CLEAVERS
(Galium aparine)



Part used: tops 
Properties: alternative, astringents, diuretic, antipyretic, laxative.
What it affects: kidneys, bladder, blood and skin.


Preparation and amount: 
Infusion: let 3 oz. - 2 pints cold water stand 3-4 hours. Take 3 oz. (cold) 3-4x a day or 1 1/2 oz- 1 pint of warm water. Steep 2 hours. Take 1 cup3-4x a day.
Tincture: take 1/2-1 tsp. 3-4x a day.
Fluid extract: take 1/2-1 tsp. 3-4x a day.
Powder: take 5-10 #0 capsules (30-60 grains) 3-4x a day.


Purposes:
Internally: cleavers is excellent for curing up fevers. Highly recommended for kidneys problems, including suppressed urine, inflammations of the kidneys and bladder, obstructions of the urinary tract(stones and gravel), and scalding urine during gonorrhea. It is a powerful diuretic and will rid the body of excess fluid. It will clean the blood and strengthen the liver. mixed it equal parts uva ursi, buchu, and one-quarter part marshmallow root for urinary problems.Because it is powerful diuretic, it is useful in reducing weight and treating edema. It is also good, taken internally,for skin diseases and eruptions. Its cooling properties make it a good treatment for fevers.

Externally, cleavers is used in a salve for scalds, external tumors and burns.