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Halina’s Herb Corner

 

Herb of the month (2022)

 

  • March - Rosemary

  • April - Sage or nettle

  • May - Plantago

  • June - St John’s Wort

  • July - Meadowsweet or lavender

  • August - Yarrow

  • September - Calendula

 

December 2021

 

“The holly and the ivy, When they are both full grown…”

 

Christmas is almost upon us, and we’ll soon be singing carols and…. it looks like the Christmas turkey has been saved…hurray!

 

So why is ivy (Latin name Hedera helix) celebrated at this time of year? Across northern Europe, ivy was an important part of the pagan winter solstice celebration because it was evergreen, still having leaves and berries when almost every other plant was leafless. Ivy represented the female, holly the male, at the rebirth of the year.

 

There is much folklore linked to ivy - it was thought to bind things together, linking trees or forming dense thickets that block out light. Ivy represents the wandering soul in search of enlightenment but carries a warning to the seeker to be sure of their desires so that they do not become trapped by them. The tree teaches the two-sided lessons of binding and freeing, restricting and uniting.

 

Common ivy was the symbol of Dionysus was one of Greece's 12 major gods, called Bacchus in Rome. He discovered grapes and spread them across the world. Dionysus was often depicted wearing a wreath of ivy (not grape vines) on his head and carrying a staff (thyrsus) made of ivy-wood from which ivy vines trailed.

 

Often demonised by gardeners and house holders, research by English Heritage has shown that in some cases, ivy can help preserve stonework on old buildings. English ivy isn't a parasite; In its native habitat, it's more likely to form a peaceful but assertive part of its environment.

 

It is a rich source for wildlife especially monarch butterflies.

 

Ivy is a bitter aromatic herb with a nauseating taste. The fresh young leaves are primarily used, and these should be harvested between August and September, although fresh is best. The bark was previously used for sores caused by syphilis, the berries are equally effective, but are toxic and purgative causing fatalities in the past.

 

The leaves were and are still used in the treatment of rheumatism and as an external application to skin eruptions, swollen tissue, painful joints, burns and suppurating cuts. Recent research has shown that the leaves can also be used against amoeba, liver fluke, molluscs, internal parasites, and fungal infections. They are used internally in the treatment of gout, rheumatic pain, whooping cough, bronchitis, and parasites.

 

This plant should only be used externally unless under the supervision of a qualified practitioner. Excessive doses destroy red blood cells, cause irritability, diarrhoea, and vomiting.

 

Additionally - Please remember because we are all unique, we can have different responses. 

 

Wishing everyone a Happy and Healthy Christmas.

 

Written by Halina Przydatek (Medicinal Herbalist, Halina Herbs)