Health & Well-Being A-Z

English Ivy

English Ivy plant
Description

English ivy (Hedera helix) is an evergreen, climbing vine native to Europe and Asia. The leaves are sometimes used to make extracts for medicine.

English ivy might help thin mucus in the airways. This might improve lung function in people with breathing difficulty. English ivy might also have antioxidant effects.

People use English ivy for bronchitis, burns, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and many other purposes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.



Is It Effective?

Effective

There is interest in using English Ivy for a number of purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Is it Safe?

Safety

When taken by mouth: Specific cough syrups (Prospan; Prospanex) containing English ivy leaf extract are possibly safe when used three times daily for up to 7 days.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if English ivy is safe. It might cause side effects such as allergic skin reactions.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

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

Children: Specific cough syrups (Prospan; Prospanex) containing English ivy leaf extract are possibly safe when taken by mouth three times daily for up to 7 days.

Drug interactions

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) substrates)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. English ivy might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C8 (CYP2C8) substrates)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. English ivy might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) substrates)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. English ivy might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

Herb interactions

There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.

Food interactions

There are no known interactions with foods.

Dosage

Dried English ivy leaf has most often been used by adults in doses of 300-800 mg by mouth daily. Specific English ivy leaf extract products have also been used. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what type of product and dose might be best for a specific condition.

Other names

Common Ivy, Gum Ivy, Hedera helix, Hedera taurica, Hederae Helicis Folium, Herbes à Cors, Hiedra Común, Ivy, Lierre, Lierre Commun, Lierre Grimpant, True Ivy, Woodbind.

Disclaimer

Information on this website is for informational use only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While evidence-based, it is not guaranteed to be error-free and is not intended to meet any particular user’s needs or requirements or to cover all possible uses, safety concerns, interactions, outcomes, or adverse effects. Always check with your doctor or other medical professional before making healthcare decisions (including taking any medication) and do not delay or disregard seeking medical advice or treatment based on any information displayed on this website.

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