Part used:
fresh leaves, ripe seeds
Medicinal Properties:
diuretic, anti-inflammatory, lymphatic
Benefits:
urinary tract infections, kidney infections, stagnant lymphatic system, skin aliments, breast health, coffee substitute
One of my favorite ways of using cleavers for lymphatic health is drinking a cleaver cold infusion. It's like spring cleaning for your insides.
Once the tiny white flowers start blooming, I'll take a small handful of fresh plant material, add that to a pint jar, fill with warm water, cover and allow to steep for 2 hours at room temperature, strain then refrigerate. I'll sip on that throughout 2 -3 days.
If the plant does call to me before it starts blooming, I will definitely harvest and use at that time. Remember, a big part of medicine making is following your intuition and that call from the plants.
The lymphatic system is a network of tissues and organs that help rid the body of toxins, waste and other unwanted materials. The primary function of the lymphatic system is to transport lymph, a fluid containing infection-fighting white blood cells, throughout the body. The lymphatic system primarily consists of lymphatic vessels, which are similar to the veins and capillaries of the circulatory system. The vessels are connected to lymph nodes, where the lymph is filtered. The tonsils, adenoids, spleen and thymus are all part of the lymphatic system. Reference
If you have ever experienced swollen lymph glands - neck, underarm and groin area, that is due to a stagnant lymphatic system. Cleavers gently flush and get the natural flow of fluid moving again.
As a diuretic, cleavers flush out toxins from the kidneys and urinary tract. Being a cooling herb, she also works at cooling and calming the burning and inflammation associated with urinary tract infections. I have found that drinking 2 cups a day of a cold infusion, until the infection has cleared, works well for many. I take one big handful of fresh plant, add that to a pint jar then fill with warm water and refrigerate over night.
Reference.
Being an herb that works on the lymphatic system, a cleaver infused oil is also used as a breast massage oil. When using in this manner, be sure to also massage the lymph nodes that are located in the underarm area.
Applied topically, a poultice or applying the liquid from simmering fresh plant in water, the cooling and moistening properties aides in soothing skin issues; sunburns, burns, eczema and psoriasis. For those looking for a coffee substitute, when those white flowers have gone to seed you can pick, roast, ground and brew. 👍