Plant Family:
Rubiaceae
Habitat & Cultivation:
This plant seems to be Native in North America. However, it seems like this plant grows everywhere! It sure grows in the PNW Washington.
Cleavers were used as a love medicine by one Native American tribe, by using it in the bath as an infusion by women who wanted to be successful in love. When the root is decocted, a red dye comes out and it was said the it dyed the bones red. It was also used as a remedy for the bites of venomous creatures such as snakes and spiders. Used in Sweden to give healing properties to milk.
Parts Used/Collection:
Aerial parts
Herbal Actions:
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Lymphatic cleanser
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Diuretic
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Vulnerary
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Mild astringent
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Anti-lithic
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Antispasmodic
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Soothing/relaxing to urinary and nervous systems
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Urinary demulcent
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Mild diaphoretic
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Alternative
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Anti-inflammatory
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Tonic
Indications:
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Lymphagogue = increases lymphatic drainage, breaks up lymphatic congestion (esp in pelvis), and general lymphatic tonic.
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Depurative = strong alterative, use with dry conditions (eczema and psoriasis).
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GU = painful micturition, dysuria, voiding pain associated with gonorrhea, cystitis, pyelonephritis, urethritis, prostatitis, and renal stones; Reduces edema caused by water retention.
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Skin = psoriasis, eczema, lichen, nodular growths (pulp can be used as a poultice).
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Inflammatory conditions = fever and lymphadenopathy associated with infection.
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MSK = rheumatoid arthritis (reduces edema of the joints).
Contraindications:
unable to find contraindications for cleavers
Plant Constituents:
System Affinities:
System affinities for the pelvis and urinary tract; also skin and MSK/joints
Energetics:
gentle/mild, soothing, moving/changing, and moistening
Safety:
Safety Class 1A
Dosage:
Tincture: 4-8mL, 3x/day (1:5 in 25%)
Infusion: pour 1 cup of boiling water over 2-3 teaspoons of dried herb and infuse for 10-15 minutes. Drink 3x/day. (Though our powerpoint say hot water reduces medicinal value)
Can also juice or puree in a blender (Preserve with 50% glycerine)
Can make into popsicles for kids
Fresh is best!
Hot water, aging or drying reduce the medicinal value
Pulp can be used topically as a poultice
Personal Experience: I
My son and I always harvest and eat cleavers fresh when we go on our nature walks. Every time I start to feel a sore throat I go in search of cleavers.
Research:
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American Botanical Council. (1990). Cleavers Monograph.
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AHPA. (2013). Botanical safety handbook (2nd ed.). CRC Press, FL.
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Hoffman, David (2004). Therapeutic Herbalism
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Blankespoor, J (2019). Introduction to Immune Stimulants, Immunomodulators, Antimicrobials. Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine
Cleavers (Galium aparine)