The Medicinal Use Of Cleavers - Galium Aparine
Other Common Names: Amor De Hortelano, Barweed, Catchweed,
Cleavers Goosegrass, Cleever, Clivers, Eriffe, Everlasting Friendship,
Gia Mara, Goosebill, Goosegrass, Grateron, Grip Grass, Hashishat Al
Af'A, Hayriffe, Hayruff, Hedge Clivers, Hedgeheriff, Kaz Yogurtotu,
Loveman, Mutton Chops, Robin-run-in-the-Grass, Scratweed, Sticky-willy,
Stickywilly, Zhu Yang Yang, Galium aparine
Range: Australia; Britain; China; Europe; France; Iraq; Kurdistan; Mexico; Spain; Turkey; USA
Habitat: Hedgerows and as a weed of cultivated land. Moist and grassy places on most types of soil.
Goosegrass has a long history of domestic medicinal use and is also
used widely by modern herbalists. A valuable diuretic, it is often
taken to treat skin problems such as seborrhoea, eczema and psoriasis,
and as a general detoxifying agent in serious illnesses such as cancer.
The whole plant, excluding the root, is alterative, antiphlogistic,
aperient, astringent, depurative, diaphoretic, diuretic, febrifuge,
tonic and vulnerary. It is harvested in May and June as it comes into
flower and can be used fresh or dried for later use. It is used both
internally and externally in the treatment of a wide range of ailments,
including as a poultice for wounds, ulcers and many other skin
problems, and as a decoction for insomnia and cases where a strong
diuretic is beneficial. It has been shown of benefit in the treatment
of glandular fever, ME, tonsilitis, hepatitis, cystitis etc. The plant
is often used as part of a spring tonic drink with other herbs.
A tea made from the plant has traditionally been used internally and
externally in the treatment of cancer. One report says that it is
better to use a juice of the plant rather than a tea. The effectiveness
of this treatment has never been proved or disproved.
A number of species in this genus contain asperuloside, a substance
that produces coumarin and gives the scent of new-mown hay as the plant
dries. Asperuloside can be converted into prostaglandins (hormone-like
compounds that stimulate the uterus and affect blood vessels), making
the genus of great interest to the pharmaceutical industry.
The tender young shoot tips - raw or cooked as a pot-herb. A rather
bitter flavor that some people find unpalatable, they are best used in
the spring. They make a useful addition to vegetable soups. It is said
that using this plant as a vegetable has a slimming effect on the body.
The roasted seed is a coffee substitute. One of the best
substitutes, it merely needs to be dried and lightly roasted and has
much the flavor of coffee. A decoction of the whole dried plant gives a
drink equal to tea.
Known Hazards: The sap of the plant can cause contact dermatitis in sensitive people.
Other Common Names: Amor De Hortelano, Barweed, Catchweed,
Cleavers Goosegrass, Cleever, Clivers, Eriffe, Everlasting Friendship,
Gia Mara, Goosebill, Goosegrass, Grateron, Grip Grass, Hashishat Al
Af'A, Hayriffe, Hayruff, Hedge Clivers, Hedgeheriff, Kaz Yogurtotu,
Loveman, Mutton Chops, Robin-run-in-the-Grass, Scratweed, Sticky-willy,
Stickywilly, Zhu Yang Yang, Galium aparine
Range: Australia; Britain; China; Europe; France; Iraq; Kurdistan; Mexico; Spain; Turkey; USA
Habitat: Hedgerows and as a weed of cultivated land. Moist and grassy places on most types of soil.
Goosegrass has a long history of domestic medicinal use and is also
used widely by modern herbalists. A valuable diuretic, it is often
taken to treat skin problems such as seborrhoea, eczema and psoriasis,
and as a general detoxifying agent in serious illnesses such as cancer.
The whole plant, excluding the root, is alterative, antiphlogistic,
aperient, astringent, depurative, diaphoretic, diuretic, febrifuge,
tonic and vulnerary. It is harvested in May and June as it comes into
flower and can be used fresh or dried for later use. It is used both
internally and externally in the treatment of a wide range of ailments,
including as a poultice for wounds, ulcers and many other skin
problems, and as a decoction for insomnia and cases where a strong
diuretic is beneficial. It has been shown of benefit in the treatment
of glandular fever, ME, tonsilitis, hepatitis, cystitis etc. The plant
is often used as part of a spring tonic drink with other herbs.
A tea made from the plant has traditionally been used internally and
externally in the treatment of cancer. One report says that it is
better to use a juice of the plant rather than a tea. The effectiveness
of this treatment has never been proved or disproved.
A number of species in this genus contain asperuloside, a substance
that produces coumarin and gives the scent of new-mown hay as the plant
dries. Asperuloside can be converted into prostaglandins (hormone-like
compounds that stimulate the uterus and affect blood vessels), making
the genus of great interest to the pharmaceutical industry.
The tender young shoot tips - raw or cooked as a pot-herb. A rather
bitter flavor that some people find unpalatable, they are best used in
the spring. They make a useful addition to vegetable soups. It is said
that using this plant as a vegetable has a slimming effect on the body.
The roasted seed is a coffee substitute. One of the best
substitutes, it merely needs to be dried and lightly roasted and has
much the flavor of coffee. A decoction of the whole dried plant gives a
drink equal to tea.
Known Hazards: The sap of the plant can cause contact dermatitis in sensitive people.
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