Explore UCD

UCD Home >

Ivy

Ivy | Hedera helix, Hedera hibernia

Green leaves on a vine on a tree trunk.

Ivy had many uses in the folk tradition including as a cure for ringworm, corns, to (opens in a new window)ease sore eyes in sheep, and according to (opens in a new window)this account from Co. Kerry, as a cure for “bad brains”. It was also said to be useful in (opens in a new window)washing clothes.

Ivy was also part of the Halloween celebrations; it was said that an ivy leaf under your pillow on this night would grant dreams of one’s future spouse (read more(opens in a new window) here).