ivy. benefit.

You found two classic spring healers right there in Panga 🌿 

That photo shows ground ivy Glechoma hederacea, also called naistenmatara in Estonian. Those little purple lipped flowers + round scalloped leaves are the giveaway. I also spot a dandelion bloom in the top left. Both are edible and have been used in Estonian and European folk herbalism for centuries.

Here are 3 simple healing recipes you can make with them:

1. Ground Ivy Healing Tea - for coughs, sinus, & spring allergies

Ground ivy is traditionally used as an expectorant and anti-inflammatory. Folk names include “alehoof” because it was used to flavor beer before hops.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp fresh ground ivy leaves + flowers, or 1 tsp dried • 1 cup boiling water • Optional: honey, lemon 

How to:

1. Rinse the leaves/flowers to remove dirt 2. Pour boiling water over them, cover, steep 10-15 min 3. Strain and sip warm, up to 3 cups/day during cold season 

Used for: Stuffy nose, wet coughs, mild headaches, and “spring cleaning” the lymph system. In Estonian folk medicine it’s used for külmetushaigused and kidney support.

2. Dandelion + Ground Ivy Spring Vinegar - mineral tonic

Both plants are rich in minerals and bitter compounds that support digestion + liver.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh dandelion flowers + young leaves • 1/2 cup fresh ground ivy leaves/flowers • Raw apple cider vinegar to cover • Clean jar with lid 

How to:

1. Pack jar loosely with rinsed, wilted herbs. Wilt 2-3 hours first so excess water doesn’t spoil it 2. Pour vinegar over, covering by 2-3 cm. Cap with plastic/paper if using metal lid 3. Shake daily, infuse 3-4 weeks in dark cupboard 4. Strain. Use 1 tbsp in water before meals, or on salads 

Used for: Digestion, bloating, gentle detox, seasonal allergies. The bitterness stimulates bile flow.

3. Ground Ivy Healing Salve - for cuts, bruises, skin issues

Prunella vulgaris is actually “self-heal,” but ground ivy was also used on wounds. This is a basic infused oil salve.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh wilted ground ivy • 1 cup olive oil or sunflower oil • 1 tbsp beeswax per 1/4 cup infused oil 

How to:

1. Dry wilt the ground ivy 12-24h so it’s not wet 2. Warm oil + herb in double boiler 2-3h on very low heat. Don’t fry it 3. Strain through cheesecloth. Add beeswax to warm oil, stir to melt 4. Pour into tins. Cool to set 

Used for: Small cuts, scrapes, insect bites, bruises, hemorrhoids. Traditionally used on slow-healing wounds.

Important notes on safety:

• ID carefully: Make sure you have ground ivy Glechoma hederacea. It has square stems, opposite leaves, and smells minty when crushed. Avoid harvesting near roads or sprayed areas. • Who should skip it: Avoid ground ivy in large amounts if pregnant, nursing, or if you have kidney disease or epilepsy. It contains pulegone. Dandelion can interact with diuretics, lithium, and some antibiotics. • Not a replacement: These are traditional uses, not prescriptions. For ongoing symptoms, wounds that won’t heal, or serious conditions, check with a healthcare provider or apteeker in Estonia. 

Ground ivy is super common in Lääne County meadows in May. You’ve got good medicine literally underfoot.