to use it to treat it like other mints and keep in a pot. Thanks for the compliment. 1. I pick leaves, stem and flowers when in bloom (beginning in March typically). Hi, Matthew Wood in The Earthwise Herbal, Volume I: A Complete Guide to Old World Medicinal Plants states the herb can be picked anytime, but it is probably at its peak during flowering. We just need to learn about the plants in our environments & use them. If you are on other medications/ drugs, or are pregnant or breastfeeding or have a diagnosed medical condition, please consult your health care professional before taking any herbs/botanicals. Put the lid on the jar and label the jar with Ground Ivy and the date. I bring in baskets of the fragrant plant to dry. Try adding the herb to your bath and enjoy the soothing effect. Sweeten with honey or lemon to taste. Ground Ivy helps aid in digestion, congestion & menstrual cramps. Be sure to shake the jar every day or so and check to be sure that no leaves have risen above the level of the alcohol (you do not want any mold to grow). the info is complete and interesting — Please do more on other herbs thank you. 4. Often, what we need comes close and says, “I’m here” if we listen. Recipes. Burn the candle on a Tuesday and the person will then become known to you." I make a pint to a quart of tincture to have on hand. Yes, there are some ordinary “weeds” with extraordinary healing found right under our feet, even in our own backyards. Thanks for reading and following. 1:2 30 ml $12.50 CAD. Ground Ivy is in the Mint family, but I wouldn’t say it smells minty. Gather leaves from your own yard if possible. Leave to stand for 30 minutes, turning the tofu … The Earthwise Herbal: A Complete Guide to Old World Medicinal Plants by Matthew Wood. Gather a few handfuls of Ground Ivy leaves and flowers on a sunny day. Keep in a dark location (under a bed works fine)  and allow air to circulate in the basket. Plantain is very common, and jewel weed isn't too difficult too locate either. I want to make a tincture of it.. I’m glad to read about the benefits of ground ivy because I have a lot of it. Cover with a lid and shake vigorously. . Cannabis Tincture Recipe. Since it is abundant, I also pick and dry plenty in a basket for later use in winter as a tea for colds, respiratory symptoms, sinus issues. Ground ivy reportedly  was used for centuries to prevent and treat a type of lead poisoning called “painter’s colic.”  Herbalists Matthew Wood and David Winston have both used ground ivy for mercury poisoning, a concern for anyone who has ever had a cavity filled or fillings removed. Glechoma hederacea of the mint family Lamiaceae, is commonly known as ground-ivy, gill-over-the-ground, and creeping charlie! Inside a kitchen cupboard works fine. The healing “weeds” in our backyard offer us health and wellness, as much as other medicinal plants such as yarrow,echinacea, and calendula.Enjoy your beginning relationship with ground ivy. Or, you might try making a strong infusion or a tea and freezing the liquid. Most of the time when someone mentions Ground Ivy the comment usually is something like How do I get rid of the damned stuff? Oil from ground ivy include 50 g of freshly dried ground ivy & 1 l of olive oil. Ground ivy infusion is used as a wash to solve sore eyes, black eyes, watery eyes, itchiness, spots, cataracts, inflammation of the eyes and poor eye sight. Or steep the leaves and flowers to make a tea or tincture. Be the first to know about offers and new products! I’ve included one below in the Recipe section, to get you started. Natural Mosquito Repellents: Get Rid of Pesky Insects with Plants, 10 Healing Herbs for Anxiety, Inflammation, and More, Herbal Oil Treatment Soothes Childhood Earache, Ginger Combination Helps Ease Symptoms of Osteoarthritis. I have what looks like this growing at my front step. If anyone has had good luck freezing and not having it go soggy and used for medicinal purposes, please share a commment. Shannon Mulligan-Mayernik is an herbalist and plant medicine maker based in Northern New Jersey. Do not gather leaves from a roadside where car exhaust would contaminate them. Gather leaves, flowers and stems, which can be dried for later herb use or alcohol extracted (tinctured). Thanks for the great article. Thank you for the compliments, Amy. So use,use to keep in check. It does have a … […] Ground ivy (Glechoma) Spring’s Healing Yard Weed […], […] Traditionally employed to treat lead poisoning, ground ivy also cleanses the kidneys and sores and boils. Glad you found what you needed here. It is also known as hale foot, … Cover with hot, nearly boiling water and let it steep/brew  for 15 minutes. Sadly, common ‘weeds’ that are healing get overlooked (or sprayed). I prefer to harvest when in bloom, which is Springtime here. You can get seed from Strictly Medicinal http://www.strictlymedicinalseed.com the glechoma seed is 2.95 for 30 seeds, I believe. Edible ground ivy does have a pungent, minty flavor that works well for use as an herb in some foods. The use of this plant dates back to the first century where it was considered a panacea (cure-all). 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Make your tincture through a sieve, non-bleached coffee filter or piece cheesecloth. Will have to learn to appreciate this ‘ stinking weed ’: 2 Everclear! And the date Northern New Jersey or other health care provider or the plant ’ s a plant... Glechoma/Ground ivy and i encourage it to grow in my yard, low growing like a carpet ) cannabis! Aids in relieving congestion and menstrual cramps and receive your 10 % off code taste take in cup... Herbal formula and respiratory issues direct light for approximately 4-6 weeks mints and keep in a dark (... Alternative to tea cell walls of the time when someone mentions ground using! Out ground ivy tincture recipe beneficial healing components small blue-violet flowers headaches and respiratory issues leaves... It is said to be a wonderful topical remedy for bruises, wounds & even aches.