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| Ground Ivy harvest |
Ground Ivy
Glechoma hederacea
While I have known ground ivy all of my life - seen it creeping through the grass, next to the wild garlic and dandelions in the yard of my childhood home, seen it at the edge of the woods in parks and natural areas, gathered it in wild bouquets on late spring Saturdays - it was not until quite recently that I learned of it herbal properties and history.
While listening to Commonwealth Center for Holistic Herbalism podcast as I took my daily walk outside one winter day, I heard Katja and Ran, the podcast hosts, discussing ground ivy’s effect as a lymphatic in the head and neck especially. As someone who suffers from migraines and sinus headaches, my attention was piqued. I determined then and there to become better acquainted with ground ivy.
This darling little plant is a joy. I mean I love the scent of the crushed leaf, the taste of the tea short or long steeped, and the way I feel after enjoying time with the scallop leafed plant. It creeps along the ground, sending out sweet little roots from nodes, thus securing its place in the ecosystem with tenacity and resilience.
Writing this monograph on a gray winter morning, I think fondly of early spring when the ground ivy will creep across the yard bright green of leaf and delicate purple of a flower. Until then, I have some ground ivy potted in containers and overwintering indoors. I have not fresh-harvested much from the containers because it is slow-growing in the cool space where I have my plants overwintering. If I brought it into my sunny and warm living room, I wonder if it would thrive, then I could have freshly steeped ground ivy tea throughout the year. Until I find the right balance of light, temperature, and moisture, I will have to await the spring growth outside.
IN the spring, when the sun shines longer through the day, and the air feels calm though only 60, Creeping Charlie, Ground Ivy, scientifically named Glechoma hederacea, begins its delightful dance across the shady corner of the lawn, or along the forest's edge, or in the hedgerow. The slender stems creep low along the ground at first, small scalloped leaves every inch or so along the stem. At a nice little node, new wee rootlets emerge, strengthening the connection to the soil. Before long dainty little purple flowers emerge neatly the tips of the vine. Oh, you darling, delicate, delightful plant. I love to stop and sit in the warm grass, crush some ground ivy leaves between my fingers, and drink in the aroma of joy.
I get that same feeling each time I steep a cup of ground ivy tea. As I breathe in that aroma I am reminded of spring sunshine, playing outside, and going on hikes in the woods.
Not only do I gain a smile and a fond memory, but also each mug of ground ivy tea lifts my mood and moves my lymph. I can feel the pressure in my head lessen a tad as the fluids move about and drain.
Herbal Action and Qualities
Ground ivy has a strong affinity with the lymph of the head and neck, the sinus cavities, and the upper respiratory tract.
Parts Used:
Aerial Parts - leaf, flower, and stem
Harvest
Highest constituent concentration - Upper third of plant while flowering
Can harvest fresh plant anytime it is growing
I walk through my yarden pinching of stem tops here and there then steep a fresh morning cup of tea with ground ivy, dandelion leaf, viola leaf and flower, plantain leaf, and maybe some catnip leaf it is growing yet.
The morning walk through the yarden each morning as part of my spring morning ritual. I enjoy starting the day with gentle movement to get the blood flowing. I appreciate starting the day with a connection to nature and home. To see the plants and pollinators brings a smile to my heart and peace to my mind. And I love capping the sequence with a steaming hot cup of tea to both hydrate and sustain my well-being.
If I am batch harvesting to dry some ground ivy or make a tincture, I will take some shears with me, and snip back the top 1/3 of the plant. I dry it in a dehydrator so it dries quickly. The dried leaves are not as potent as fresh, but I enjoy the tea made of them and still feel it work on my sinuses.
I tincture it by combining the fresh leaves, stems, and flowers with gin and letting it infuse over a few weeks. I stop and shake the jar each day to ensure optimal extraction. I then sieve out the leaves carefully and bottle the tincture for later use. If stored properly the tincture can last unspoiled for years.
Many folks report using the tincture to great effect, but I prefer the tea. I enjoy the flavor so much, and the wafting aroma off the hot water, that the experience is part of the plant's impact on me.
Take a walk through your yard or neighborhood and you may find Ground Ivy awaiting you. Make a new friend with this delightful plant.
