Overview

Ground ivy (Glechoma hederacea) is a plant found in Europa, Asia, and North America. The dried plant and crushed leaves are used to make medicine.

Ground ivy contains chemicals that might reduce swelling. It's also a rich source of potassium and iron.

People use ground ivy for sunburn and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Ground ivy is sometimes called catsfoot. Don't confuse this with another plant known as cat's foot. These are not the same.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

We currently have no information for GROUND IVY overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Ground ivy is possibly safe in the amounts used to flavor foods. There isn't enough reliable information to know if it is safe to use in larger amounts as medicine.

When applied to the skin: Ground ivy extract 1% lotion is possibly safe when used for up to 8 weeks. It might cause stinging or itching in some people.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Ground ivy is possibly safe in the amounts used to flavor foods. There isn't enough reliable information to know if it is safe to use in larger amounts as medicine.

When applied to the skin: Ground ivy extract 1% lotion is possibly safe when used for up to 8 weeks. It might cause stinging or itching in some people.

Pregnancy: Ground ivy is likely unsafe when used during pregnancy. It might cause a miscarriage. Avoid use.

Breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if ground ivy is safe to use when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Kidney disease: Ground ivy contains a chemical that can irritate the kidneys. Don't use ground ivy if you have kidney problems.

Liver disease: Ground ivy contains a chemical that can harm the liver. It could make existing liver disease worse. Don't use ground ivy if you have liver problems.

Interactions ?

We currently have no information for GROUND IVY overview.

Dosing

There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of ground ivy might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.
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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.