How to Take Ivy Leaf Extract

Ivy is traditionally used as a climbing plant to adorn the sides of buildings and homes; however, the distinctive vine with deep green leaves also has a number of health-promoting properties. Standardized extracts of ivy leaf have been used for centuries to treat common health conditions. Ivy is an anti-inflammatory, anti-asthmatic and an expectorant so it has helped treat conditions such as bronchitis, coughs and asthma.

Things You'll Need

• Standardized ivy leaf extract, available in health stores
• Medicine dropper

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Instructions

• 1

  Check with your doctor or naturopath for recommended dosages based on your condition and age. As a rule, children should take 25 drops twice daily and adults 50 drops twice daily.

• 2

  Avoid eating prior to administering the extract. For best results, ivy leaf extract should be taken on an empty stomach.

• 3

  Squeeze the rubber bulb of the medicine dropper to void its contents completely. With the bulb still squeezed, insert the glass tip of the dropper into the liquid extract.

• 4

  Release the bulb slowly. This will cause the extract to enter the glass dropper. Release the bulb entirely to fill the dropper.

• 5

  Open your mouth and depress the bulb slowly to release a single drop at a time. Count the drops as they fall from the dropper onto your tongue.

• 6

  Release the recommended number of drops onto your tongue. Swallow the drops and replace the dropper into the bottle. Store the bottle in a cool, dry location until your next dosage.