Clivers: Medicinal and Spiritual Uses

Introduction

Clivers, Galium aparine L. in Latin, is a versatile herb that has been used for centuries in both medicinal and spiritual practices. This herb, with its delicate green leaves and small white flowers, is native to Europe and parts of Asia. It can now be found growing in many parts of the world. In this blog post, we will explore the various uses of Clivers and how it can benefit both body and soul.

Botanical description

Clivers has many names, goosegrass, cleavers, sticky willy and I am sure many many more. It is easy to determine because of the way it sticks to everything. Each strand can can grow to a metre and even longer. The stems are square and the leaves are narrow and grow in whorls around the stem. Each whorl of six to eight leaves are separated by bare stem. The star-shaped flowers are tiny and white in colour. The fruits are perfectly round and has the same sticky hook feature as the leaves, a genius feature to spread the seeds wide and far.

Actions

Clivers has many uses, its main action is that of a lymphatic alterative. This means that the herb will help the body to circulate the lymph and thereby rid the body of toxins and excess fluids. Clivers can also help the body to adapt to change and stress as it boosts the body’s own defence mechanisms and immune system. It plays a part in tissue regeneration and fluid exchange. Historically the Greek Physician Galen 130-200AD used the herb to make “fat folk lean” and it has since had a reputation as a weight loss herb. Clivers can also be very helpful as a mild anti-inflammatory¹.

Medicinal Uses of Clivers

Clivers has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine. The herb is best known for its actions on the lymphatic system. By increasing the circulation of lymph, it helps the body to get rid of toxins and excess fluids. Clivers is also diuretic herb will help with fluid retention. This makes it a valuable herb for supporting kidney and urinary tract health as well as regulating the fluid levels in the tissues. Maybe you are sometimes suffering from swollen legs, a cup of clivers tea may help ease the swelling. Clivers is specifically helpful when the lymphatic system is sluggish as it helps the lymph to circulate. This can happen after operations or if you have an infection. The lymphatic system helps the body to get rid of waste products.

In addition to its diuretic effects, clivers also has mild anti-inflammatory properties. This makes it useful in the treatment of conditions such as arthritis, gout, and skin rashes. The herb can be applied topically as a poultice or used internally in the form of a tea or tincture.

Regular consumption of clivers tea or tincture can help improve digestion, boost the immune system, and enhance overall vitality.

Spiritual Uses of Clivers

Clivers offers spiritual benefits as well, ancient cultures attributed certain energies and vibrations to herbs and plants. These cultures believed in harnessing these energies for spiritual growth and healing.

Clivers, associated with the element of water, exerts a calming and emotionally soothing effect. Spiritual rituals and ceremonies often utilize it to foster peace, harmony, and emotional balance. Incense burning, bath rituals, and sachet or amulet carrying are common methods to instil calm and tranquillity.

Moreover, clivers is thought to possess protective energies and is integrated into rituals and spells for warding off negative influences and ensuring spiritual protection. Due to its sticky nature, the herb is symbolic of binding, used to prevent undesired individuals from impacting one’s life. This binding symbolism can also strengthen and bind happy relationships.

You can use the herb in various ways:

Make an amulet or charm to carry with you throughout the day. Sprinkle dried herb around the home or sacred space to create a protective barrier. Use dried herb as incense, where the smoke will ward off evil and secure a happy and peaceful home. Be aware that using incense, to smudge, may create a lot of smoke which in turn may affect fire alarms and smoke detectors.

How to Use Clivers

There are several ways to incorporate clivers into your daily routine, whether you are using it for its medicinal or spiritual properties.

For medicinal use, you can make a tea by steeping dried clivers in hot water for 10-15 minutes. Drink this tea up to three times a day to support kidney health, promote detoxification, and reduce inflammation. You can also find Clivers in the form of tinctures, capsules, or extracts. These should be taken according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

If you want to use the fresh herb you can use it as fresh herbal tea, it has a lovely cucumbery fresh taste. To savour this freshness throughout the year you can use a blender to blend the the herb together with a little mint, lemon juice and water (just enough to turn it into a liquid), pour into an ice cube tray and freeze.

For spiritual use, you can use clivers as incense or add it to your bath water for a calming and purifying experience. You can also create a sachet or amulet. Place dried clivers in a small cloth bag and carry it with you throughout the day, for protection and spiritual support.

You can use the seeds of this herb as coffee. Just roast them in the oven and they are ready to use.

Conclusion

Clivers is a versatile herb that can be used both medicinally and spiritually. Whether you are looking to support your physical health or enhance your spiritual well-being, clivers can be a valuable addition to your herbal toolkit. It is also readily available in hedgerows and fields for you to harvest. Remember to consult with a healthcare professional before using any herbal remedies, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any underlying health conditions. Embrace the power of clivers and discover the many benefits it has to offer.

Links

Disclosures

Nettle soup

Journaling

A herbal witches wish list

1. Bartrams Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine, Thomas Bartram 1998 ↩︎