Araliaceae · leaf
English ivy
Hedera helix
Leaf extracts mapped to European cough-bronchitis trials. Not pneumonia care.
Safety first
Saponin-containing leaf. Ornamental ivy is not a tea. Not a DIY treatment for whooping cough in infants. Allergic contact dermatitis is common in gardeners.
Tradition vs trials
Traditional record. Later European industrial extracts more than folk tea.
Trial literature. Dry-extract products have human acute-bronchitis and cough files in Europe. EMA HMPC has assessed Hedera helix leaf.
Practical ranges
Educational ranges — not a prescription. Culinary use is not an extract.
dry extract (adults)
EMA HMPC-type adult ranges exist for specified dry extracts; pediatric use belongs to a clinician
EMA HMPC / ESCOP — Educational range only — not a prescription. A licensed clinician individualizes product, dose, and duration.
Pregnancy, nursing, children
- Pregnancy. Avoid unless a clinician directs otherwise.
- Nursing. Insufficient reliable data; avoid unless a clinician directs otherwise.
- Children. Insufficient reliable data; avoid unless a clinician directs otherwise.
Contraindications
- infants as DIY
- known Hedera allergy / contact dermatitis
Key interactions
- none distinctive · note
Saponin GI upset is the common adverse effect.