Glechoma Hederacea

Family: Lamiaceae
Common Names: Ground-ivy, Gill-over-the-ground, Creeping Charlie

Description

Glechoma hederacea is an aromatic, evergreen, perennial creeper from the mint family. It spreads through creeping stems that root at the nodes and flourishes both at ground level among grasses and in damper woodlands. It bears small, attractive mauve-blue flowers in whorls during the spring months (March to May). Its rounded leaves grow on long stalks, and the plant thrives in a variety of soils, including clay, preferring moist, shady areas but capable of growing in sunlight too.

It reaches a height of around 0.2 meters (8 inches) and can spread up to 1 meter (3.3 feet).

Parts Used

• Entire herb (leaves, stems, and flowers)

Traditional and Culinary Uses

Although sometimes seen as an invasive ground cover, Glechoma has been valued for centuries for both culinary and medicinal purposes:

• As a food: The fresh leaves are edible and have a mildly peppery flavor. They’re often added to salads or brewed into an herbal tea rich in vitamin C.

• In gardens: It’s occasionally grown as an ornamental potted plant or as a ground cover due to its attractive leaves and flowers.

Medicinal Properties and Benefits

Glechoma hederacea has a long history in European herbal medicine. Ancient physicians like Galen and John Gerard recommended it for various ailments.

Key medicinal actions:

• Anodyne: Soothes pain

• Antiphlogistic: Reduces inflammation

• Appetizer and Digestive Aid: Stimulates appetite and aids digestion

• Astringent: Tightens tissues and reduces discharges

• Diuretic: Promotes urine production

• Expectorant and Pectoral: Helps clear phlegm from the chest

• Tonic and Stimulant: Strengthens and refreshes the system

• Febrifuge: Reduces fever

• Vermifuge: Expels intestinal worms

Common uses:

• Treats respiratory problems like bronchitis, coughs, and congestion

• Alleviates ear, nose, and throat inflammations, including glue ear and sinusitis

• Eases kidney problems and indigestion

• Used externally, the juice from its leaves is applied to speed up healing of bruises and black eyes

Essential oil from Glechoma is known for its potent therapeutic benefits, especially in relieving mucous congestion and providing general support during colds.

Summary

Glechoma hederacea is more than a garden weed — it’s a traditional, multi-use herb valued for its culinary charm and its broad medicinal benefits, especially for respiratory and digestive health. Its gentle nature makes it suitable even for children’s remedies.