Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Cleavers (Galium aparine) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in European and North American folk remedies. Traditionally, cleavers is considered a "lymphatic" herb, used to support lymph flow and as a diuretic, but it has also been recommended by herbalists to support gall bladder and liver function, especially in cases of "sluggish" gall bladder. The reasoning is often based on its supposed ability to "cool" and "cleanse" the body's filtration systems, including the liver and gall bladder. Some herbal traditions recommend cleavers for people who have had their gall bladder removed, to help with bile flow and digestion, though these uses are based on empirical observations and energetic models rather than modern scientific understanding.

However, there is little to no robust scientific research specifically examining cleavers for gall bladder health or function, either in the case of a sluggish gall bladder or after gall bladder removal. Most available evidence is anecdotal or based on traditional use rather than controlled clinical trials. Some laboratory studies have identified anti-inflammatory and diuretic compounds in cleavers, but these findings do not directly validate its use for gall bladder support. Therefore, while cleavers is traditionally used for this purpose, scientific validation is lacking, and the evidence level for its efficacy in this context is low.

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