The predominant uses for cleavers are external, although
the tea has been recommended for stomach and Intestinal catarrh
and for Irritations of mucous membranes, including those of
the urinary tract. The juice of the fresh plant or a tea made
from the dried plant is popular for skin problems. The juice
or tea is applied daily and allowed to dry (before each application,
wash the affected area with rectified alcohol, burning the
cloth each time).
If preferred, make a salve for the skin by mixing the fresh
juice with butter (renew every 3 hours and burn the cloth
used to apply it).
Applying the crushed fresh leaves directly is also said to
be helpful for skin problems and for stopping bleeding. Cleavers
is popularly used in Europe for healing wounds and sores.
Description
Cleavers is an annual plant found
in moist or grassy places and along riverbanks and fences in
Canada, the eastern half of the U.S., and the Pacific coast.
A slender taproot produces the weak, square, procumbent or climbing,
prickly stem that grows from 2 to 6 feet long. The rough, oblong-lanceolate
to almost linear leaves occur in whorls of 6 or 8 around the
stem. The small, white or greenish-white flowers grow in cymes
on long, axillary peduncies from May to September. The fruit
consists of two joined, bristly, globular, one-seeded carpels.
Dosage
Use the juice of the fresh plant or dry the plant immediately
to keep for later use.
Infusion.- Steep I oz. dried herb in I pint warm (not boiling)
water for 2 hours. Take 2 to 8 tbsp., three or four times
a day.
Tincture: Take 20 to 30 drops in water, as required.
For kidney and bladder troubles, particularly burning or
suppressed urine, use with uva ursi, buchu, and marshmallow.
Safety
Cleavers are very astringent due to its high tannin content.
Take only two weeks at a time, and then skip one or two weeks.
