Ivy - Drainage & Firming for the Skin : Your online pharmacy selection

What is climbing ivy and why is it so widely used in phytotherapy?
Climbing ivy (Hedera helix) is a perennial plant renowned for its medicinal, expectorant, anti-inflammatory and circulatory properties. Found in Europe and Asia, it is widely used in phytotherapy and cosmetics for its beneficial effects on the respiratory tract, muscular pain and blood circulation.

Thanks to its high content of saponins, flavonoids and polyphenols, climbing ivy is an effective natural remedy for coughs, bronchitis, cellulite and muscular tension. It is often incorporated into cough syrups, massage oils and slimming treatments, making it a versatile active ingredient for well-being and beauty.

What are the health and skin benefits of climbing ivy?
Climbing ivy is recognized above all for its expectorant properties, which facilitate the elimination of mucus in the case of oily coughs and bronchial affections. The triterpene saponins it contains help fluidify mucus and clear bronchial tubes, making it a key ingredient in cough syrups and natural respiratory treatments.

Its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic action is also invaluable for relieving muscle and joint pain. Applied as an oil or balm, climbing ivy helps release tension, reduce aches and improve blood circulation, particularly in cases of heavy legs or varicose veins.

It is also widely used in slimming cosmetics, notably for its draining and firming effect. Thanks to its decongestant properties, it helps eliminate excess water and reduce cellulite. It is often incorporated into slimming creams and anti-cellulite gels, combined with massages to optimize the sculpting and firming effect.

Finally, its antifungal and purifying properties make it a natural ally for treating certain skin problems, such as eczema, itching or small wounds. Its regulating action also helps to purify the scalp, limiting excess sebum and dandruff when used as a shampoo.

How do I use climbing ivy on a daily basis?
Climbing ivy can be used in various forms, depending on your needs: syrup, infusion, oil, macerate or slimming cream.

• As a syrup to relieve coughs and clear bronchial tubes
• Take 1 to 2 teaspoons of ivy syrup 2 to 3 times a day for bronchitis or wet coughs.
• Combine with honey and thyme for an even more soothing effect.

Inhalation for easier breathing

• Add a few dried ivy leaves to a bowl of hot water.
• Breathe in the steam for 5 to 10 minutes, covering the head with a towel.

In oil or macerate for muscle and joint pain

• Mix a few drops of ivy oil with a neutral vegetable oil (arnica, sweet almond).
• Massage into painful areas in circular movements to promote muscle relaxation.

As a slimming cream for a draining, anti-cellulite effect
Apply a cream or gel containing climbing ivy extract to thighs, hips and stomach.
Massage in circular motions to activate blood circulation and smooth skin.
Shampoo to purify the scalp

• Use a shampoo containing climbing ivy to regulate excess sebum and limit dandruff.
• Combine with essential oils such as tea tree or rosemary for a stronger purifying effect.

Does climbing ivy have any side effects or contraindications?
Although climbing ivy is a natural ingredient with many benefits, it must be used with care, as certain parts of the plant may be toxic when used internally.

Precautions for use

• Never consume fresh leaves, as they contain compounds that are potentially irritating to the digestive system and skin. Only standardized herbal extracts should be used.
• Not recommended for pregnant and breast-feeding women, as a precautionary measure, given the lack of studies on its safety.
• Do not use on young children, except on medical advice, especially for cough syrups.
• Test cutaneous application on a small area before prolonged use, to avoid possible allergic reactions.

How to choose quality ivy?
To reap the full benefits of climbing ivy, it's important to choose organically-grown products, which guarantee the absence of pesticides and contaminants.

• Choose standardized extracts to guarantee optimal concentration of active ingredients.
• Opt for pure climbing ivy oil, without additives or synthetic fragrances.
• Choose natural formulations, especially for slimming products and body creams.
• Check the product's origin, to guarantee traceability and quality.

Climbing ivy is available in pharmacies, organic stores and specialized stores, in the form of syrups, infusions, essential oils, slimming creams and fortifying shampoos.