PARTS USED:
- Aerial parts
USES:
The essence of this herb is to purify, to assist detoxification, to move and to cool
Lymphatic tonic – increases lymphatic drainage and breaks up lymphatic congestion; good for enlarged lymph nodes
Detoxifies the spleen; cleanses the blood
Tonsillitis, adenoids, sore throats
Skin:
- Skin wash/anti-inflammatory
- Helpful in dry skin issues – psoriasis
- Sores, blisters
- Acne
Urinary system tonic:
- Good for cystitis, urethritis, prostatitis and pyelonephritis, stones
- Useful in combo with other herbs for UTIs and pain
Diuretic:
- Helps clear pathways for better flow
- Edema/puffiness
Ulcer treatment
Often used as a springtime tonic – to cleanse and ‘shake off the heaviness’ of winter
Immunomodulation – Promotes the proliferation of lymphocytes
Anti-tumour – Inhibits cancer cell growth
Antipyretic
Often helpful in autoimmune diseases – EBV, Hashimoto’s, MS, SLE, etc.
PREPARATION:
- Tea
- Tincture
- This is a herb that is better if used fresh, but dried is also fine
- Galium quickly loses its strength when dried, so use the dried plant within a few months
SIDE EFFECTS AND TOXICITY:
- Don’t take more than the recommended doses – can be mildly laxative and purgative
MISCELLANEOUS:
- Was once used as a cure for gonorrhea
