botanical name(s): Galium aparine
synonyms: cleavers, goose-grass, catch-weed, bedstraw
part(s) used: herb
qualities: bitter, salty, cold, dry
affinities: skin, urinary system
actions: alterative, anti-inflammatory, astringent, refrigerant diuretic, sedative diuretic, vulnerary
dosage:
» tincture: 2 - 4 ml.
» powder: 400 - 800 mg
specific indications: dysuria and painful urination in febrile and inflammatory states; renal and cystic irritation with burning (Felter and Scudder, p. 382)
therapy: fever; inflammation; scarlet fever; scrofulous disorders (Felter and Scudder, p. 382); lymphadenitis; psoriasis; enlarged lymph nodes (British Herbal Pharmacopoeia, p. 97); congestive heart failure; urinary tract infections generally and in infection; sores and wounds; urinary tract stones (Anderson Geller)
AHPA Botanical Safety Rating: 1
toxicity: 0
» contraindicated in diseases of a passive character
» dried plants can have a strong smell, often of urine; these should be avoided due to bacterial contamination and high coumarin content
» questions exist regarding potentials for liver damage following long-term use (Duke, p. 201)
drug interactions:
» diuretic effect may induce toxic effects of digitaloid glycosides, due to potassium-depleting tendency (Brinker, p. 102)
constituents: iridoids, polyphenolic acids, anthraquinone derivatives, flavonoids, tannins, coumarins
footnotes
Anderson Geller, C. 1984-1989. Lectures in Botanical Medicine, National College of Naturopathic Medicine. Portland, OR.
Brinker, Francis. 1997. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. Sandy, Oregon: Eclectic Medical Publications.
British Herbal Medical Association. 1983. British Herbal Pharmacopoeia. West Yorks, England: The British Herbal Medical Association.
Duke, J.A. 1985. C.R.C. Handbook of Medicinal Herbs. Boca Raton, FL: The C.R.C. Press.
Felter, H.W. & Scudder, John K., 1922. The Eclectic Materia Medica, Pharmacology and Therapeutics. Cincinnati, Ohio. Reprinted in 1985 by Eclectic Medical Publications, Portland, OR.