Common ivy is evergreen prostrate or climbing bush.
The length of a stem might reach even 20-30 meters.
The stem and branches develop aerial rootlets, which cling to the surface (even if it is completely smooth) allowing the plant to climb.
Tiny blossoms are greenish yellow arranged in clusters shaped like sphere.
The clusters, in their turn, form bunches.
The herb blooms in August and September.
The globe-shaped fruits are shiny black berries, which ripen slowly.
They are ripe only in the next summer.
Common ivy is a plant native to Central and Southern Europe, Caucasus, Crimea, Central Asia and other.
You should collect common ivy leaves.
Hand pick the leaves and dry at a room temperature or in drying camera at a temperature between 50 and 60degrees Celsiusto retain the active substances.
Sometimes the bark is used for medical purposes, as well.
You should collect the bark in spring during the juice circulation phase.
Sun dry the herb.
Afterwards, continue to dry the bark in drying camera at a temperature between 50 and 60degrees Celsiusto retain the active substances.

1. Common ivy leaves contain saponins, glycosides, tannins, carotene, organic acids and other biologically active substances.
   The bark, in addition, contains rubber substances and mineral substances.
   
2. The herb has anti-inflammatory, astringent, secretory and antispasmodic action.
   
3. The plant is proven to facilitate expectoration, reduce cough, fight inflammation, prevent spasms and draw together soft tissue.
   
4. Infuse half a teaspoon (approximately 1 gram) of granulated leaves with a glass of cold boiled water and leave the tincture to brew for 4-6 hours at a room temperature.
   Afterwards, decant the infusion and drink it within a day in several equal portions to treat bronchitis, cough, whooping cough and phthisis.
   The infusion can be used to reduce the inflammation of digestive organs.
   
5. Infuse a tablespoon of the leaves and bark with a glass of boiling water and boil the tincture in water bath for half an hour.
   Afterwards, let it become cold and decant the tincture.
   The decoction should be used to treat itch, wart, corn, blister and purulent wound.
   
6. A medicinal extract of the herb in an ethanol at 45 percent concentration is a great remedy for external use to rub the painful areas and relieve pain caused by rheumatism and gout.
   
7. When using the herb, you should strictly observe the indicated dose.
   Consumption of large quantities of common ivy might cause irritation.
   Sensitive people might experience contact dermatitis after the contact of the herb with their skin.
   

Pharmaceutical companies use the herb to produce various remedies.