Ground Ivy Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

Ground ivy (Glechoma hederacea) is a low, creeping plant in the mint family. It is sometimes called creeping Charlie, alehoof, gill-over-the-ground, or catsfoot. It has rounded, scalloped leaves and small purple-blue flowers, and it spreads quickly across lawns and shady areas, where many gardeners consider it a weed.

The plant grows widely in Europe, Asia, and North America. Historically it was added to beer before hops became common, which is one reason for the name "alehoof." In folk medicine, the leaves and flowering tops have been dried and brewed into teas or made into tinctures.

People have traditionally used ground ivy for coughs and chest complaints, digestive troubles, kidney and bladder problems, and as a general tonic. Today it is found in some herbal teas and supplement blends.

Ground ivy contains a mix of plant compounds, including flavonoids, rosmarinic acid, tannins, terpenes, and a small amount of volatile (essential) oil. These compounds are common in mint-family plants.

In laboratory and animal studies, some of these substances show antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and mild antimicrobial activity. The tannins may have an astringent effect, which is one proposed reason for its traditional use in digestive and throat complaints.

It is important to know that these mechanisms are based mostly on test-tube and animal research. We do not have good evidence that ground ivy produces meaningful effects in the human body at the amounts found in teas or supplements.

There is not enough modern research to call ground ivy clearly safe. It has been used as a food and beverage flavoring in the past, which suggests small amounts may be tolerated, but concentrated extracts and the essential oil are more concerning.

The essential oil contains compounds (such as pulegone-related terpenes found in some mint plants) that can be toxic in larger amounts and may stress the liver or kidneys. For this reason, concentrated forms should be avoided.

Pregnancy: Avoid. Ground ivy has been used traditionally to bring on menstruation, which raises concern about pregnancy. Breastfeeding: Avoid, because there is not enough safety information. People with kidney disease, liver disease, or seizure disorders, and young children, should also avoid it unless a doctor advises otherwise.

Always talk with a pharmacist or doctor before trying ground ivy, especially if you have a health condition or take medications.

Because ground ivy has not been well studied, its full side effect profile is unknown. Mild stomach upset is possible, especially with strong teas or tinctures.

In animals, particularly horses, eating large amounts of ground ivy has caused poisoning. While people generally consume much smaller amounts, this shows that large or concentrated doses can be harmful.

Allergic reactions are possible, especially in people sensitive to plants in the mint family. Stop using it and seek care if you notice a rash, swelling, trouble breathing, or other signs of a reaction.

There is no well-established or standardized dose for ground ivy. Traditional use most often involved a tea made from the dried leaves and flowering tops, or a tincture.

Because product strength varies widely and reliable dosing studies are lacking, the safest approach is to follow the directions on a specific product's label and to start low. Avoid the essential oil and highly concentrated extracts.

Before using ground ivy, check with a pharmacist or doctor — especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a health condition, or take other medicines.