" Jeanne Stockdale" wrote in message
...
In our previous home in North Cheshire, we never ever saw this weed. Now
living in South Cheshire and most of our flower beds (and the compost
heap)
seem to be overrun with cleavers. Is there any way of eradicating them
completely - they seem to have virtually no root yet despite clearing them
each year, they still come back

Jeanne

quote

http://medplant.nmsu.edu/galium.htm


Taxonomy:

Botanical: Galium Aparine1

Medicinal Uses: Galium aparine has vast and unique array of
medicinal uses.

Applications

Diuretic

Lymphatic alterative

Anti-inflammatory

Tonic

Astringent

Anti-neoplastic

Aperient

Swollen lymph glands (lymphadenitis)

Tonsillitis and adenoid trouble
Dry skin conditions (eg psoriasis)

Cystitis and other urinary conditions where there is pain

Ulcers

Tumours

Skin eruptions

Toxic conditions

Tissue edema

Kidney/bladder/gravel stones /calculi

Dosage

All dosages are based on one source of information and we
recommend that you seek medical expertise before

MEDIUM dose herb5

Dried Herb: 2 – 4 gm tds

Fluid Extract: 1:1 25% 2 – 4 ml tds

Tinctu 1:5 25% 4 – 10 ml tds

Non-Medicinal:

The bean shaped seeds of this plant are commonly used
as substitute for coffee.5 TheGalium aparine a cousin of the
Arabian coffee tree, has a similar beans but they lack the
caffeine therefore making a healthier and said tastier
substitute to its relative.5



/quote

quote

http://www.health24.com/natural/Herb...-676,33341.asp

What is cleavers used for?

Cleavers has numerous useful attributes. The seeds, for instance,
form one of the best substitutes for coffee when dried and slightly
roasted, while the whole plant provides a tea-like decoction and the
young sprouts are often used in salad.

From a medicinal point of view, Cleavers is said to be an excellent
lymphatic tonic, assisting in the detoxification of tissues and the
immune system. Cleavers is also used in urinary and skin ailments,
including kidney and gall bladder gravel and urinary tract infection
accompanied by fever, water retention and burning or painful urination.
Cleavers achieves these accomplishments thanks to its diuretic action,
aiding in the elimination of wastes, and enhancing the lymphatic system
by promoting lymphatic drainage of toxins and wastes to be excreted via
the urinary system.

Folk remedies
The plant is also a folk remedy for acute breathing disorders, bronchitis,
skin irritation and inflammation, but these curative claims are not yet
supported by science. Traditionally, the fresh juice of Cleavers was also
used to treat scurvy. Scientific studies have however also shown the herb
to have a hypotensive effect, lowering vascular pressure. Cleavers also
makes an excellent facial wash as it tightens the skin, while the fresh
leaves can be applied to skin abrasions to stop bleeding, reduce
inflammation and speed healing.

Parts used
The whole plant is used for medicinal purposes.

Chemical constituents


Chlorophyll
Citric acid
Starch
Flavonoids
Galitannic acid
Glycocides
Iridoid glucosides
Phenolic acids
Red dye
Rubichloric acid
Tannins

/quote


These damned weeds, eh ?


michael adams

....