English Ivy vs Irish Ivy Medicinal Uses

[IvyDoctor]

Most internet sources on the herbal uses of Ivy seem to be completely confused about or unaware of the difference between Hedera Helix and Hedera Hibernica (English Ivy and Irish Ivy, respectively). These sites will post pictures of Irish Ivy under the title English Ivy, for example, causing me much confusion.

Since I learned that Helix has two chromosomes and Hibernica has four, and Hibernica looks, smells, and behaves differently (e.g is more invasive), shouldn’t it follow that these two Ivy plants would have slightly different medicinal properties?

Does anyone know about this, or can point me in the right direction? I am my own guinea pig, and don’t want to poison myself by using dosages for one plant that I should use for another!

Thank you so much!

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead Instructor]

I’m not familiar with either one.

PFAF.org is a good resource for odd ball plants.

Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

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