Cleavers, also known botanically as Galium aparine, are a member of the Rubiaceae family. It is a weak-stemmed annual that can grow up to two feet tall and the leaves feel sticky, since they have prominent prickles. It blooms tiny white flowers during the spring and summer months and is usually found in thickets, according to "A Field Guide to Medicinal Plants and Herbs" by botanists James Duke and Steven Foster. Cleavers juice is reported to have anti-tumor activity in part due to its high citric acid content, say Foster and Duke. Consult your doctor before taking any herbal remedies.
Promotes Urination
Cleavers is considered a diuretic, which means it promotes the flow of urine. For this reason herbalist David Hoffmann notes in his book, "The New Holistic Herbal," that cleavers helps to treat cystitis. Cystitis, according to the Mayo Clinic, is an inflammation of the bladder that can cause infection in the kidneys. The herb can be taken as a freshly expressed juice, or the leaves can be used to make an infusion, or concentrated tea.
Hoffmann recommends adding three tsp. of dry cleavers to a cup of boiling water and letting it steep for at least 10 minutes. Drink three times per day.
Tonifies the Lypmphatic System
Cleavers is considered one of the best tonics that helps to drain the lymphatic system, says Richo Cech in his book "Making Plant Medicine." Combined with its diuretic properties, cleavers can treat problems where the lymph system is involved, such as lymphadenitis, which refers to swollen glands. It also helps to treat any adenoid trouble such as tonislitis, which is an inflammation of the tonsils, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Cech recommends taking 30 to 60 drops of cleavers tincture, which is an alcohol or glycerin extraction of the herb, diluted in filtered water three to five times per day. Cleavers is safe for general use and can be given to children at a dosage of five to 15 drops three times per day.
Cleanses the Blood
According to Hoffmann in his book "The Complete Illustrated Holistic Herbal," cleavers has alterative properties, which means it helps to cleanse and nourish the blood, according to the book "The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism," by Simon Mills. It is often used in folk medicine to treat ulcers and tumors, as it also has anti-inflammatory properties.
Herbalist Rosemary Gladstar recommends adding fresh and tender cleavers to your salads and juices in her book, "Family Herbal--A Guide to Living Life with Energy, Health and Vitality."
References
- "A Field Guide to Medicinal Plants and Herbs"; Steven Foster and James A. Duke; 2000
- "The New Holistic Herbal"; David Hoffmann; 1995
- "Making Plant Medicine"; Richo Cech; 2000
- Mayo Clinic: Tonsilitis
- "The Complete Illustrated Holistic Herbal"; David Hoffmann; 1996
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