Nowadays, climbing ivy is mostly known for its rather invasive side. However, tracing its use throughout history reveals that this plant has much more to offer than hours of manual weeding. The Greeks used it against poisonings. The Romans associated it with the god Bacchus and believed that this leafy plant protected against drunkenness. Today, it is mainly used in the recipe for ivy laundry detergent or against corn on the feet, and our grandmothers sometimes use it as a treatment for respiratory problems, especially bronchitis. However, none of these uses are of interest to us in this article, as we will mainly focus on the little-known yet very effective effect of ivy on cellulite!
Indeed, climbing ivy can replace commercial anti-cellulite creams. In addition to relaxing the skin, this plant helps to soften areas affected by connective tissue nodules. This allows it to combat thickening in areas affected by cellulite, especially the thighs and buttocks. To regain smooth skin without spending a fortune on questionable anti-cellulite products, take a stroll in your garden for some harvesting and try out these recipes!
1) The combination of ivy and clay
For a local anti-cellulite action, you can use a decoction of fresh ivy leaves. To do this, harvest 100g of ivy leaves and boil them in 500ml of water for ten minutes. Then add some green clay to the mixture to thicken it slightly and facilitate its application. Simply apply it to the areas to be treated and leave it on for at least twenty minutes before rinsing. Ideally, let the paste dry before showering.
Keep in mind that your mixture can be stored in the fridge for about a week. Just make sure to label it properly to avoid ingestion, as ivy is toxic!
2) Ivy compresses against cellulite
With this second recipe, we are sticking to easy preparations! Here, simply simmer 200g of climbing ivy leaves in a liter of water for three hours. This will result in a concentrated liquid. Then wait for the mixture to be warm, but not boiling. You can then soak compresses in it to apply to the embedded cellulite. You can leave them on at least until the compresses cool down.
You can also make these compresses more effective by grinding the warm leaves before applying them to the areas to improve.
3) An ivy, cabbage, rosemary, and parsley anticellulite clay
This recipe requires more ingredients but is easy to make and effective. To succeed, start by making a rosemary decoction. Boil two tablespoons of rosemary in half a liter of cold water for ten minutes. Meanwhile, blend a handful of ivy leaves with a handful of green cabbage leaves and a handful of parsley. You can then add your rosemary decoction. This will give you a thick paste to spread on a gauze that can then be wrapped around the areas to be treated. Leave it on for half an hour before rinsing immediately with cold water.
4) Ivy, seaweed, and essential oils cataplasm against cellulite
Chop some ivy, fucus, and kelp into small pieces. Then take a tablespoon of each and place them in a bowl with two tablespoons of wheat bran. Gradually add warm water while mixing well until you get a thick paste suitable for a cataplasm. Once done, add two drops of cypress essential oil before mixing one last time. You can then apply this preparation directly to the dimpled areas. Leave it on for thirty minutes before rinsing well.
