You will probably know cleavers as "that sticky" stuff that clings to your clothes, when you are walking in the countryside, and particularly in the late summer and autumn, when its highly sticky buds )or seed heads) attach themselves to your dog or cat, when they have brushed past the plants, or even rolled around in them, covering themselves as a result! Well, other than being an annoying little plant, this amazing specimen of nature is a phenomenally powerful healer!
I was guided that I needed to make both a Cleavers Macerated and also a Cleavers Dark. Here's a little bit more about them and the slight differences. . Read on for more on their phenomenal healing properties:-
Cleavers Macerated: This one is made by crushing the fresh cleavers using a pestle and mortar. It has its own unique healing properties and, when used in conjunction with other herbal or flower essences, including the Cleavers Dark, they maximise the healing process.
Cleavers Dark is made with four different types of previously dried cleavers; the early season (March harvest); mid-May Season; Summer Flower Season, and early Autumn Season. It has a stronger smell and is much darker than the macerated cleavers. It has all of the same health benefits. Sometimes both cleavers are needed, and when creating a bespoke preparation, it may well be that a person is guided to either just the Dark or Macerated Cleavers instead.
In addition to the above, when you smell them, they smell distinctly different. The macerated cleavers, which is made from freshly crushed (macerated) cleavers, which is then placed into the jar and I add vodka to it, has a more bitter smell and taste to it than the dark cleavers, which is made from four different types of dried cleavers (see below). It has a more musky smell and is also slightly sweeter in flavour. It is made with brandy to preserve it and bring out the properties of the cleavers. See also pictures below of the two different types of tinctures I make...
So, what are its healing benefits?
Cleavers Elixir is phenomenal at removing toxins from the lymphatic system. It is alsoalterative (blood purifier),Antiphlogistic (acting against inflammation or fever) anti-inflammatory,astringent (In medicine, astringents cause constriction or contraction of mucous membranes and exposed tissues and are often used internally to reduce discharge of blood serum and mucous secretions, This can happen with a sore throat, haemorrhages, diarrhoea, and peptic ulcers).,depurative (herbs, which are known to have purifying and detoxifying effects), diaphoretic (increases perspiration, so good for “sweating out” toxins),diuretic, (stop salts and water from being taken back into your bloodstream. This means more water and salts are passed in your urine. You need to urinate more often. Getting rid of extra salts and fluid in this way lowers the amount in your bloodstream. This reduces the volume of your blood. This helps lower your blood pressure and gives your heart less work to do); febrifuge (dispels or reduces fever); tonic(boost) and vulnerary (encourages the healing of wounds). It is often taken to treat skin problems such as eczema and psoriasis. It is also a general detoxifying agent in all illnesses, including for serious illnesses such as cancer.
For similar reasons, and for its tonic abilities, and diuretic abilities, I was guided intuitively that it was needed in both the Balance for Men and Balance in Menopause, to help strengthen and purify the blood, and help bring the body back into a state of balance. At these ages in particular, some men and women can develop heart problems and high blood pressure, so this wonderful, natural herb can help through its diuretic abilities to bring the body back into balance, thus having the potential to bring these two areas back into a state of balance.
Likewise, it is also in the Balance in Motherhood, aimed at nursing mother and their babies through to when the child is 3 (and a diluted form can be added into formula milk or other drinks if not breastfeeding), because of its Tonic effects; strengthening and purifying of the blood and detoxing the body through the lymphatic system.
Back in 2014, when I created the Magical Rejuvenation Range, both types of Cleavers were intuitively chosen for their elimination abilities, to remove toxins through the lymphatic system, and help to clear a sore throat (the Magical Rejuvenation is for Upper Respiratory Tract infections, as well as gastro-intestinal disorders, such as diarrhoea.)
Also, in that year, I created the Super Detox Range, which is full of cancer-healing herbs: cleavers being one such. Those who have taken the elixir and used the cream and spray,, have felt the power of this overall "powerhouse" elixir, whose strength is that pretty much of a stock bottle!
To experience Cleavers in a Bespoke Elixir click HERE
It can also be used on its own, in gem elixir form, as part of a Bespoke Preparation, or in conjunction with other gem; flower and herbal elixirs that you feel drawn to. For afull list of all Gem Essences available, click here, and for the full listing of the flower and herbal essences,click here. To access all of Emily Jane's Energy Sprays, Healing Creams and Drops,click here