Ivy
Hedera helix
Direction
South
The elders mentioned ivy as being used in earlier years for addressing skin problems and respiratory conditions. James Duke, Ph.D., discovered that this particular ivy has saponin compounds that are active against bacteria and fungi as well as bronchitis. Hedera helix is a cousin to catnip but has small purple flowers.
The Cherokee Herbal
Native Plant Medicine from the Four Directions
J. T. Garrett
ISBN 187918196-7