Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Cleavers (Galium aparine) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly for supporting the lymphatic system. Herbalists have used cleavers as a "lymphatic tonic," claiming it helps stimulate lymph flow and reduce swollen glands. This traditional use is documented in historic European, North American, and Ayurvedic herbal texts. The plant is typically prepared as a tea, tincture, or topical wash for lymphatic complaints such as lymphedema, swollen lymph nodes, and as an adjunct for skin conditions linked to lymphatic stagnation.

However, scientific evidence to validate these traditional uses is limited. While cleavers contains bioactive compounds like iridoids, flavonoids, and coumarins, there is a lack of high-quality clinical studies directly demonstrating its effects on human lymphatic function. Some in vitro and animal studies suggest mild anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties, which could theoretically support lymphatic health, but these findings are preliminary. Thus, current support for cleavers in lymphatic health is based mainly on traditional use and anecdotal reports, rather than rigorous scientific validation.

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