- Region
- Europe
- Origin
- Europe, North Africa and Asia; naturalised in North America and Australia. Galium aparine
Europe · Herb · № 75
Galium aparine
Herb · Europe
Cleavers
Galium aparine
Used in Western herbalism as a 'lymphatic' herb for swollen glands and skin conditions. Scientific evidence is lacking.
Safety notes
Always have persistent swollen glands checked. Little is known about safety.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) medicine: Can irritate sensitive skin.
Preparation
The fresh herb as juice, cold infusion or tea. No dosage is given here.
Use in traditions
Ody describes cleavers as a typical spring tonic of European folk medicine. Tiny hooks make it stick to clothing; the roasted seeds were once used as a coffee substitute.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Herbal medicine worldwide
Attributed effects
Diuretic, cleanses the lymph, mildly astringent.
Preparation and amount
Fresh juice daily, by the tablespoon, for glandular fever, tonsillitis and prostate complaints; tea for cystitis and gravel and as a cooling drink in fever; compress on burns and ulcers; cream for psoriasis; hair rinse for dandruff.
Western herbalism
Attributed effects
Diuretic, tonic, cleansing; decongests lymph nodes, supports kidneys and bladder (stones, irritation).
Preparation and amount
Tea: 1 tsp per cup, 10 min covered, 1–2 cups as needed; tincture 10–30 drops 1–3 times a day.
Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) medicine
Attributed effects
For poison-ivy rash and itching; also as a selling medicine on baskets.
Preparation and amount
Steep the herb in warm water and wash the skin with it.
Caution: Can irritate sensitive skin.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Tea (infusion)TinctureSalve and balmCompress, poultice and paste