Ground Ivy, is one of the commonest plants
flourishing on sunny banks and disturbed ground throughout the UK
The leaves are kidney-shaped and when rubbed between two fingers
give a pungent, aromatic smell, similar to the Indian herb asafoetida
It gets it's name from the fact that it's leaves resemble those of a true ivy
and also because, like ivy,
it can be found growing throughout the year, even in winter
Ground ivy is a wonderful remedy for clearing mucous
especially old stubborn mucous that just won't go away
Traditionally, it has been used to clear mucous
in the sinuses, nose, throat and lungs
It is also a highly valued remedy for tinnitus
and is high in Vitamin C
A popular traditional way to take ground ivy
was to add the fresh herb to boiling water
Let it infuse for 5-10mins and then sweeten with honey
In the old days, this drink was sold on the streets of London to the poor
and much used for the chronic cough of tuberculosis