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Several species of this plant family are indigenous to tropical regions and are known for the beauty and fragrance of their flowers, but this specific variety prefers the cold temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere.

Cleavers is an abundant annual hedgerow weed, growing wild in moist grassy areas and long riverbanks throughout Europe, Asia, North America and Canada.

Although there are different types of Cleaver plants, 300 to be exact, those used for medicinal purposes are herbaceous with slender, angular, spikey stems, clustered leaves and rosettes of small whitish-green flowers that bloom form May to September. The nature of the leaf clusters have given the species the collective name Stellatae in Britain.

The plant’s thin taproot is not wholly supportive and as such the plant grows only 120cm in height, clinging to surrounding bushes and hedges for support. Cleavers also sprouts fruits that form small burrs that cling to the coats of passing animals in the process of dissemination. Although Cleavers has an aromatic honey-like fragrance, it has a bitter aftertaste.

What is cleavers used for?
Cleavers has numerous useful attributes. The seeds, for instance, form one of the best substitutes for coffee when dried and slightly roasted, while the whole plant provides a tea-like decoction and the young sprouts are often used in salad.

From a medicinal point of view, Cleavers is said to be an excellent lymphatic tonic, assisting in the detoxification of tissues and the immune system. Cleavers is also used in urinary and skin ailments, including kidney and gall bladder gravel and urinary tract infection accompanied by fever, water retention and burning or painful urination. Cleavers achieves these accomplishments thanks to its diuretic action, aiding in the elimination of wastes, and enhancing the lymphatic system by promoting lymphatic drainage of toxins and wastes to be excreted via the urinary system.

Folk remedies
The plant is also a folk remedy for acute breathing disorders, bronchitis, skin irritation and inflammation, but these curative claims are not yet supported by science. Traditionally, the fresh juice of Cleavers was also used to treat scurvy. Scientific studies have however also shown the herb to have a hypotensive effect, lowering vascular pressure. Cleavers also makes an excellent facial wash as it tightens the skin, while the fresh leaves can be applied to skin abrasions to stop bleeding, reduce inflammation and speed healing.

Parts used
The whole plant is used for medicinal purposes.

Chemical constituents

• Chlorophyll
• Citric acid
• Starch
• Flavonoids
• Galitannic acid
• Glycocides
• Iridoid glucosides
• Phenolic acids
• Red dye
• Rubichloric acid
• Tannins

Medical actions

• Anti-inflammatory
• Aperient
• Antispasmodic
• Astringent
• Diaphoretic
• Diuretic
• Lymphatic Tonic
• Vulnerary

How it works in the body
The primary action of the Cleavers herb is a diuretic one: it assists in the elimination of wastes, while strengthening the lymphatic system and promoting lymphatic drainage of toxins and wastes so that they can be excreted via the urinary system. In addition, this eliminative nature assists in healing skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.

Cleavers also contains iridoids, which elicit a mild laxative effect.

Medicinal uses of Cleavers
Respiratory disorders:

• Bronchitis
• Coughs
• Irritations of mucous membranes
• Respiratory health maintenance

Gastric upsets:

• Stomach and intestinal catarrh

Skin ailments:

• Eczema
• Psoriasis
• Skin abrasions and inflammation

Urinary conditions:

• Cystitis
• Kidney stones
• Urinary tract infection

Other:

• Detoxification
• Fever
• Insomnia
• Immune deficiencies
• Scurvy
• Swollen glands
• Ulcers
• Water retention

Available varieties in South Africa

• Cleavers herb cut
• Cleavers herb powder

Dosage
Juice: Blend the fresh herb in a food processor and strain. Drink half a glass a day.

Infusion: Pour boiling water over 3-4g of cut Cleaver and allow to steep for 10 minutes before straining. Drink two to three cups per day. The cooled infusion can also be used as a wash or poultice for inflamed skin.

Tincture: Take 20 to 30 drops in water, as required.

Combinations
1. Combine with Althaea for cystitis.
2. Combine with Phytolacca, Echinacea or Calendula for lymphatic detoxifying.
3. Combine with Rumex and Arctium for skin conditions.

Safety
Cleavers should be taken for no more than two weeks at a time because of the high tannin content and diuretic action, which may deplete potassium. No other contraindications are known.
 

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