Lamiaceae
Ground Ivy
Glechoma hederacea
✓ Generally Safe
Caution in Pregnancy
Native to: Europe, Asia
Also known as: Gill-over-the-ground, Creeping Charlie, Alehoof, Tunhoof
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
LeafFlower
Therapeutic Uses
Chronic bronchitis, sinusitis, catarrh, tinnitus (associated with catarrh), kidney disorders, digestive complaints, wound healing. Traditional remedy for respiratory catarrh and chronic sinus conditions.
Herbal Actions
Expectorant, astringent, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, bitter tonic, vulnerary
Active Constituents
Volatile oil (pulegone, menthone, pinocamphone), flavonoids (luteolin, apigenin), tannins, bitter principle (glechomine), marrubiin
Preparation Methods
☕ Herbal Tea🏺 Tincture
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 2 tsp fresh or 1 tsp dried per 250ml, steep 10 min, 3x daily |
| Tincture | 2–4 ml (1:5, 25% ethanol), 3x daily |
| Notes | Fresh herb superior to dried. Excellent for post-nasal drip and chronic sinusitis. Combine with eyebright and elderflower for hay fever and sinus conditions. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Caution in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
None known
Contraindications: Avoid in pregnancy (contains pulegone). May cause allergic reaction in sensitive individuals. No significant drug interactions.
Side Effects: Contact dermatitis possible. Allergic reactions. Rare toxicity from pulegone at very high doses.