The Cleavers Herb

LATIN AND BOTANTICAL NAMES

Galium aparine

COMMON AND OTHER NAMES

Clives, Goose Grass, Catchweed, Velcro Plant, Gosling Weed, Hedge Burrs,Scratchweed, Sweethearts, Grip Grass, Bedstraw, Stick-a-Back

GENERAL DESCRITPION AND INFORMATION

Cleavers is a common wild plant found in moist and grassy places along the riverbanks. It grows throughout Britain, Europe, in Asia from Siberia to the Himalayas, and in Canada, the eastern half of the United States, and along the Pacific coast.

Cleavers has small, white to greenish-white glowers that grow from May to September.Small prickles grow on the leaves of the Cleaver plant, causing it to have a sticky feeling and giving the plant it’s name. The leaves and flowers are used medicinally.

Cleavers is one of the great lymphatic herbs.

In Chinese Medicine, Cleavers herb is used for internal and external injuries and disordersof the urinary tract.

In Homepathy, Cleavers is used for kidney stones and ulcers (particularly of the tongue).

TARGET AILMENTS AND CONDITIONS

Use internally for:

* helps move and dissolve lymphatic congestion

* swollen glands (lymphadenitis)

* cleansing the blood

* the treatment of cystitis and other urinary conditions where there is pain

* relieving edma

* jaundice

* cleansing, toning, and strengthening the body

* tumors

* upper respiratory congestion

* ulcers

* lumps in the breast

Use externally for:

* swollen lymph nodes

* abscesses and boils

* cleansing the skin

* eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis

* ulcers

* lumps in the breast

* skin irritations

* burns

* stopping bleeding

PREPARATIONS AND DOSAGE

Cleavers is available in health food stores and is most highly recommended in tincture (extract) or tea. The dried herb is also available and can be used to make an infusion.

A salve can be made out of the herb or by using the juice of the plant. Apply the salve topically to help with stomach ailments, intestinal problems and to alleviate mucousmembranes.

Part Used: Aeriel parts that are dried, and fresh expressed juice.

Collection: The aerial part are collected during the flowering season

Constituents: Tannins, flavonoids, anthraquinones glycoside, Actions: Diuretic, hepatic, laxative, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, astringent, alternative,stimulant, tonic, anti-neoplastic, vulnery

Combinations: Cleavers will work well with Poke Root, Echinacea and Marigold for thelymphatic system. For skin conditions Cleavers combines well with Yellow Dock andBurdock. To treat kidney and bladder problems combine Cleavers with Uva Ursi, Marshmallow, and Buchu.

SAFETY AND INTERACTION INFORMATION

* Cleavers herb has no known side effects and is thought to be safe for use by children and pregnant or nursing women.

* When using Cleavers, take only two weeks each round, skip a week or two before starting again.

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