1. Dried Cleavers 4 oz. Bag

Price: $14.00

Brief Description

Detailed Description

Specifications

After working on a regular basis at the From The Forest Studio, Apprentices reach a level of competence where they develop their own offerings. These medicinal plants and products are harvested with respect for the plants and their sustainability. All items offered by the Apprentices are endorsed by From The Forest.

Becky has enjoyed the outdoors and gardening her whole life. She first came to a class on Salvaging Plants From Ravaged Regions at From The Forest 4 years ago and has been hooked ever since. Darcy Williamson has been a great source of knowledge and inspiration in Becky's pursuit of knowledge which has led her to pursue classes from the Northwest Herbal Conference each year and take classes from many Herbalists and Naturalists including Michael Moore, Hobbs, Tierre, Richo Cech, Sharon Twilinger, Rosemary Gladstar and many others. She is an avid hiker/gatherer and grows many medicinal plants at her home with her husband and grandchildren.

The Cleavers are harvested during their peak and screen dried in the shade. This 4 oz. bag of Cleavers will make over 50 cups of tea!

Cleavers have a single stem and square, bristly edges, frequently forming mats over taller plants. The foliage develops regular whorls along the stem, forming circular rosettes of six to eight leaves. Their tiny, white flowers are star-shaped. The parts used are the dried aerial plants (which should be gathered before flowering and dried in the shade) and the fresh expressed juice.

The modern name Cleavers refers to the clinging properties of the plant, since it attaches itself to the fur or clothing of passersby. In times past, the plant was woven together to make a sieve for straining milk. The fresh plant juice was once used to curdle milk in cheese production.

Cautions: Excessive handling of the fresh plant can cause contact dermatitis in sensitive people.

Constituents: Main active constituents are glycoside (asperuloside), polyphenolic acids (caffeic-acid, gallic acid), and flavonoids.

Antitumor – Since Cleavers aid the lymphatic system, the fresh juice is used internally for treating various cancers, including breast and ovarian. This may have its basis in lymphatic drainage, which helps detoxify tissue. One quarter cup of the fresh juice should be taken three times daily. If the fresh plant is not available or abundant, use two teaspoons of the dried herb as tea three times daily. A poultice of the fresh plant is also useful when applied to external tumors.

Lymphatic Aid – Cleavers are perhaps the best tonic for the lymphatic system. As a lymphatic tonic with alterative and diuretic actions, it may be used safely in a wide range of problems where the lymphatic system is involved. These include swollen glands anywhere in the body, especially in tonsillitis and adenoids. Take as a tea using 2 teaspoon three times a day. For the lymphatic system it combines well with Oregon Grape root.

Urinary Tract – The plant is useful in the treatment of cystitis and other urinary conditions where there is pain and may be combined with Pipsissewa for treating such ailments. As an infusion, pour a cup of boiling water onto one tablespoon of the dried mixed herbs and infuse for ten to fifteen minutes. Take three times a day.