Clivers: A Natural Lymphatic Herb with Remarkable Health Benefits

TL;DR

Clivers (Galium aparine), also known as cleavers, goosegrass, or sticky weed, is a common herb found in hedges, meadows, and woodlands. It is recognized for its slender, delicate stems and small, hooked leaves that cling to clothing and other surfaces. Traditionally used in European herbal medicine, clivers is valued for its wide range of health benefits, particularly for its role in supporting the lymphatic system, kidney function, and skin health.

Nutrient Profile and Active Compounds of Clivers

Clivers is rich in vitamin C, making it beneficial for immune support, and contains several flavonoids, tannins, and coumarins, which contribute to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is often used as a natural remedy in teas, tinctures, or compresses, offering gentle detoxification and lymphatic support.

Health Benefits of Clivers

1. Supports Lymphatic Health

One of the most significant uses of clivers is its ability to stimulate the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system plays a crucial role in maintaining fluid balance in the body and removing waste and toxins from tissues. Clivers is known for its ability to improve lymphatic drainage, helping to reduce swelling, edema, and lymphatic congestion. Herbalists often use clivers to support the treatment of swollen lymph nodes and conditions related to poor lymphatic circulation, such as chronic fatigue and water retention. By promoting lymphatic flow, clivers helps the body cleanse itself more effectively, which can also reduce the burden on the immune system and enhance overall detoxification.

2. Promotes Kidney and Urinary Health

Clivers is a natural diuretic, meaning it helps increase urine flow and supports kidney function. By promoting urination, clivers aids in the detoxification of the kidneys and urinary tract, making it useful for flushing out toxins and reducing water retention. It has traditionally been used to help treat urinary tract infections (UTIs), bladder inflammation, and kidney stones. The increased urine flow not only supports kidney health but also reduces the risk of developing infections in the urinary system.

3. Skin Health and Wound Healing

Clivers is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it beneficial for skin health. It has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for eczema, psoriasis, and acne due to its ability to reduce inflammation and cleanse the skin. The herb’s astringent properties help tighten the skin and reduce irritation, making it useful for treating minor wounds, rashes, and sores. Applying clivers externally in the form of a compress or poultice can speed up the healing of wounds and reduce the risk of infection. Additionally, drinking clivers tea may help detoxify the skin from within, promoting a clearer complexion.

4. Detoxification and Blood Purification

Clivers is often regarded as a detoxifying herb, helping to cleanse the body by promoting the elimination of waste through the lymphatic system and the kidneys. Its blood-purifying properties make it beneficial for supporting general detoxification and cleansing. As a gentle diuretic and lymphatic stimulant, clivers helps rid the body of toxins, waste products, and excess fluids, making it useful during seasonal detoxes or cleansing routines.

5. Digestive Support

Clivers also has mild digestive benefits. It is often used in herbal medicine to soothe the digestive tract, relieve constipation, and reduce inflammation in the gut. The herb’s diuretic properties indirectly support digestion by helping to eliminate toxins from the body, which can improve digestive function and reduce bloating.

Conclusion

Clivers is a versatile and powerful herb that provides numerous health benefits, particularly for the lymphatic system, kidneys, and skin. Its diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and detoxifying properties make it an excellent choice for supporting the body's natural cleansing processes. Whether consumed as a tea, tincture, or applied topically, clivers offers a gentle, natural way to promote overall health and well-being.