I didn't plan on focusing so much on herbals, my destination is homesteading; but this little beauty stuck to my leg:
This is called cleaver, and it is Not a weed! It is editable, and a serious herbal medicine; that is often ignored.
Cleaver cleaves to (sticks to) clothes, hence the name.
I am not a doctor, and this is a list of most common uses, and Not a recommended protocol! So study and make your decision from your own personal knowledge....
The common uses for cleaver are: Urinary tract health, toxin removal, blood purification, diuretic, skin health, lymphatic system flush, edema reduction, wound healing, acne, kidney support, and inflammation reduction.
There are others, but these are the one everyone agrees with.
I posted this specifically, because NOW is the time to harvest this herb! It is growing like crazy, and is at it's most potent strength today!
It looks like this:
Another look:
There are tiny hairs all over the plant, used to hitch a ride to a new location!
I use fresh plants, which I fill the jar with; and cover with at least 80 proof vodka. Make sure the plants are below the surface of the vodka, or they will spoil. Label the lid, with a date, and put it in a cool dry place. Shake it every time you can, the more agitation and the more time, the stronger the tincture! It will be useful in 2 months, but better in 6. It will darken, and turn pale green. It is usually dispensed by the teaspoonful.🌿
It is dried (with some strength reduction) for long term storage. It can be powdered and encapsulated for direct medicine use. A poltice for wound healing is common, heated or not; depending on the author, I like it heated personally.
I have wondered if it would run through my juicer, but I never have seen this done. But how powerful would straight juice be? I'm going to have to try juicing!
But go out and pick as much of this as you can find, and play with it...make some medicine! When the idiots in DC are done, this may be the only medicine we have access to. I plan to survive, and thrive. Fill your mind, while information abounds; and you will do well, when information dries up!
👍💗🙏🌿