Ivy

Ivy

(Hedera helix)

Ivy (Hedera helix) is rooted in history. Previously a symbol of wine taverns, today it is used in medicines.

Common ivy is native to the whole of Europe. It can grow up to 20 metres high and has heart-shaped, dark green leaves. Ivy's black berries are poisonous, however. The important active substances are obtained from the leaves.

Ivy

Botany

Common ivy is one of seven known species of ivy and belongs to the Araliaceae family.

There is a marked difference between the juvenile and mature forms of the climbing growth, which provides additional support. It takes some time for the short shoots to form. Among the known species, there are large- and small-leaved, green and white-variegated varieties, which have arisen through mutations of the species.

Common ivy:

History of the medicinal plant

According to sources, Athenaeus, King of Syracuse, is said to have used ivy as an ornamental plant as early as 420 BC. In the Middle Ages, the plant was mentioned mainly as a medicinal plant. From the 17th century, it was used in art and as a decoration on furniture.

From 1880, there was a craze for ivy as an ornamental plant in German gardens.

Today, it is used both in gardens and as a medicinal plant. Ivy syrup is incredibly popular in the field of cough remedies in particular.

Baptisia

Baptisia (wild indigo) has a long tradition of use as a medicinal plant: more than 2,000 years ago, it was already being administered by indigenous peoples at the first signs of illness.

Baptisia (wild indigo)
Ivy

Ivy is a plant with a history: even in ancient times, it was dedicated to the gods of wine and fertility. Later, its healing properties became increasingly recognised.

Ivy (Hedera helix)
Echinacea

Echinacea belongs to the daisy family. The name "echinacea" is derived from the ancient Greek word "echinos", meaning sea urchin, referring to the spiky, pointed bracts of the flower head. It is native to eastern and central North America.

Echinacea (coneflower)
Thuja

The healing power of thuja was historically prized by the indigenous peoples of North America. The parts of the thuja plant used for medicinal purposes are the twig tips and the younger shoots of the tree.

Thuja (arborvitae)
Sage

Sage (salvia) is a member of the mint family. It is one of the most species-rich genera. When boiled and steeped, sage has anti-inflammatory properties.

Ginger

Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and also stimulates blood flow. Ginger also imparts a pleasant warming sensation from within.

Peppermint

Peppermint has anti-inflammatory properties and is used both internally and externally. It also soothes the mucous membranes of the nose when you have a cold.

Rhodiola rosea

Rhodiola rosea, also known as roseroot, has a long tradition as a medicinal plant in Northern Europe. It is used traditionally to combat stress and enhance performance.