Ground ivy can be found almost everywhere on fallow land, in meadows and in gardens. The creeping plant is often regarded as a nuisance weed. It is a medicinal herb that has been tried and tested for centuries and whose effect has been scientifically proven. Gundelrebe, as the plant is also called, is also used as a herb in the kitchen.

Bare corners can be planted with Gundermann - but be careful: it grows fast

Use of ground ivy in the house and garden

  • Ornamental plant in the garden
  • Seasoning and salad herb in the kitchen
  • Medicinal plant for internal and external use

Caring for Gundermann in the garden

Gundermann is undemanding and grows almost everywhere. The herb is ideal for greening dark, damp corners. It can be planted anywhere ivy will grow.

But be careful! The plant is very climbing and will take up the whole garden if its spread is not controlled. The long tendrils need to be trimmed and removed regularly as they produce many offshoots.

Gundermann in the kitchen

Ground ivy has very spicy leaves that taste a bit minty. They contain a lot of vitamin C and are therefore a healthy addition to wild cabbage salads.

Dried or fresh ground ivy leaves are suitable as a herb. It can be added to all dishes that are also seasoned with thyme or mint.

The healing properties of ground ivy

Hildegard von Bingen already recognized the healing effect of ground ivy on inflammation. The medicinal herb contains essential oils that have an anti-inflammatory effect. Then as now, it was used to heal purulent wounds. Hence the name, because Gund is Old High German for pus.

The leaves are crushed and applied externally to wounds as a compress. There they support wound healing. Incidentally, a bath additive that cares for the skin can be made from Gundelrebe.

Ground ivy can be used as a tea or tincture as part of a medicinal treatment. It is recommended for stubborn colds, loss of appetite and internal inflammation. The tannins and bitter substances contained in the ground vine stimulate the metabolism and help with loss of appetite.

tips

Ground ivy is not poisonous to humans. It is different with animals. Meadows overgrown with ground ivy are not suitable for keeping livestock or setting up rodent cages, as animals can become seriously ill from the herb.

Category:

Vegetable garden