ALE HOOF or GROUND IVY
Glechoma hederacea
COMMON NAMES: Cat’s foot, gill go by ground, gill creep by ground, turn hoof, hay maids. Various names
come from the many localities in which it grows.
FEATURES: The plant is common to North America and Europe. Found in shady places, waste grounds,
dry ditches, in almost every part of the land. The green, round leaves endure every season except when
the temperature falls below the freezing point.
MEDICINAL PART: Leaves.
SOLVENT: Water.
BODILY INFLUENCE: Stimulant, tonic, pectoral.
USES: A singular herb for all inward wounds, ulcerated lungs, or other parts indicating the same
condition. Either by itself or boiled with other herbs and drinks.
In a short time it will ease all gripping pains, gas, and choleric conditions of the stomach and spleen.
Useful in yellow jaundice, as it opens the stoppage of the gall bladder and liver, and in melancholy, by
relieving obstructions of the spleen; expels poisons and also the plague; encourages a release of urine and
relieves women’s complaints.
A decoction of ale hoof and a good wine taken over a period of time will ease sciatica, hip gout, or
arthritic hands and knees. A decoction with honey and a little burnt alum is excellent as a gargle for sore
mouth or throat and to wash genital sores and ulcers. An infusion of the leaves is very beneficial in lead
colic. Painters who make use of it are seldom, if ever, troubled with this malady. The fresh juice snuffed
up the nose often takes care of most deep-rooted, long-established headaches.
This is one of the most wonderful of all herbs. The mineral content includes iron, copper, iodine,
phosphorus, and potassium. The ancient herbalists praised it greatly, saying it would cure insanity and
melancholia by opening the stopping of the spleen. It also regulates the heartbeat by making the blood
more fluid. An excellent assistant to aid glandular health and prevent premature aging.
DOSE: 1 teaspoonful to 1 cup boiling water; powder, ½ dram to 1 dram.