Health Benefits of Cleavers
Cleavers is believed to support the immune system and have diuretic, antispasmodic, and anti-inflammatory effects. In addition to research on cancer, cleavers has been used on skin conditions, like psoriasis and eczema. Cancer Immunomodulators are bioactive substances that support the body's natural defenses in fighting against pre-cancerous cells. According to the American Cancer Society, "Immunomodulators are a group of drugs that mainly target the pathways that treat multiple myeloma and a few other cancers. They have many ways to work, including working on the immune system directly by turning down some proteins and turning up others." Although more human studies are needed, cleavers has been shown to act as an immunomodulator by promoting the proliferation of lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell). This effect suggests the potential for immune system benefits and cancer cell reduction. In addition, studies on two human tumor cells, MCF-7 and Caco-2, demonstrate the ability of cleavers extract to inhibit cancer cell growth through apoptosis (programmed cell death). Of course, looking at isolated effects in the lab can't always predict what will happen in the human body, however, these results are promising for the future of breast and colon cancer research. Lymphatic System Cleavers herb has been found to improve the health of the lymphatic system. This includes reducing inflammation of lymph glands and cysts in the breasts. Cleavers herb also helps to reduce swelling and inflammation by clearing excess waste and water from the body, helping to reduce instances of edema. Cleavers herb can be used on its own or in conjunction with Echinacea and marigold to help stimulate the lymphatic system. Psoriasis Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that increases the rate of skin cell growth, leading to thick red or silver patches of skin. Like other autoimmune diseases, psoriasis is exacerbated by inflammation. Because of the purported anti-inflammatory effects of cleavers, it makes sense that this herb could help reduce psoriasis flare-ups. Unfortunately, no major studies to date are available to back-up this claim. Nonetheless, there's no harm in asking your rheumatologist whether they condone the use of cleavers as part of your overall psoriasis management plan, especially since there's no indication that cleavers would interfere with other therapies. Kidney Health The diuretic properties of cleavers herb help to flush out wastes, toxins, and excess water from the system improving the health of your kidneys, bladder, and liver. Cleavers herb may also help to dissolve kidney stones and prevent the development of fibrocystic tissue. Lower Blood Pressure Cleavers is very effective in lowering blood pressure as its extract help in thinning of the blood. Thinning of the blood lets a greater blood circulation which in turn normalizes the blood pressure. If you are on blood thinning medications, you should not use cleaver as it will further thin up your blood and cause greater health risks. Other Uses
You may choose to consult an experienced herbalist or alternative medicine practitioner if you have a mild case of one of the above conditions or a recurring problem that you'd like to get a step ahead of through preventive measures. However, if you experience a severe burn, an acute urinary tract infection, or another serious medical concern it's wise to seek immediate treatment from your doctor to avoid worsening a potentially dangerous issue. Precautions
Possible Side Effects Cleavers isn't known to interact with any medications or other herbal supplements, other than blood thinners. As an edible plant, there appears to be minimal risk associated with ingesting cleavers or placing it on the skin. Although no notable side effects are associated with cleavers, an allergic reaction is always possible. Non-specific signs of an allergy include:
Dosage and Preparation There are no official standardized guidelines on dosing for herbal remedies. Cleavers formulations commonly recommended by naturopathic doctors include:
Blending with water is the easiest method, as juicing will yield a very limited volume. If you don't use it immediately, you can preserve the liquid by freezing it in an ice cube tray or mixing it with 25% alcohol. Anytime you try a new product or supplement, it's important to pay attention to how your body feels and watch out for signs of a negative reaction. If you plan to use cleavers as a topical treatment for skin issues, start with a small patch to detect an allergy or irritation before covering a larger area. For oral supplements, always begin with the smallest recommended dose. What to Look For Knowing what to look for is a challenge when seeking herbal remedies and alternative medicines. As the supplement industry is unregulated, there isn't always a guarantee that a product truly contains the ingredients listed on the label. However, obtaining an herbal remedy that is personally prepared by a local herbalist can ensure a true product. Furthermore, most pharmacists, doctors, and other conventional healthcare providers are not trained to advise patients on herbal treatments. Luckily, cleavers is a rather common and generally safe plant that can be easily identified by an experienced gardener or herbalist. Exercise caution when purchasing supplements, even if they come from a seemingly reputable online company or natural food store. If possible, purchase live sprigs of the fresh herb, rather than commercial products, to avoid added toxins or hidden ingredients. Complete Tissue & Bone Salve...I've had such great success with this wonderful healing salve, that I wanted to share it with everyone! Friends whose broken bones and sprains healed in nearly half the time, kept asking for more. One fellow who accidentally sliced through his finger down to the bone, used it faithfully. When I asked him how it was working for him, he said, "Great! So great that my skin has grown up over the top of the stitches!"
This healing salve is known to help re-grow fingers that have been cut off by lawn mower blades as far down as the first knuckle, restoring the full nail bed and all to their original form. Sounds ludicrous, but there are many published testimonies of such things having happened. Others have used this formula to help heal horrible third degree burns and other very serious injuries. I used Complete Tissue Salve on my back when I burst a bulging disc in my lower spine. I was in the hospital for three days and following, I laid in bed for 60 more days, unable to walk without assistance. It took a full four months to be able to walk again without a walker or a cane. During this time I used this salve on my back and continued to use it over the course of the year after my injury. Though one doctor insisted I needed surgery to remove the bulging disc, I took the advice of another doctor who grew up in Korea. He told me in his country, when people suffered such injuries, they live with it and in time, they heal... and trust me, at that time I was in so much pain and hoping surgery would help that when he said to me "live with it", I was ready to bash him over the head with my walker! But I listened. It's been 2 1/2 years since then and I am back to the old me. No troubles at all, no pain and no aggravation unless I sit too long without exercise. I only have a little numb feeling once in a while in my big toe which tells me I need to get up and move around more. So as long as I exercise a few times a week, my back is fine. The salve helped greatly to heal my spine to a greater degree than if I had not used it at all. Red Clover Syrup
When you can't sleep because of an on-going cough, try this delicious quick remedy and you'll be back to sleep, cough-free, in minutes! Besides being candy for cattle, the extremely nutritious Red Clover is one of God's best herbs for clearing mucus from the body. It's an excellent expectorant and sedative for whooping cough and is very soothing to the bronchial nerves. Red clover has a long medicinal history and a strong track record as the go-to herb for a plethora of physical ailments. The trace element, Molybdenum, found in this herb helps discharge certain wastes and impurities from our system cleansing the blood, and its antibiotic qualities prevents infections from spreading. Here's how I made this particular syrup for my little girl to help her get back to sleep after a relentless coughing fit in the middle of the night...
1/2 ounce Red Clover, dried 2 cups water Simmer 10 minutes. Strain. Add 1/4 cup Apple Cider Vinegar (not white vinegar!) and 1/4 cup raw honey (raw is best but if you only have regular store bought honey that will work too). Stir and serve 1 teaspoon every 30 minutes to every one hour as needed. Refrigerate and use within 3 months. Incidentally, this syrup is highly nutritious as well as delicious and can also be used as a fabulous Salad Dressing!!! If you use this recipe, let me know how it goes! Where can I get Red Clover? A Great Place to Visit - Jill's Home RemediesI really enjoy my friend Jill's website. She's worked really hard to bring common sense natural solutions and fun Do-It-Yourself recipes and projects to us through her exciting Blog posts. If you're looking for more unique ways to tackle health issues naturally or you just want to learn about good old fashioned homemaking, pay her a visit! jillshomeremedies.com
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