CLEAVERS

                                                                                                                       Galium aparine

Cleavers is a reliable diuretic used to help clean gravel & urinary stones & to treat urinary infections.
A also it is often taken to treat skin problems such as seborrhoea, eczema & psoriasis & as a general detoxifying agent in serious illnesses such as cancer. 
It has a mild laxative effect & stimulates the lymphatic system & has shown benefit in skin related problems.
Cleavers is used for healing wounds & sores, cysts, boils, swellings or for treating skin infections, swollen lymph glands, snakebites. 

Due to its refrigerant properties it is excellent in all cases of fever, scarlet fever, measles & all acute diseases.
Good in scrofula & inflammatory stages of gonorrhea.
Cleavers  which the Chinese call Chu-yang-yang, was considered by the ancients as an excellent remedy for obesity & also for cleansing the blood.
It was once held to cure leprosy & is still used to treat skin cancer.
Especially good for kidneys, liver, pancreas & spleen, epilepsy, shrunken kidneys, paralysis of vocal cords, cancer of the tongue, skin & all types of cancers.

Tea is recommended for stomach & intestinal catarrh & for irritations of mucous membranes, tonsillitis, including those of the urinary tract, arthritis, jaundice, dropsy. 
Tea made from cleavers can be used as a skin wash to improve the complexion & treat skin disorders & heal cuts & scrapes.

An infusion of the herb has shown of benefit in the treatment of glandular fever, tonsillitis, hepatitis & cystitis. 
The infusion is also used to treat liver, bladder & urinary problems.
An infusion can be used to stimulate the kidneys, to help the body eliminate excess water, help cure cystitis & to expel kidney stones.

If preferred, make a salve for the skin by mixing the fresh juice with butter. Applying the crushed fresh leaves directly is also said to be helpful for skin problems & for stopping bleeding.

Cleavers has what we call ‘lymphagogue action’ – put simply, it stimulates the activity of your lymphatic system and organs so they can do their job properly. Cleavers also has alterative properties, which means it helps to cleanse and nourish the blood. - See more at: http://www.bodyenlightenment.me/blog/2011/09/cleavers-an-herb-for-lymphatic-health/#sthash.x4vHTXXh.dpuf

The root makes a permanent red dye.

Cleavers has what we call ‘lymphagogue action’ – put simply, it stimulates the activity of your lymphatic system and organs so they can do their job properly. Cleavers also has alterative properties, which means it helps to cleanse and nourish the blood. - See more at: http://www.bodyenlightenment.me/blog/2011/09/cleavers-an-herb-for-lymphatic-health/#sthash.x4vHTXXh.dpuf

PRECAUTIONS:

This herb may be used freely. But it should be taken for only 2 weeks at a time, and then skip 1-2 weeks.
Juice may cause contact dermatitis.

RECIPES:

The young leaves can be eaten like spinach.
Using the plant as a vegetable has a slimming effect on the body. 
The fresh plant or juice is used as a medicinal poultice for wounds, ulcers & many other skin problems. 
The juice of the fresh plant or a tea made from the dried plant is popular for skin problems. The juice or tea is applied daily & allowed to dry.
Juice of fresh herb used for scurvy.
Cleavers seed is one of the best coffee substitutes, it merely needs to be dried & lightly roasted & has much the same flavor as coffee.

Tea: 

To 1 cup of boiling water add 1 tbsp of dried or fresh herb, steep 10 min. Take in mouthful doses throughout the day.

Infusion:

Steep 1 tsp dried herb in 1 cup warm (not boiling) water for 2 hours.
Take 2 to 8 tbsp 3-4 times a day.

BEAUTY:

The cold infusion removes freckles when applied externally.
Also used as a hair tonic, said to be good for the hair, making it grow long.
The tea can also be put to good use as a hair rinse to fight dandruff.

A skin wash made from Cleavers tea improves the complexion & is often used as a remedy for dry, aging skin. The recommended treatment is to lay a wet compress of Cleavers tea on the dry, wrinkled skin 3 times a day for 10 minutes. It takes at least 2 weeks to see the results.

Used as a lotion it makes a first-rate tonic for the scalp, which clears it of dandruff & the skin. 

MAGIC:

Used as a love medicine by one tribe, the infusion of plant was used as a bath by women to be successful in love. 
A red dye is obtained from a decoction of the root, it is said to dye bones red.
Carry on the person to attract love & good communication.
Add to incenses to protect from problem people & remove obstacles.
Said to gain commitment from your partner when placed secretly in their pocket/purse or on their person.