Ground Ivy (aka Gill-over-the-Ground)

Glechoma hederacea, in the mint family

Ground Ivy is a creeping plant in the mint family that is currently carpeting large swatches of our yard. Sometimes called “alehoof” or “Gill-over-the-Ground”  (possibly derived from French guiller “to ferment beer”). This plant was used to add flavor and clarify beer before the use of hops. It is said to be one of the first herb and edible plants brought to the North American continent by early settlers. (Grieve, 1982).

Medicinally, Ground Ivy has traditionally been used for mild upper respiratory complaints, for bladder and kidney complaints, digestive inflammation or upset, menstrual irregularities, and topically for wounds and skin conditions (Natural Standard, 2015). (References are in the blog post linked below)