Want to learn how to make cleavers tea and use this tea as natural medicine at home? Continue reading.
Cleavers (Galium aparine) is considered a powerful healing plant to boost natural immunity or alleviate respiratory issues by traditional healers and experienced herbalists in the Balkans. Cleavers is also beneficial for kidney and prostate conditions and is known for its ability to regenerate the liver in cases of hepatitis and cirrhosis. In ancient times, doctors recommended cleavers as a potent aphrodisiac. Topically, the sticky cleavers sap was the base for popular remedies for psoriasis, eczema, various inflammatory processes, acne, as well as cuts, scratches, and insect bites. However, the key health benefit of cleavers lies in its ability to halt and heal cancerous tumors. Now let’s see how to make cleavers tea and use it as medicine.
How to Make Cleavers Tea
Cleavers has a long history of medicinal use as an excellent diuretic and a general detoxifying agent, often used for treating skin problems such as seborrhea, eczema, and psoriasis. The aerial part (excluding the roots) is anti-inflammatory, laxative, astringent, depurative, diaphoretic, diuretic, febrifuge, tonic, and vulnerary. It is often used as a component in spring detox preparations along with nettle, chickweed, and dandelion leaves.
The aerial parts of the plant are harvested in April-May when the plant is young, but before flowering. In some cases, the flowers of cleavers are also used, as you will see below. Cleavers tea is a powerful detoxifier that can be used in spring (made from fresh plant) or throughout the year, using dried plant material.
- How to make cleavers tea from fresh plant material. Steep 1 tablespoon of chopped plant in 200 ml of boiling water for 10 minutes. Strain and drink the tea in 3-4 portions throughout the day.
- How to make cleavers tea from dried plant. Crush two teaspoons of dried cleavers and put in 200 ml of cold water to macerate for 24 hours. Strain and drink in small sips throughout the day, between meals.
7 Cleavers Tea Uses with Recipes
- Atherosclerosis – infuse 2 teaspoons of dried cleavers in 300 ml of boiling water for 2-3 hours. Drink 100 ml of cleavers tea three times a day, 20 minutes before meals.
- Infertility caused by Pituitary Adenoma – In parallel with other treatments, consume an infusion made from the following plants: combine one tablespoon each of cleavers, St. John’s wort, alfalfa, candyleaf, hawthorn berries, and rose hips, and one teaspoon of licorice root. Scald one tablespoon of the mixture with a glass of boiling water, bring it to a boil, and simmer on very low heat for 15 minutes with the lid on. Infuse in a thermos for 30 minutes. Drink 50 ml four times a day for 5 weeks.
- Hepatitis – Combine one tablespoon each of cleavers, sweet woodruff, lungwort, bog bean, and ground-ivy, along with two tablespoons of elecampane root, and one teaspoon each of tansy, calamus root, and horsetail. Crush the calamus root and soak it in cold water for 8-10 hours, then discard the water and mix the root with the other herbs. Scald two tablespoons of the mixture with 450 ml of water, bring it to a boil, simmer on low heat for 5 minutes, and infuse in a thermos for one hour. Strain well by pressing. Drink 50 ml four times a day, or 70 ml three times a day, 15 minutes before meals. A course lasts 1.5 months and is repeated after a 14-day break. Follow an antiinflammatory diet, by eliminating problems foods, and food additives.
- Epilepsy – Combine equal parts of cleavers flowers, motherwort, and China aster leaves and flowers, all finely chopped and well mixed. Infuse one heaping tablespoon of the mixture in 450 ml of boiling water, then keep it in a thermos for 4-5 hours. Drink 150 ml three times a day between meals. For enhanced results, add 1-2 teaspoons of freshly squeezed juice from the same plants to the infusion.
- Cystitis & Kidney Anuria – Have one teaspoon of powdered dried cleavers three times a day with a bit of tea made from sour cherry stems or twigs. The results are usually visible in two days, but you should follow the treatment for at least 5-7 days.
- Arthritis – Place one cup of finely chopped cleavers in a 1-liter jar (33 oz) and fill it with brandy to the top. Seal and allow to macerate in the dark, for 2-3 weeks. Strain and pour the tincture into amber glass bottles. Rub the affected joints 2-3 times a day.
- Trophic Ulcers, Burns, and Wounds – Prepare a powder from some dried cleavers using a coffee grinder. Expose the powder to sunlight at noon or to ultraviolet rays for 20-30 minutes. Then, place the powder between two layers of cheesecloth and apply it to the affected area. After removing the poultice, wash the area with cleavers tea or with wormwood tea.
Cleavers Safety and Precautions
Cleavers is considered a relatively toxic plant, which is why recommended doses should not be exceeded. The plant is not recommened during pregnancy and breastfeeding and for children. Due to its high tannin content, cleavers has astringent properties, which is why it is advisable to take a break after every 14 days of administration.
- The diuretic effect of cleavers can potentially affect individuals with diabetes who already experience frequent and abundant urination.
- It can cause blood pressure to rise suddenly in individuals with high blood pressure.
- Due to its antihemorrhagic effects, cleavers may increase blood clotting, which is why circulation problems may occur after long-term use. To avoid this issue, alternate cleavers treatments with preparations made from horse chestnut or willow, which fluidize blood.
- Individuals with various types of cancer should monitor their white blood cell levels and interrupt any cleavers treatment if values drop abnormally. They should resume treatment based on further analyses.
Consulting with a healthcare provider before using cleavers or any herbal remedy is advisable, especially for those managing diabetes, high blood pressure, or any other medical condition.
Read Also: How to Use Cleavers for Cancer
If you’ve enjoyed learning how to make cleavers tea and the most important cleavers tea uses for various health problems, please share this article. This way, you help more people learn about natural medicine and how to use plants to heal. Stay healthy, naturally!
Share on Pinterest ❤️
