• used for inflammatory skin diseases, including psoriasis and eczema
• used for enlarged or inflamed lymph nodes
• used for painful or difficult urination, cystitis, as a diuretic, and adjunctively for kidney stones.
Noted for its strong diuretic, tonic, lymphatic and alterative properties, cleavers has had a long and distinguished history of use in traditional Western medicine.
Cleavers is held in high repute in Europe as a blood cleanser with efficacy against such conditions as eczema and psoriasis and other chronic inflammatory conditions.
Herbalist Mrs. Maude Grieve explains that, as an alterative, “it may be given to advantage in … psoriasis and skin diseases and eruptions generally”. She adds that it is also “recommended in dropsical (water retention) complaints, as it operates with considerable power upon the urinary secretion and the urinary organs. It is given in obstructions of these organs, acting as a solvent of stone in the bladder.”
“Its clinical reputation is that it has a dual effect on the urinary system and the lymphatic system, so that the plant is used in cases of lymphadenopathy (enlarged lymph nodes), oedema and urinary affections.”
Herbalists are agreed that cleavers is our most important lymphatic alterative. The name ‘lymphatic’ was given to those remedies used for inflammation of the lymphatic nodes: they were thought in naturopathic terms to improve the rate of flow through the lymphatic system and help tissue cleansing that way. There is some real doubt about the physiological reality behind such a concept but there is a clear effect on those forms of chronic inflammatory conditions marked by swollen lymph nodes.
The ‘drying’ effect claimed for cleavers in Galenic tradition reflects its apparent ability to reduce fluid congestive conditions. Cleavers is primarily indicated for any toxic problem marked by lymphatic or oedematous symptoms. It is likely that Cleavers influences the passage of extra wastes mostly through the kidneys although a laxative effect is probable.
Administration: 0.8-1.2 ml (25-35 drops) three times daily in a little water on an empty stomach.
Contraindications and Cautions:
Consult a health care practitioner before use if you are considering this product for swollen or inflamed lymph nodes, painful or difficult urination, kidney stones, or for water retention. Do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding.
Available in bottle sizes of 50ml, 100ml, and 250ml.
A NOTE ON TINCTURES
Tinctures are more readily absorbed by the body and have a high degree of bio-availability. As well, they have a long shelf life.
Sometimes people ask us why tinctures are alcohol-based. There are very good reasons. Alcohol is critically important in the extraction of an herb's medicinal ingredients. It also helps to stabilize and preserve them. Alcohol is the ideal carrier substance, conveying the therapeutic goodness of the herb to the body. In itself, too, science has proven that alcohol enhances the immune system and its defences.
As for the amount of alcohol taken in an average dose of tincture, you'll be surprised to learn that it's about the same as what you'd find in an overly ripe banana!
Tinctures remain the most practical way to take advantage of the amazing, health-giving power of herbs.
Ingredients:
Certified Organic/ Wildcrafted
Cleavers
(Galium aparine)
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