Ivy helix It is a medicinal plant indicated to relieve coughs caused by flu, colds or bronchitis, for example, as it has expectorant and bronchodilator properties.
The parts used of this medicinal plant, also known as ivy, are the leaves, which should not be used fresh as they are toxic, but which are used to prepare a dry extract in some cough syrups with phlegm or capsules, found in pharmacies or drugstores. See the main cough syrups for phlegm.
It is important that before using any product containing Ivy helixthe doctor or herbalist should be consulted to advise on the appropriate dose and duration of use according to the condition being treated.
What is it for
Hedera helix (ivy) has several properties that help in the treatment of diseases, such as bronchitis or colds, for example. Thus, ivy can be used for:
1. Promote the expulsion of phlegm
A Ivy helix contains saponins, alpha-hederin and hederogenin, which are compounds that act on inflamed bronchi, favoring their expansion and expulsion of secretions, in addition to relieving coughs.
In this way, ivy extract could be useful in cases of bronchitis and acute cough, reducing symptoms.
Hedera helix dry extract has an effect on infections caused by bacteria, fungi and parasites, as it contains saponins, alpha-hederin and acetylenes falcatinol and falcarinone, which help treat infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella, Shigella, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa e Candida sp.
3. Relieve pain and inflammation
The purified ethanolic extract of Ivy helix has been shown to reduce inflammation due to the presence of hederacoside C compounds and saponins, which alleviate symptoms of swelling and pain.
4. Prevent liver disease
The alpha-hederin compounds and amides present in the leaves of Ivy helix have been shown to have a protective effect on the liver against the use of medications that are metabolized in this organ, such as paracetamol, as they prevent liver damage, preventing its deterioration and the emergence of diseases, such as liver failure, for example.
5. Combats venous insufficiency
Common ivy has saponins and alpha-hederin, which have lipolytic properties, that is, they help prevent the accumulation of fat in the blood and blood vessels.
In addition Ivy helix helps in the absorption of other compounds, such as centella asiatica, which is a medicinal plant capable of promoting improved blood circulation, for example, and can therefore be used in case of venous insufficiency.
How to use
All parts of Ivy helix fresh are toxic and therefore, in this form, ivy should not be used fresh.
Therefore, the consumption of ivy is only recommended when the plant is included in syrups or hard capsules to relieve coughs, purchased at the pharmacy, as laboratories isolate the components that can be consumed by humans.
1. Ivy helix xarope 7 mg/mL
The syrup Ivy helix 7 mg/mL (Abrilar or Respiratus) should be taken orally to help relieve coughing, as it thins phlegm, facilitating its elimination, in addition to having a bronchodilating effect, which improves breathing.
This syrup can be used by adults or children over 2 years old, with recommended doses:
- Children aged 2 to 7 years: 2.5 mL of syrup, 3 times a day. The maximum daily dose should not exceed 7.5 mL of syrup per day;
- Children over 7 years old: 5 mL of syrup, 3 times a day. The maximum daily dose should not exceed 15 mL of syrup per day;
- Adults: 7.5 mL of syrup, 3 times a day. The maximum daily dose should not exceed 22 mL of syrup per day.
The use of syrup Ivy helix it should only be done with the guidance of a general practitioner, pulmonologist or pediatrician, for the treatment time recommended by the doctor, which generally should not exceed 7 to 10 days. See how to take Abrilar syrup correctly.
It is important to shake the syrup bottle before using and measure the dose with the measuring cup provided in the packaging.
2. Ivy helix xarope 15 mg/mL
The syrup Ivy helix 15 mg/mL (Benetosse) is also indicated for the relief of coughs with phlegm due to its expectorant and bronchodilating action, and can be used by adults or children over 2 years of age. Shake the bottle before use.
The normally recommended doses of this syrup are:
- Children aged 2 to 5 years: 1 mL of syrup, twice a day. The maximum daily dose should not exceed 2 mL of syrup per day;
- Children aged 6 to 11: 2 mL of syrup, twice a day. The maximum daily dose should not exceed 4 mL of syrup per day;
- Children over 12 years old and adults: 3 mL of syrup, twice a day. The maximum daily dose should not exceed 6 mL of syrup per day;
The use of syrup Ivy helix for children, it should always be advised by a pediatrician after evaluating the cause of the child’s cough.
3. Ivy helix hard capsules 56.25 mg
Hard capsules of Ivy helix of 56.25 mg (Fluijet) must be taken orally, with a glass of water, without opening or chewing the capsule.
The recommended dose for adults is 1 capsule of Ivy helix 56.25 mg, up to 3 times a day, or as directed by a doctor.
The duration of treatment must be guided by the doctor.
Possible side effects
The most common side effects of Ivy helix These include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, contact dermatitis, hives, difficulty breathing or agitation, which can occur when you have direct contact with the fresh plant or if you accidentally consume ivy, causing poisoning.
Furthermore, in cases of excessive dosage, ivy can be life-threatening.
In the case of syrup Ivy helixthe most common side effect is diarrhea, due to the presence of sorbitol in the syrup, which has a laxative effect.
Who shouldn’t use
A hera (Ivy helix) is contraindicated for women who are pregnant or suspected of being pregnant, as it could cause miscarriage.
Furthermore, products with this plant should not be used during breastfeeding, in children under 2 years of age, in case of hyperthyroidism, or for people taking any cough medicine.
