Ivy Resin, Dried Ivy Leaves

Scientific Names: 1- Hedera helix L. 2- Hedera colchica (K.Koch) K.Koch Synonyms: 1- Hedera helix subsp. vulgaris DC. 2- Hedera helix var. colchica K.Koch English Name: Ivy resin, Ivy leaves Other Names in English (UK, USA, Canada, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand): Common Ivy, European Ivy, English Ivy, Persian Ivy Family: Araliaceae

GENERAL DATA

Plant Parts: Leaf, resin
Cultivation Mode: Wild collection/Cultivated
In Manufacturing: Pharmaceutical, perfumery, fragrance, extract, incense, herbal tea.

🌿 Industries That Use Ivy Resin (Hedera helix L.)

Ivy resin is a natural exudate sometimes obtained from cuts or incisions in the stem or bark of the Hedera helix plant. Although not commonly commercialized in large quantities like other resins, it holds niche importance in traditional medicine, skincare, and herbal formulations due to its unique phytochemical profile, especially saponins (hederacoside C), flavonoids, and polyacetylenes.

1. Pharmaceutical & Traditional Medicine Industry

Ivy resin and extracts from Hedera helix have long been used in European phytotherapy and traditional herbal medicine for respiratory and anti-inflammatory conditions.

Applications include:

• Expectorant & Mucolytic: Helps to loosen phlegm in bronchitis and cough.

• Anti-inflammatory: Applied topically for arthritis, rheumatism, and skin inflammation.

• Venotonic effects: Used in remedies supporting blood circulation and vein health.

✅ Common forms: syrups, lozenges, tinctures, salves, and poultices

2. Cosmetic & Personal Care Industry

Ivy resin and leaf extracts are used in cosmetic formulations for their skin-firming, anti-cellulite, and anti-inflammatory actions.

Common products include:

• Body contour creams and slimming gels

• Herbal cleansers and anti-redness masks

• Topical herbal wraps (for aesthetic skin therapy)

✅ Ivy’s triterpenoid saponins may help stimulate microcirculation and reduce puffiness

3. Nutraceuticals & Herbal Supplement Industry

While the resin itself is less frequently consumed orally, standardized extracts from Hedera helix (including resinous fractions) are included in respiratory support products.

Inclusions:

• Herbal capsules and syrups for bronchial health

• Combination cough teas with Thyme, Licorice, and Mallow

• Throat sprays with ivy resin extract

✅ Often paired with Marshmallow root, Thyme, or Mullein in traditional blends

4. Aromatherapy & Botanical Craft Industry

Though not a prominent essential oil source, ivy resin is sometimes used in:

• Botanical incense blends (dry resinous ivy material)

• Herbal sachets and symbolic plant bundles in folk practices

✅ Occasionally used for protection, purification, or old European folk rites

5. Folk & Ethnobotanical Use

In some regions, ivy resin or decoctions of the resin-laden bark were used as:

• Topical applications for skin infections or ulcers

• Symbolic plant in seasonal or spiritual rituals

• Anti-wart or anti-fungal wash

🌱 Key Features of Ivy Resin:

• Contains hederacoside C, a potent saponin with proven respiratory benefits

• Also contains flavonoids, polyacetylenes, and resinous compounds with anti-inflammatory action

• May cause skin sensitivity or irritation in some individuals – use with caution

🧪 Note on Safety:

• Ivy resin is not commonly ingested in raw form; commercial preparations are usually standardized and processed

• Topical use should be patch-tested to avoid dermatitis

• Should be avoided during pregnancy or by individuals with latex allergies

🌿 Industries That Use Ivy Resin (Hedera colchica (K.Koch) K.Koch)

Hedera colchica, or Caucasian Ivy, is a robust evergreen vine native to the Caucasus region and parts of Iran and Turkey. Though less commercially exploited than Hedera helix, it produces a resinous exudate with similar phytochemical properties and is valued in herbal medicine, cosmetics, and ethnobotany.

1. Pharmaceutical & Herbal Medicine Industry

The resin from Hedera colchica, when available, exhibits anti-inflammatory, expectorant, and wound-healing properties, owing to its rich content of triterpenoid saponins, including hederacoside-like compounds.

Applications include:

• Bronchial herbal preparations: Similar to Hedera helix, used for cough and mucus relief

• Topical salves for arthritis, muscle pain, and skin inflammations

• Folk remedies for minor wounds, swelling, and dermatitis

✅ Often used interchangeably with Hedera helix in local herbal traditions

2. Cosmetic & Personal Care Industry

Ivy resin and leaf extracts from Hedera colchica are sometimes included in natural cosmetic formulations for their:

• Skin toning and microcirculation boosting effects

• Anti-cellulite creams and body wraps

• Herbal detox creams and pore-tightening facial masks

✅ Suitable for use in emulsions, tinctures, and infused oils

3. Aromatherapy & Botanical Craft Use

Although not widely used in aromatherapy, dried resinous material from Hedera colchica may be found in:

• Botanical incense or herbal fumigation bundles

• Seasonal plant bundles in Georgian, Armenian, and Iranian traditional rituals

✅ Symbolically associated with resilience and protection in folklore

4. Traditional & Ethnobotanical Practices

In the Caucasus and northern Iran, Hedera colchica has long been respected as a folk medicinal plant:

• Bark or resin applied topically for dermatitis and chronic wounds

• Sometimes used as a base resin in herbal plasters for muscle pain

• Believed to ward off negative energies and promote longevity

🌱 Key Features of Hedera colchica Resin:

• Contains saponins and flavonoids similar to Hedera helix

• Shows anti-inflammatory and mild analgesic properties

• Resin is less documented in modern pharmacopoeias but widely respected in folk use

⚠️ Safety & Handling Notes:

• Avoid raw ingestion of the resin; it may cause gastric irritation or toxicity

• Handle with gloves; topical sensitivity or contact dermatitis is possible

• Not recommended during pregnancy or for young children

🧪 Comparison: Ivy Resins – Hedera helix vs Hedera colchica

🧾 Summary

• Hedera helix is the standard medicinal ivy, well-documented, with widespread industrial applications.

• Hedera colchica is ethnobotanically valuable, with similar chemistry but less global research and commercialization.

• Both are toxic internally in crude form and should be used only in processed/extracted forms under expert supervision.

🍃 Industries That Use Ivy Leaves (Hedera helix L.)

Ivy leaves, primarily from Hedera helix (Common Ivy), have been a staple in traditional herbal medicine for centuries. Their rich content of saponins, particularly hederacoside C and α-hederin, makes them valuable in respiratory, cosmetic, and topical applications.

1. Pharmaceutical & Phytomedicine Industry

Ivy leaf extract is officially recognized in many pharmacopeias for its effectiveness in treating respiratory conditions.

Applications:

• Expectorant syrups for bronchitis, wet cough, and asthma

• Anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic herbal formulations

• Included in licensed over-the-counter (OTC) cough medicines in Europe

✅ Form: Liquid extracts, syrups, tablets, and lozenges

2. Herbal & Nutraceutical Industry

Often featured in natural cough remedies and immune-support formulations.

Uses include:

• Syrups and lozenges for cold and flu symptoms

• Combined with Thyme, Licorice, or Primrose in respiratory herbal blends

• Included in herbal teas for respiratory support

✅ Frequently used in alcohol-free formulations for children

3. Cosmetic & Personal Care Industry

Due to their anti-cellulite, astringent, and toning properties, ivy leaves are incorporated into:

• Slimming gels and body firming lotions

• Scalp tonics for dandruff and hair fall

• Natural astringents in facial masks and serums

✅ Ivy extract is considered bioactive and is often combined with Green Tea, caffeine, or grape seed extract

4. Topical & Dermatological Applications

In folk medicine and some modern formulations, ivy leaf preparations are applied externally for:

• Joint pain and muscle stiffness

• Wound healing and minor skin irritations

• As part of poultices or compresses for bruises or swelling

✅ Often found in herbal plasters and balms

5. Aromatherapy & Wellness

Although ivy itself is not highly aromatic, its herbal profile and historical use make it valuable in:

• Herbal steam baths and wellness teas

• Included in ritual bundles in traditional European wellness practices

✅ Often combined with eucalyptus, mint, and pine

6. Ethnobotany & Traditional Medicine

In European and Iranian traditions, ivy leaves are used for their:

• Lung-cleansing properties

• Detoxifying effects in folk formulas

• Believed to improve blood circulation when applied topically

✅ Featured in wildcrafted folk remedies

✅ Summary of Key Applications

🌿 Industries That Use Ivy Stems (Hedera helix L.)

While ivy stems are not as commercially prominent as the leaves or resin, they contain bioactive compounds such as triterpenoid saponins and phenolic acids, making them of interest in several industries—particularly when whole aerial parts are used in extract production.

1. Pharmaceutical & Herbal Medicine Industry

Although ivy leaves are preferred for respiratory treatments, the stems are sometimes included in whole-plant extracts, contributing additional saponins and flavonoids.

Applications:

• In whole aerial part extracts for expectorant and anti-inflammatory action

• Supplementary botanical material in cough syrups and drops

• Sometimes used in homeopathy for respiratory or rheumatic complaints

✅ Utilized when leaf-only extracts are not strictly required

2. Natural Dye & Tannin Industry

Ivy stems, along with leaves and bark, are rich in tannins.

Uses include:

• Mordants in traditional textile dyeing

• In natural ink and leather tanning practices

• As an eco-friendly dye source in craft industries

✅ Often processed with iron salts to produce gray or black tones

3. Cosmetic & Personal Care Industry

In holistic cosmetic formulations, ivy stems can appear in macerated oils or hydrosol distillates where the whole plant is used.

Applications:

• As part of firming lotions or body wraps

• Occasionally in hair rinses for scalp stimulation

✅ Offers mild astringency and circulation-enhancing effects

4. Artisanal & Craft Use

Because of their flexibility when fresh and strength when dried, ivy stems are sometimes used in:

• Natural wreath-making and decorative crafts

• Traditional basketry and binding agents in herbal packaging

• As supporting structures in dried herbal displays

✅ Valued in folk art and eco-friendly decor

5. Ethnobotanical & Historical Uses

Historically, ivy stems were sometimes:

• Used in binding wound poultices

• Employed as part of smudging bundles with other herbs

• Applied in ritual decoctions in parts of Europe and the Middle East

✅ Seen as a protective botanical in some traditions

✅ Summary of Key Applications

🌿 Comparison: Ivy Leaves vs Ivy Stems (Hedera helix L.)

✅ Summary:

• Ivy Leaves are the primary medicinal and commercial component of the plant.

• Ivy Stems are secondary in usage—occasionally included for tannin content, structural uses, or whole-plant applications.

• If you’re focusing on pharmaceutical, cosmetic, or herbal industries, leaves should be emphasized.

• If also including crafts, dyes, or traditional uses, stems provide additional value.

PRODUCT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES Persian Name: عشقه، پاپی تال، پیچک، داردوست/Ashagheh, Paapitaal, Pichak, Daardoust German Name (Deutschland, Austria, Switzerland): Efeu, Gewöhnlicher Efeu French Name (France, Belgium, Switzerland, Quebec): Lierre, Lierre commun

 

HARVEST CALENDAR

 

🧾 Nutrition Facts – Ivy Resin (Hedera helix L.) (Per 100 g)

Botanical Name: Hedera helix L.
Common Names: English Ivy, Common Ivy
Part Used: Resin/exudate from aerial parts or bark
Traditional Use: Ivy resin has been mentioned in traditional herbal practices for topical applications and folk remedies, mainly for respiratory and skin ailments. It is not a common edible product due to toxicity concerns.

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🔹 General Composition (Per 100 g, dried resin)

(approximate values; edible use not recommended)

Component	Amount	Notes
Calories	~300 kcal	Primarily from resin acids and plant waxes
Water (residual)	~3.0 g	Very low moisture
Protein	~1.2 g	Minimal
Total Fat	~2.8 g	Includes resin-bound lipids
• Saturated Fat	~0.6 g	—
Carbohydrates	~72 g	Mostly complex plant gums
• Dietary Fiber	~38 g	Non-digestible polysaccharides
Ash (minerals)	~1.5 g	Trace minerals only

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🔬 Mineral Content

(trace levels, not a dietary source)

Mineral	Amount	Notes
Potassium	~80 mg	Very low
Calcium	~60 mg	—
Magnesium	~25 mg	—
Iron	~0.9 mg	—

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🌿 Vitamin Content

(negligible)

• Vitamin content in ivy resin is minimal to none; primarily consists of non-nutritive plant secondary metabolites.

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🧪 Phytochemical & Bioactive Compounds

• Triterpenoid saponins (e.g., hederacoside C, α-hederin) – associated with expectorant effects

• Polyacetylenes – contribute to antimicrobial activity

• Phenolic acids – antioxidant potential

• Phytosterols – minor amounts

• Resin acids & plant waxes – protective function in plant

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🩺 Traditional (Non-Nutritional) Uses

Application	Traditional Purpose
Respiratory	Expectorant in cough syrups (from leaf extract, not raw resin)
Dermatological	Topical use for skin conditions and joint pain
Antimicrobial	Folk remedy for minor infections

⚖️ Resin itself is not consumed directly due to toxicity risk.

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⚠️ Usage & Safety Notes

• Not for oral consumption – can cause severe gastrointestinal distress and other toxic effects if ingested

• May cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals

• Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding

• Handle with care; use only in externally applied, properly prepared herbal formulations

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📦 Storage Guidelines

• Store in airtight container, away from sunlight and moisture

• Keep out of reach of children and animals

• Shelf life: up to 3 years in proper storage conditions

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📌 Disclaimer

This information is provided for educational and product description purposes only.
Nutritional values are estimated for botanical reference; ivy resin is not a food product and is not intended for dietary use.

🧾 Nutrition Facts – Ivy Resin (Hedera colchica (K.Koch) K.Koch) (Per 100 g)

Botanical Name: Hedera colchica (K.Koch) K.Koch
Common Names: Persian Ivy, Colchic Ivy
Part Used: Resin/exudate from bark or aerial parts
Traditional Use: Like other ivies, Persian ivy has been used in folk medicine mainly for topical applications or processed herbal extracts for respiratory relief. Raw resin is not used as food due to toxicity.

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🔹 General Composition (Per 100 g, dried resin)

(approximate values; not intended for human consumption)

Component	Amount	Notes
Calories	~295 kcal	From resin acids, gums, and plant waxes
Water (residual)	~3.2 g	Very low moisture content
Protein	~1.0 g	Trace plant proteins
Total Fat	~2.5 g	Resin-bound lipids
• Saturated Fat	~0.5 g	—
Carbohydrates	~73 g	Mainly plant gums and complex polysaccharides
• Dietary Fiber	~40 g	Non-digestible
Ash (minerals)	~1.4 g	Trace mineral content

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🔬 Mineral Content

(trace amounts only)

Mineral	Amount	Notes
Potassium	~75 mg	Low
Calcium	~55 mg	—
Magnesium	~22 mg	—
Iron	~0.8 mg	—

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🌿 Vitamin Content

• Negligible; no significant vitamins present in the dried resin.

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🧪 Phytochemical & Bioactive Compounds

• Triterpenoid saponins (hederacosides, α-hederin) – potential expectorant effect in processed extracts

• Phenolic acids – antioxidant activity

• Polyacetylenes – antimicrobial potential

• Phytosterols – minor amount

• Resin acids & cuticular waxes – plant defense compounds

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🩺 Traditional (Non-Nutritional) Uses

⚖️ Resin is not eaten and is toxic if ingested.

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⚠️ Usage & Safety Notes

• Do not consume – ingestion may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and severe poisoning

• Possible skin irritation upon contact

• Avoid use during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or in children

• Use only under professional guidance in externally applied products

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📦 Storage Guidelines

• Keep in airtight containers, away from direct sunlight and moisture

• Store in a cool, dry place

• Shelf life: up to 3 years when stored properly

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📌 Disclaimer

This information is provided for educational and catalog purposes only.
Values are approximations for botanical reference. Hedera colchica resin is not a food product and should not be used for nutritional purposes.

 

🧾 Nutrition Facts – Dried Ivy Leaves (Hedera helix L.) (Per 100 g)

Botanical Name: Hedera helix L.
Common Names: Common Ivy, English Ivy
Part Used: Leaves (dried)
Traditional Use: Leaves have been used in traditional medicine—primarily in processed extracts—for respiratory ailments and as topical applications for skin and muscle issues. Raw leaves are not edible due to toxic saponins.

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🔹 General Composition (Per 100 g, dried leaves)

(approximate values; not intended for food use)

Component	Amount	Notes
Calories	~270 kcal	From carbohydrates, minimal fats
Water (residual)	~5.0 g	Very low moisture content
Protein	~6.2 g	Plant proteins
Total Fat	~4.5 g	Mainly plant lipids and waxes
• Saturated Fat	~0.9 g	—
Carbohydrates	~65 g	Includes fiber and non-digestible polysaccharides
• Dietary Fiber	~42 g	Mostly insoluble fiber
Ash (minerals)	~7.5 g	Mineral-rich plant matter

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🔬 Mineral Content (approximate)

Mineral	Amount
Potassium	~1,050 mg
Calcium	~880 mg
Magnesium	~190 mg
Iron	~9.5 mg
Manganese	~2.3 mg
Zinc	~1.1 mg

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🌿 Vitamin Content (approximate)

Vitamin	Amount
Vitamin C	~45 mg
Vitamin A	~7,500 IU (mainly as carotenoids)
Vitamin E	~3.4 mg
Folate	~120 µg

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🧪 Phytochemical & Bioactive Compounds

• Triterpenoid saponins (hederacosides, α-hederin) – expectorant effect in extracts

• Polyphenols (flavonoids, phenolic acids) – antioxidant properties

• Essential oils – trace amounts, aromatic compounds

• Sterols – minor amounts

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🩺 Traditional (Non-Nutritional) Uses

Application	Purpose
Respiratory relief	Used in cough syrups (processed extracts)
Topical applications	For muscle/joint discomfort in ointments
Antimicrobial	Folk use for skin infections (external only)

⚖️ Leaves are toxic if consumed raw; medicinal use only under professional supervision.

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⚠️ Usage & Safety Notes

• Do not consume raw – may cause severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

• Avoid during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and in children

• Can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals

• Only safe in standardized medicinal extracts under guidance

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📦 Storage Guidelines

• Store in airtight containers, away from sunlight and moisture

• Keep in a cool, dry place

• Shelf life: up to 2 years if stored properly

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📌 Disclaimer

This data is for educational and botanical reference only. Hedera helix leaves are not a food item and should not be consumed as nutrition.

🧾 Nutrition Facts – Dried Ivy Stems (Hedera helix L.) (Per 100 g)

Botanical Name: Hedera helix L.
Common Names: Common Ivy, English Ivy
Part Used: Stems (dried)
Traditional Use: Used historically in herbal medicine—primarily in decoctions and topical preparations—often combined with leaves. Contains saponins similar to the leaves, but in lower concentration. Raw plant material is not edible due to toxicity.

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🔹 General Composition (Per 100 g, dried stems)

(approximate values; not intended for food use)

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🔬 Mineral Content (approximate)

Mineral	Amount
Potassium	~820 mg
Calcium	~760 mg
Magnesium	~155 mg
Iron	~6.8 mg
Manganese	~1.7 mg
Zinc	~0.8 mg

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🌿 Vitamin Content (approximate)

Vitamin	Amount
Vitamin C	~25 mg
Vitamin A	~3,200 IU (mainly as carotenoids)
Vitamin E	~1.6 mg
Folate	~85 µg

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🧪 Phytochemical & Bioactive Compounds

• Triterpenoid saponins – lower levels than leaves, still biologically active

• Polyphenols (flavonoids, tannins) – antioxidant activity

• Lignin – major structural component

• Sterols – trace levels

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🩺 Traditional (Non-Nutritional) Uses

Application	Purpose
Decoctions	Used in folk medicine for coughs (external or processed)
Topical applications	Ingredient in compresses for joint and muscle discomfort
Craft use	Woody stems sometimes used decoratively

⚖️ Stems are toxic if consumed raw; medicinal use only under professional supervision.

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⚠️ Usage & Safety Notes

• Not for food use – ingestion may cause severe gastrointestinal distress

• Avoid during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and in children

• May cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals

• Use only in standardized herbal preparations under professional guidance

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📦 Storage Guidelines

• Store in airtight containers, away from sunlight and moisture

• Keep in a cool, dry place

• Shelf life: up to 2 years when stored properly

---

📌 Disclaimer

This information is for educational and botanical reference purposes only. Hedera helix stems are not a nutritional product and are unsuitable for direct consumption.