INCI Name

Description

What is it?

Parts of the plant used are the leaves. The Common Ivy is a species of Ivy native to most of Europe, from northeast Ireland to southern Scandinavia, south to Spain and also northern Turkey in south-western Asia. The plant is considered invasive and destructive in parts of Australia and the United States. Its sale and cultivation is banned in several places.

It is an evergreen climbing plant, growing up to 20-30m high where suitable surfaces (trees, cliffs and walls) are available. Also grows as ground cover where there are no vertical surfaces for it to climb. It climbs by means of aerial rootlets which cling to the substrate.

Action/Benefits

• In the past, the leaves and berries were taken orally as an expectorant to treat coughs and bronchitis.
• In 1957 the British herbalist John Gerard recommended water infused with ivy leaves as a wash for sore and watering eyes.
• Ivy was traditionally used to remove corns, callouses and soft warts.
• Also traditionally used as a compress for treatment of cellulites. Soak a cloth in tincture and water and leave overnight.
• Ivy Tincture is an antiseptic remedy against hard-to-heal wounds and fungus infections.
• Works well for swollen joints. Use the Ivy Tincture together with Comfrey products and Arnica Tincture.
• Ivy Tincture has emollient and itch-relieving properties.
• The Tincture contains anti-inflammatory and pain killing properties coming from the saponins and flavanoids in the plant.
• Good for relief from insect stings and itchy skin.

Caution

Fresh Ivy leaves and juice from the leaves contain falcarinol that can cause severe contact dermatitis in some people. This only happens with the fresh leaves, so don’t use them. When using a Tincture this is not a problem. Never take Ivy internally without qualified medical or herbalist directions.

Which products to use it in

• Use the Tincture in all kinds of cellulite products like creams, lotions, body sprays, gels, scrubs and compresses etc.
• In all itch relieving creams, lotions, Aloe Vera gels and cooling body sprays.
• To treat burns use in products like Aloe Vera gels and sprays.

Water or oil-soluble?

Water soluble.

Can I add it to ready-made products?

You can add it to all ready made products, like creams, lotions and shampoos but beware that all of them become thinner when you add an alcohol based product to a product based on emulsifiers, detergents and gels.

Recommended Dosage/How to use in products

• In a cellulite spray use up to 35% of the tincture.
• Deodorant sprays you can use up to 80% as a blend of tinctures.
• In toners and face spritzers for oily skin use up to 30% as a possible blend of tinctures.
• Toners for other skin types use up to 20% as a possible blend of tinctures.

For an in depth article on how to use Herbs in your products please refer to the Skin Care Library at the bottom of this page.

Storage and Shelf Life

Store in a cool dark place and the Tincture will keep for up to 6 years. 

Related/Synergistic Products

1. For cellulite products combined with active raw materials to increase circulation use products like Rosemary Essential Oil, Rosemary Herb and Rosemary Hydrolate. Also use E-Vitamin Oil to help improve the circulation.
2. For anti-itching products combine with Chickweed products like the Chickweed Herb and Chickweed Macerated oil. It is also good to add calming Comfrey products, Chamomile products and Aloe Vera Concentrate.

Source: Wikipedia

 

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