This water type is also good for digestion, headache relief, and contributes to enhancing liver function, beneficial for individuals with diabetes. Ground ivy leaves are a type of herb belonging to the mint family, originating from European countries, Central Asia, and Iran. Ancient Greeks used ground ivy as a medicinal remedy for centuries.

The water type that is a “life-saver” for insomnia and effectively lowers blood sugar – Image 1. In Vietnam, ground ivy leaves are commonly known as lemon balm due to their mild lemon scent. They are used as a spice or for making tea, cosmetic extraction, essential oils, etc. Below are the effects of ground ivy leaves and the health benefits of regularly drinking ground ivy tea:

1. Lowering blood sugar, preventing diabetes Many scientists have proven that ground ivy tea can reduce blood sugar levels and oxidative stress related to diabetes due to its abundant antioxidant properties. Research from the Free University of Berlin suggests that ground ivy extract may inhibit glucose synthesis in the body, leading to reduced blood sugar.

A small-scale study on type 2 diabetes patients showed that taking ground ivy extract capsules daily for 12 weeks significantly lowered fasting blood sugar levels, reduced neutral fat, and alleviated inflammatory markers.

The water type that is a “life-saver” for insomnia and effectively lowers blood sugar – Image 2. 2. Improving insomnia Ground ivy contains rosmarinic acid, a compound proven by scientists at Tehran University of Medical Sciences (Iran) to have sleep-improving effects on insomniac individuals. A 2021 study discovered its ability to reduce the likelihood of depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances in individuals with chronic chest pain.

3. Enhancing mood and cognition According to a study on 25 adults published in the Nutrients journal, ground ivy has an anxiety and stress-reducing effect. Participants consumed a sweet water type containing ground ivy extract. As a result, this group experienced reduced stress and better mood compared to the placebo group.

Additionally, ground ivy is effective in treating headaches, especially tension headaches, due to its relaxing properties, relieving tension and muscle relaxation by opening and relaxing constricted blood vessels. The antioxidants in this tea slow down cognitive decline, preventing chronic neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

The water type that is a “life-saver” for insomnia and effectively lowers blood sugar – Image 3. 4. Good for digestion Ground ivy positively affects the digestive system. A 2010 study showed that individuals who consumed desserts with ground ivy essential oil or drank ground ivy tea could alleviate symptoms of indigestion and bloating. Thanks to this effect, ground ivy also helps reduce nausea.

In addition to the mentioned benefits, ground ivy tea has been proven to enhance liver function, reduce pain and inflammation, and has antiviral properties to prevent diseases. Research using extracts from this plant showed efficacy against around 13 bacterial species and 6 fungal species.

Note when using ground ivy Ground ivy should only be used for a short period, less than 2 grams per day, with a break of 1 week after every 3 weeks of use. It should not be used for more than 4 months without a break to avoid potential side effects such as increased heart rate, nausea, and headaches. This herb may interact with sedative medications, causing excessive drowsiness. Some cases may have interactions with medications for high blood pressure, thyroid, so it’s advisable to consult a doctor before use.