Cleavers (Clivers) (Galium aparine)

Parts used: Aerial parts

Properties

Adaptogen, alterative, anti-inflammatory, anti-neoplastic, anti-obesity, astringent, detoxifier, diuretic, hepatic, laxative, lymphatic, tonic, vulnerary

Primary nutrients

Vitamin C (high quantity), rich in minerals especially silica

Cleavers is a very valuable plant and is perhaps the best tonic to the lymphatic system available.  As a lymphatic tonic with alterative and diuretic actions it may be used in a wide range of problems where the lymphatic system is involved.  Thus, it would be used in swollen glands (lymphadenitis) anywhere in the body and especially in tonsillitis and in adenoid trouble.

It is widely used in skin conditions, especially in the dry varieties such as psoriasis.

It will be useful in the treatment of cystitis and other urinary conditions where there is pain and may be combined with a demulcent for this.

There is a long tradition for the use of cleavers in the treatment of ulcers and tumors, which may be the result of the lymphatic drainage.