The lymphatic system serves several vital functions, including defending against infection, balancing fluids, absorbing fats, and removing cellular waste. Lymph fluid flows through vessels and nodes that filter and clean it before returning it to the bloodstream. When the lymph system becomes sluggish, it can lead to swelling, inflammation, fatigue, and illness. Cleansing the lymphatics promotes overall health and wellbeing. One of the most beneficial herbs for stimulating lymph flow is cleavers. Let’s take a closer look at how this common weed supports lymphatic health.
The Crucial Role of the Lymphatic System
The lymphatic network transports a clear fluid called lymph throughout the body. This fluid originates as plasma that leaks from capillaries into tissues. It delivers nutrients and oxygen while collecting proteins, waste, toxins, and other byproducts from cells. Lymph nodes filter disease-causing microbes like bacteria and viruses, destroying them with white blood cells and antibodies. The largest concentration of lymph nodes is in the armpit, groin and neck areas.
When the lymphatic system is operating optimally, it removes excess fluid, waste and dead cells efficiently. Sluggish lymph flow causes a buildup of toxins that can lead to infection, inflammation, and other problems. Signs of lymphatic congestion include swollen lymph nodes, water retention, skin issues, fatigue, and susceptibility to colds and flu.
What is Cleavers?
Cleavers (Galium aparine) is a clinging, vining plant with tiny hooked bristles that grab onto clothing, animal fur and anything else it touches. It grows wild in fields, thickets and roadsides around the world. The common name “goosegrass” comes from its tendency to stick tenaciously to feathers. In some places it is called “stickywilly.”
Cleavers has a long history of medicinal use tracing back to ancient Greece and the Middle East. Traditional Chinese medicine employed it as a lymph stimulant and diuretic. Europeans also used cleavers extracts for edema as well as skin afflictions. Modern research has confirmed many of cleavers’ traditional therapeutic applications.
Cleavers’ Beneficial Compounds
Cleavers contains a number of beneficial compounds that account for its lymph-stimulating and diuretic effects. These include citric acid, flavonoids like quercetin, tannins, phenolic acids, anthraquinones, and iridoid glycosides. The chemicals exhibit anti-inflammatory, lymphagogue (lymph-stimulating), and mild diuretic actions when consumed, promoting improved lymphatic drainage and detoxification.
Studies indicate cleavers increases lymphocyte production and activity. Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell crucial to immune defenses. This boost in lymphocytic function enhances the body’s ability to fight infections.
Cleavers for Lymphatic and Whole-Body Health
With its ability to stimulate lymph flow and filtration while providing anti-inflammatory effects, cleavers has a wide range of health and wellness applications:
- Lymphatic congestion – Cleavers excels at clearing clogged lymph nodes and vessels, alleviating swelling and tenderness. It is used for lymphedema and chronically inflamed lymph glands.
- Skin health – By detoxifying the blood and lymph, cleavers improves numerous skin problems including acne, eczema and psoriasis. It also aids wound healing.
- Urinary tract – As a mild diuretic, cleavers increases urine output to flush the kidneys and bladder, preventing fluid retention and infections.
- Digestion – Cleavers relaxes intestinal muscles and stimulates bile flow from the liver and gallbladder. It relieves indigestion, cramping, constipation and bloating.
- Anti-inflammatory – The flavonoids in cleavers help reduce internal inflammation associated with sore throats, headaches, joint pain and bowel diseases. It also minimizes external skin inflammation.
- Detoxification – Assisting the liver and kidneys in filtration, cleavers cleanses the blood of metabolic wastes like uric acid. It is often part of full-body spring cleansing protocols.
Using Cleavers for Wellness
Cleavers is available in several forms:
- Tea – Pour boiling water over 2-3 teaspoons of fresh or dried herb and steep 30 minutes. Drink 3 times daily.
- Tincture – A cleavers tincture made from the aerial parts allows for easy regular use. Take 20-40 drops in water 3 times per day.
- Capsules – Look for cleavers leaf powder in vegan capsules. Follow label instructions.
- Topical – Fresh cleavers poultices, compresses and bath soaks treat skin inflammations, ulcers and minor wounds.
- Juice – Some companies produce cleavers juice by pressing the aerial parts of the plant. Drink 1-2 ounces per day.
Harness Nature’s Lymph-Cleansing Power
A congested lymphatic system contributes to myriad health woes. Stimulating lymph flow with natural herbs like cleavers promotes overall wellness. As a lymphagogue, diuretic, and anti-inflammatory agent, cleavers offers a myriad of potential benefits. Consider incorporating this versatile plant into your health regimen to experience its rejuvenating effects!
