Cleavers
Latin: Galium Aparine
Parts used: Aerial parts
Flavors: Salty, sweet
Energetics: Cooling, moistening
Actions: Lymphatic tonic, gentle diuretic, alterative, vulnerary, astringent, anti-inflammatory
Affinities: Lymphatic system, kidneys, urinary tract, skin
Cleavers has been valued in western herbalism as a diuretic, alterative, and mild astringent used for urinary tract infections, skin diseases, or externally for burns and rashes. Cleavers is one the most effective diuretic blood purifiers and lymphatic tonics known in herbalism. It has been shown to be highly effective for treating urinary and reproductive organ inflammations, including hepetitis and venereal disease. Additionally, it can be used to treat swollen lymph glands, cystitis, psoriasis and other skin issues. Energetically cooling, it can be effective for treating fevers.
