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 urinary tract issues, including bladder infections (cystitis). In European folk medicine, cleavers was often used as a diuretic and “depurative” to support the body’s elimination processes, believed to help flush out the urinary tract and reduce inflammation. It was commonly included in herbal blends aimed at alleviating symptoms of urinary tract infections, such as burning and frequency.

While there are numerous anecdotal and historical accounts supporting its use, scientific validation remains limited. Some laboratory studies have identified anti-inflammatory and mild antimicrobial properties in cleavers extracts, but these studies are preliminary and not specific to bladder infection pathogens or clinical settings. The evidence for its use is therefore primarily based on tradition, with a moderate level of support from historical herbal texts and ethnobotanical records.

The typical method of use is as a tea or tincture, aiming to increase urine flow and theoretically help flush bacteria from the bladder. However, there is a lack of high-quality clinical trials demonstrating efficacy or clarifying the mechanism by which cleavers might benefit bladder infections. As such, cleavers may be considered as a complementary approach in traditional herbal practice, but not as a substitute for evidence-based medical treatment of bladder infections.

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