Clivers

(Cleavers) This is a climbing annual with linear leaves, decorated with charming tiny white flowers that bloom in spring and summer. Its sticky sap and stiff hairs on the bottom of its leaves allow it to attach to anything in its vicinity. Be careful around the sap, as it can cause skin irritation! It is one of the best lymphatic tonics, making it an ideal herb for combating swollen lymph glands. Its flowering tops are commonly used today as a diuretic, relieving symptoms associated with urinary tract infections and swelling. It is also an alterative (blood purifier) which makes it a great treatment for minor skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. Its antitumor properties were demonstrated in a recent study by Atmaca et al. Which found that cliver phytochemicals were able to kill breast cancer cells in vitro while leaving healthy breast epithelial cells intact. Aside from its medicinal use, cliver plants can also be eaten as a vegetable. Its fruit can be harvested, roasted, then ground and brewed like coffee. A tea can be made out of the stems and leaves. Sow seeds in moist, rich loam. Ht. 2m.