GALIUM | Dr Aziz

What is Galium Aparine?

Cleavers (Galium Aparine) earned its name thanks to the sticky plant’s tendency to ‘cleave’ to human clothing or animal fur. However, this common weed is also a surprisingly versatile wild edible.

Cleavers was once used as a potherb. It was a useful plant in Medieval kitchens because it could be picked in frost or snow. The plant’s hook-like bristles soften when boiled. Its chopped leaves and stem can be made into soups and stews. The tender shoots can be boiled and buttered as a vegetable. The whole plant is rich in vitamin C.

Cleavers belongs to the coffee family and its seeds have been ground to make cleavers coffee.

Growing prolifically all over the world, it is not surprising that Cleavers has a rich history of traditional use.

Native American tribes used this herb to promote kidney health and as a remedy for gonorrhoea. It was also sometimes used by Native American women to prevent pregnancy.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine it is used as an anti-inflammatory and to move stagnation. With a strong affiliation for the lymphatic system, Cleavers is also used as a diuretic.

Galium Aparine

Why is Galium healthy?

Cleavers has long been used as a slimming aid, probably because of its diuretic properties.

Worldwide, cleavers most common use has been as a cleansing herb for treating ailments from kidney and urinary disorders to infections and itching.

It is excellent for skin conditions like eczema.

In other uses, now passed into antiquity, the sticky seeds were used by lacemakers to enlarge pinheads, and the root itself yielded a red dye. Here’s an unusual nugget of interest, the plant could turn birds’ bones red if they ate its root.

Galium Nutrition Facts

Typical Use

Cleavers Tea
Use 1 cup of boiling water to 2-3 teaspoonfuls of Cleavers.
Leave to infuse for 10-15 minutes. Drink 2-3 times a day for desired effects.

Cleavers Tincture
Take up to 2-4ml, up to 3 times a day, or as directed by a Herbal Practitioner.

Galium Benefits

Lymphatic System

The lymphatic system is a network of tissues and organs that help rid the body of toxins, waste and other unwanted materials. Its primary function is to transport lymph, a fluid containing infection-fighting white blood cells, throughout the body.

Cleavers enhances the function of the lymphatic system and improves its ability to flush out toxins, decrease congestion and reduce swelling.

The lymph-cleansing action of this herb in turn enhances the function of the immune system. Cleavers is the ultimate springtime herb and starts to appear when sluggish immune systems are in need of a boost.

Kidney Health

The diuretic action of Cleavers helps to flush out waste, toxins and excess fluid from the kidneys. When blood flow to the kidneys declines due to illness, they respond by retaining water, which is why diuretic herbs can be useful.

Diuretic herbs help the kidneys release excess sodium into the urine and can prevent the build up of other minerals that can cause kidney stones if left unchecked.

If you have a pre-existing kidney condition it is vital that you speak to your healthcare provider before using diuretic herbs.

Liver Health

Various studies have confirmed the hepatoprotective effect of Cleavers. It not only protects the liver from damage, it helps it to heal with its cleansing properties. Cleavers also stimulates bile production and prevents bile ducts from becoming clogged.

Urinary Tract Infections (UTI’s)

With a long history of traditional use for UTI’s, Cleavers diuretic properties coupled with its soothing, demulcent action make this herb ideal for calming and inflamed urethra. Regular drinking of Cleavers tea can act as a preventative measure for the incidence of recurring UTI’s.

The “Indian Journal of Research in Pharmacy and Biotechnology” published an article about the diagnosis, causes, symptoms and treatments of UTI’s. It recommends Cleavers for acute or chronic cystitis with swollen lymph nodes and uterine inflammation.

Cleavers can also be useful in protecting the lining of the bladder against irritation which can lead to an overactive bladder.