Cleavers Materia medica y magica

Botanical Name

  • Galium aparine

Common Names

  • Cleavers
  • Goosegrass
  • Bedstraw
  • Stickyweed
  • Catchweed

Flavor

  • Salty

Herbal Energetics

  • Cooling, Moistening

Herbal Actions

  • Lymphatic: Stimulates and supports the lymphatic system, promoting the removal of waste and toxins from the body.
  • Diuretic: Increases urine production, aiding in the elimination of excess fluids and detoxification.
  • Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation, particularly in the lymphatic and urinary systems.
  • Alterative: Helps to gradually restore proper function to the body by aiding detoxification and supporting the immune system.
  • Astringent: Tightens and tones tissues, making it useful for treating wounds and skin conditions.

Organ Affinities

  • Lymphatic System: Cleavers primarily support the lymphatic system, helping to clear lymphatic congestion and swelling.
  • Urinary System: Beneficial for the kidneys and bladder, aiding in the elimination of excess fluids and supporting urinary health.
  • Skin: Supports the skin by clearing toxins and reducing inflammation, often used for conditions like eczema or psoriasis.

Uses

  • Lymphatic Health: Used to stimulate lymphatic drainage, reduce lymphatic congestion, and treat swollen glands.
  • Detoxification: Supports the body's natural detoxification processes by enhancing lymphatic and urinary function.
  • Skin Conditions: Applied topically or taken internally to treat skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and minor wounds.
  • Urinary Health: Acts as a diuretic to support kidney function and treat conditions like cystitis and urinary tract infections.

Preparation and Dosage

Cleavers is best used and prepared fresh, which is why it isn't available at GWG Apothecary in dried bulk. 

  • Tincture: Take 2-4 ml of a 1:5 tincture in 25% alcohol, 2-3 times daily for lymphatic support and urinary health.
  • Fresh Juice: The fresh juice of cleavers can be taken in doses of 1-2 teaspoons daily for more potent lymphatic support.
  • Poultice: Apply a poultice of fresh cleavers to inflamed or irritated skin to reduce swelling and promote healing.

Contraindications

  • Kidney Conditions: Use with caution if you have kidney conditions or are on diuretic medications, as cleavers may exacerbate these issues.
  • Dehydration: Cleavers have a diuretic effect, so ensure adequate hydration to prevent dehydration.

Materia magica

  • Purification: Cleavers are used in purification rituals to cleanse the body, mind, and spirit of negative influences.
  • Protection: Employed in protective spells and charms to ward off harmful energies and entities.
  • Binding: Known for their "sticky" nature, cleavers are used in binding spells to hold things together, whether in relationships or in situations requiring stability.
  • Healing: Associated with healing, particularly in relation to detoxification and cleansing, making them useful in rituals for health and well-being.
  • Planet: Moon - Linked to the Moon, symbolizing intuition, cleansing, and nurturing, enhancing cleavers’ detoxifying and purifying effects.
  • Element: Water - Associated with the Water element, representing flow, cleansing, and emotional healing, aligning with cleavers’ cooling and moistening properties.
  • Zodiac Sign: Cancer - Aligns with Cancer, emphasizing themes of protection, healing, and nurturing, resonating with cleavers’ affinity for the lymphatic system and detoxification.
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