Cleavers



galium aparine
Rubiaceae

In old Herbals it is extolled for its powers, and it is
still employed in country districts, both
in England and elsewhere, as a purifier of the blood,
the tops being used as an ingredient in rural 'spring drinks.'

Fluid extract: dose, 1/2 to 1 drachm.

Modern herbalists and homoeopaths still recognize
the value of this herb, and as an alterative
consider it may be given to advantage
in scurvy, scrofula, psoriasis and skin
diseases and eruptions generally.

The expressed juice is recommended,
in doses of 3 oz. twice a day,
but as it is a rather powerful diuretic,
care should be taken that it is not given
where a tendency to diabetes is manifested.

Its use is recommended in dropsical complaints,
as it operates with considerable power
upon the urinary secretion and the urinary organs.

It is given in obstructions of these organs,
acting as a solventof stone in the bladder.

The dried plant is often infused
in hot water and drunk as a tea,
1 ounce of the dried herb being infused
to 1 pint of water.
This infusion, either hot or cold,
is taken frequently in wine-glassful doses.

The same infusion has a most soothing effect
in cases of insomnia, and induces quiet, restful sleep.

A wash made from Clivers is said to be useful
for sunburn and freckles, a decoction or infusion
of the fresh herb being used for this purpose,
applied to the face by means of a soft cloth or sponge.

The herb has a special curative reputation
with reference to cancerous growths and allied tumours,
an ointment being made from the leaves and stems
wherewith to dress the ulcerated parts,
the expressed juice at the same time
being used internally.

Cleavers was used as an ointment
for scalds and burns in the fourteenth century,
under the name of Heyryt,
Cosgres, Clive and Tongebledes (Tonguebleed),
the latter doubtless from its roughness
due to the incurved hooks all over the plant.

It was later used for colds, swellings, etc.,
the whole plant being rather astringent, and on account
of this property being of service in some bleedings,
as well as in diarrhoea.
Clivers tea is still a rural remedy for colds in the head.

The crushed herb is applied in France
as a poultice to sores and blisters.

Gerard writes of Clivers as a marvellous remedy
for the bites of snakes, spiders and all
venomous creatures, and quoting Pliny, says:
'A pottage made of Cleavers,
a little mutton and oatmeal is good
to cause lankness and keepe from fatnesse.'

Culpepper recommends Clivers for earache.


Cleavers Herb Powder 30 vegicap bottle: HE



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