Capsules: They provide high concentrations of its active components in fixed doses and are easy to find, being a good option to reap all the benefits of this plant. Other members of the same family Gallium sp., such as Woodruff ( Galium odoratum) or Wall Bedstraw ( Gallium parisiense) have similar leaves when young, but are easy to tell apart. By stimulating the liver, cleavers improves digestion and the elimination of toxins from the body. It is also effective in treating ulcers, bladder inflammation and irritable bowel syndrome.

The best time to harvest cleavers is right before or during flowering, but before the plant sets its tiny fruits. In my part of northern Ohio, that’s in May. It’s most often used as a lymphatic herb. These herbs help your lymphatic system work better, which leads to better immune function, improved overall health, and sometimes even clearer complexion! Direct application of Cleavers is very effective for Cuts and Wounds. It enhances blood clotting and stops bleeding. This hastens healing process in the body. The lymph-cleansing action of this herb in turn enhances the function of the immune system. Cleavers is the ultimate springtime herb and starts to appear when sluggish immune systems are in need of a boost.

Safe foraging of Goosegrass

It is used both internally and externally in the treatment of a wide range of ailments, including as a poultice for wounds, ulcers and many other skin problems and as a decoction for insomnia and cases where a strong diuretic is beneficial. Cleavers tea has been linked to fatigue and cognitive clearing. It is also thought to aid in the digestion process and in the immune system. This herb’s benefits can be enjoyed without taking a pill in addition to Cleavers tea. Is Cleavers Good For Skin? If you want to use cleavers for better health, you have a lot of preparation options. The Classic Cleavers Infusion

Herbology has been practiced in the Chinese for thousands of years. Cleavers are two examples of such plants. Cleavers are distinguished by the fact that they are related to sweet woodruff and quinine. There is no discernible odor or bitterness to it, but it does have a slightly bitter taste. It is commonly taken as tea but can also be consumed or ground fresh. As an alterative, cleavers supports your body’s natural detoxification pathways. Alterative herbs were once called “blood cleansers,” which simply means they help your body eliminate metabolic waste and other toxins. Older plants are a source of silica. Silica is a compound that aids the body in innumerable ways, many of which we may not yet understand. 25) Martin, K. R. “The Chemistry of Silica and Its Potential Health Benefits.” Advances in Pediatrics. Accessed May 14, 2018. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17435951/. Cleavers’ combination of weak stems and clinginess make it a marvelous self-harvesting plant. You walk by and brush up against it. Then it grabs hold of your pant leg and hitches a ride to drop its seeds off somewhere down the line.

Cleavers for Skin

You can make a cleavers infusion with dry or fresh cleavers. In the springtime, I like to use fresh plant material since I can find it all over my yard. Once no more liquid is filtering through, wring out the muslin cloth to squeeze out as much of the liquid as possible.

As we shall discuss in detail below, Cleavers is a unique and powerful herb that affords virtually unparalleled benefits upon the function of the lymphatic system, amongst other key benefits. And given its sheer abundance in most parts of the world, and its long growing season, it is an entirely free herb that we should all be foraging for and making medicines out. If you have a pre-existing kidney condition it is vital that you speak to your healthcare provider before using diuretic herbs.

Cleavers Herb Medicinal Benefits Cleavers

Tea made from the plant has traditionally been used internally and externally in the treatment of cancer. Wood, Matthew (2008). "Galium aparine. Cleavers. Lady's Bedstraw. Goosegrass.". The Earthwise Herbal: A Complete Guide to Old World Medicinal Plants. North Atlantic Books. p.267. ISBN 9781556436925. Cleavers may cause skin irritation to some individuals, though it’s not very common. Ecological importance of Goosegrass

Galium aparine is edible. The leaves and stems of the plant can be cooked as a leaf vegetable if gathered before the fruits appear. However, the numerous small hooks which cover the plant and give it its clinging nature can make it less palatable if eaten raw. [21] [22] Geese frequently consume G. aparine, hence one of its other common names, "goosegrass". [23] Cleavers are in the same family as coffee. The fruits of cleavers have often been dried and roasted, and then used as a coffee substitute which contains less caffeine. [9] [24] Folk medicine [ edit ]Linear-oblong, smooth along the margins (except for stiff hairs), and sessile. Each leaf has a single central vein along its length Goosegrass tea has antioxidant agents in the form of citric acid that purifies and detoxifies the overall blood system. As it’s a lymph healer, helping you to flush away all the harmful toxins from the blood system. 4. Improves Immune System Fresh cleavers leaves provide relief from cuts, wounds, rashes and bug bites. Lightly crush the leaves and apply to soothe skin redness, swelling and irritation. The water with the most precipitates sinks to the bottom and circulates as the cleavers infuse fresh herb juices. If you’re using a cleaver, you can infuse it overnight or for eight to twelve hours. Cholestrol is thought to reduce swelling and fluid movement throughout the body as a result of its diuretic effect. Swollen glands: Cleavers, it is said, can help you move away from the heaviness and stillness of winter by reducing swollen glands and fluid build-up. Every day, the human body requires three or more cups of coffee. Cleavers Tea Side Effects