Uses for Cleavers Galium

Diuretic

• Cleavers is a diuretic, which is a medical term for something that increases the urination rate in a person. Increasing urination helps to purify the blood and cleanse the body. Therefore, according to the Herbs 2000 and Diet and Health websites, cleavers is used to treat kidney stones and other urinary issues like cystitis. Cleavers helps the urinary system expunge any toxins faster through more frequent urination.

Other Medical Uses

• Aside from being a diuretic, cleavers is also used to treat a variety of other medical conditions. Cancer, especially cancer in the lymphatic system, is often treated with cleavers, according to Richard Mabey, author of "The New Age Herbalist." Skin conditions like seborrhoea, eczema and psoriasis also benefit from cleavers treatment due to its ability to expel toxins, according to the Diet and Health website. The Herbs 2000 website indicates that cleavers also serves as a mild laxative, is used to help people struggling with insomnia and helps to lower blood pressure. Some people also use cleavers as a cream or ointment for cuts, burns or lumps on the skin.

Usage

• Cleavers is typically ingested in a liquid form. You can wash it and mix with water in a blender or food processor to make a juice to drink. You can also use the dried leaves to make tea and drink it that way, or infuse the plant in cold water to drink. For cuts or burns on the skin, soak a pad or cloth in a water and cleavers infused solution, then rub the pad or cloth on the cut or burned area. You can also purchase cleavers tinctures and extracts to ingest or use the plant as part of a cream mixture to rub externally on your body.