Synopsis

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

Cleavers (Galium aparine) has a long history of traditional use as a herbal remedy for supporting the urinary tract and bladder health. In European folk medicine, cleavers was commonly used as a diuretic and “lymphatic cleanser,” believed to promote the elimination of fluids and support healthy urinary function. Herbalists have traditionally recommended cleavers for addressing minor urinary tract discomfort and for its purported ability to “cool and soothe” the urinary system.

Scientific validation of these uses is limited. Some laboratory studies have indicated that cleavers extracts may possess mild diuretic effects and anti-inflammatory properties, but clinical trials in humans are lacking. The plant contains compounds such as iridoid glycosides, phenolic acids, and flavonoids, which might contribute to its traditional applications. However, there is insufficient direct scientific evidence to firmly establish its efficacy for bladder health. Thus, while cleavers is widely used in traditional herbal medicine to support the bladder and urinary system, its use rests primarily on historical practices rather than robust modern research.

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Nature's Sunshine Lymphatic Drainage