Synopsis

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

Cleavers (Galium aparine) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly within European and Native American healing systems. Historically, it has been used as a "lymphatic cleanser" and diuretic, believed to help promote the flow of urine and support the urinary tract. This traditional use has led to its application for urinary tract infections and, by extension, kidney infections. The rationale is that increasing urine flow may help flush out bacteria from the urinary system.

However, scientific evidence supporting cleavers for treating kidney infections is limited. While some phytochemical analyses show cleavers contain compounds with mild anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties, there are no robust clinical trials or significant pharmacological studies confirming its efficacy specifically for kidney infections (pyelonephritis). Most published research focuses on its use for lymphatic or skin conditions rather than the kidneys or urinary tract infections. Thus, its use for kidney infections remains rooted in tradition rather than scientific validation. For any suspected kidney infection, prompt medical treatment with antibiotics is necessary, as these infections can become serious or life-threatening if not properly managed.

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