Herb Of The Week - Cleavers - Ellen Zimmerman

[Guest guest]

It was Ellen's article that inspired Cleavers to be this week's herb of

the week

 

*Smile*

Chris (list mom)

 

Perfume Bottles and Pendants

On Sale Through Earth Day!

http://www.alittleolfactory.com

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

<http://www.ezherbs.net/> www.ezherbs.net

 

It's not a weed that's coming up all over your garden and yard. It is

Cleavers, Galium aparine, commonly known as Bedstraw, Goosegrass, Sticky

Willie or Catchweed. It is believed that the bed of baby Jesus was

stuffed with Bedstraw. This plant, which acts like a botanical Velcro,

is an important and valuable herbal medicine.

 

It is sticky however, and it grows long and lanky with whorled leaves on

long stems. It is a European native and is often found on roadsides,

fields and in moist places. It returns every year in early spring to

remind us to take our spring tonics and get our blood flowing smoothly

and easily. Cleavers is a blood purifier and helps to cleanse the

circulatory system after a sluggish winter season.

 

Cleavers can be eaten fresh in a spring salad and acts as a cooling

herb, so it is helpful for fevers. Cleavers is known for relieving

swollen lymph glands and skin disorders. I use the aerial parts of the

plant as a urinary astringent for treating urinary and reproductive

organ inflammations. Cleavers can also be useful in treating arthritis

and as a poultice for burns and rashes.

 

Cleavers makes a pleasant tasting tea and now is the time to harvest it

and tincture the fresh plant. Herbal tinctures made from fresh plant

material are truly the most powerful medicines. Cleavers is also used

cosmetically to clear the complexion, control dandruff and as a natural

deodorant.

 

So the next time you want to yank this plant out of your garden,

thinking that four letter word, remember all the valuable attributes of

this common springtime green friend.

With many Green Blessings for a wonderful spring,

 

Ellen

Ellen Zimmermann

<http://www.ezherbs.net/> www.ezherbs.net

Sharing the wisdom of the plants

512-301-5838