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Note - the monographs are provided for informational purposes only, and are not to be used for self-medication.

Galium aparine (Cleavers)

Botanic Name Galium aparine L.
Common Name Cleavers, Clivers, Goose Grass, Barweed, Hedgerif, Hayriffe, Eriffe, Grip Grass, Hayruff, Catchweed, Scratweed, Mutton Chops, Robin-run-in-the-Grass, Loveman, Goosebill, Everlasting Friendship. 1
Family Rubiaceae
Parts Used Herb 5

Dried aerial parts and fresh expressed juice 4
Habitat A common hedgerow plant throughout Britain, Europe, Canada, the eastern half of the USA and the Pacific coast of that continent 2
Constituents Coumarins 2

Iridoid glycosides (asperuloside, acumin) 3

Red dye (including galiosin) 2

Tannins 2

Citric Acid 2

Gallotanic acid 4
Actions Diuretic 2

Lymphatic alterative 2

Anti-inflammatory 4

Tonic 4

Astringent 4

Anti-neoplastic 4

Aperient 9
Applications Swollen lymph glands (lymphadenitis) 4

Tonsillitis and adenoid trouble 4

Dry skin conditions (eg psoriasis) 4

Cystitis and other urinary conditions where there is pain 4

Ulcers 4

Tumours 4

Skin eruptions 2

Toxic conditions 2

Tissue oedema 2

Kidney/bladder/gravel stones /calculi 9
Dosage MEDIUM dose herb

Dried Herb: 2 – 4 gm tds 2

Fluid Extract: 1:1 25% 2 – 4 ml tds 3

Tincture: 1:5 25% 4 – 10 ml tds 3
Combinations Phytolacca americana, Echinacea spp., for lymphatic system. 4

Rumex crispus, Arctium lappa for skin conditions 4

Althaea officinalis in cystitis6
C/I Cautions Can be safely consumed when used appropriately 5
BHP S/I Enlarged lymph nodes 6

 

References

  1. Grieve, M., A Modern Herbal, Tiger, Great Britain, 1994.
  2. Mills, S., The Complete Guide to Modern Herbalism, Thorsons, Great Britain, 1994.
  3. Bradley, P.R.(Ed.), British Herbal Compendium Volume I, British Herbal Medicine Association, 1992.
  4. Hoffmann, D., The New Holistic Herbal, Element, Dorset, 1990.
  5. McGuffin, M., Hobbs, C., Upton, R., Goldberg, A., American Herbal Products Association - Botanical Safety Handbook, CRC Press, 1997.
  6. British Herbal Medical Association, British Herbal Pharmacopoeia 1983, British Herbal Medical Association, 1989.
  7. Motram, L., Herbal Materia Medica Course Notes, 1983.
  8. Willard, T., The Wild Rose Scientific Herbal, Wild Rose College of Natural Healing Ltd, Alberta, Canada, 1991.
  9. Priest, A.W. and Priest, L.R. Herbal Medication. A Clinical and Dispensary Handbook. London: L.N. Fowler & Co. Ltd.
  10. Brockhampton Press, Guide to Herbal Remedies, Brockhampton Press, London, 1996.
  11. Lust, J., The Herb Book, Bantam Books, USA, 1974.
  12. Singh Y. N., Blumenthal, M., Kava culture, then & now, Herbs for Health, Vol 2, No 6: 56-60, 1998.
  13. McCaleb, R., Herbal Help for Prostate Problems, Herbs for Health, Spring/Summer 1996, pp 26- 28.

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Revised: May 18, 2002 .