CLEAVERS

Latin Name: Galium aparine

Alternate Names: Bedstraw, Clivers, Goosegrass, Clives, Grip Grass, Catchweed

Family: RUBIACEAE

Parts Used: Above ground portion.

Properties: Alterative, Anti-inflammatory, Antitumor, Astringent, Diaphoretic, Diuretic, Febrifuge, Hypotensive, Lymphatic Cleanser, Refrigerant, Vulnerary.

Internal Uses: Acne, Adenoid Enlargement, Arthritis, Bladder Stones, Cancer, Cystitis, Eczema, Epilepsy, Glandular Fever, Hepatitis, Kidney Stones, Mastitis, Ovarian Cysts, Poor Appetite, Psoriasis, Swollen Lymph, Tonsillitis, Tumors, Ulcers, Urinary Infections, Venereal Disease

Internal Applications: Tea, Tincture, Capsules, Juice

The juice is used internally for cancer and venereal disease. Cleavers can help the feeling of needing to urinate when one cannot do so. Cleavers clears heat and reduces inflammation. It improves lymphatic function and cleanses the kidneys.

Topical Uses: Acne, Burns, Cancer, Dandruff, Eczema, Psoriasis, Sunburn, Tumors, Wounds, Wrinkles

Topical Applications: Compress for burns, sunburn, wounds. Salve for psoriasis. Hair rinse for dandruff. Facial wash and toner for acne, eczema, psoriasis and loose sagging skin. Mouthwash for canker sores. Poultice on tumors and cancers.

Culinary uses: Young spring greens may be cooked as a vegetable. Seeds are roasted and used as a coffee substitute. Ancient Greeks would weave the plant together to make a sieve for straining herbs and milk. Once used to curdle milk in cheese production.

Energetics: Bitter, Salty, Cool, Dry.

Chemical Constituents: Glycoside (asperuloside), polyphenolic acids (caffeic acid, gallic acid), flavonoids (luteolin).

Comments: The name Cleavers refer to the clinging properties of the plant, as it will attach itself to your clothes as you walk by. It was called phillantropon by ancient Greeks, meaning 'love of man' since they assumed that it clung to humans out of love.

-- Phil in KS (cshomestead@planetkc.com), May 24, 2002