Cleavers

Cleavers is also called goose-share, and goose-grass. The common cleavers has divers very rough square stalks, rising two or three yards sometimes, if it meets with any tall bushes or trees, whereon it climbs without claspers, or it creeps on the ground, full of joints, each of which shoots out a branch, and leaves usually six, set in a round compass, like a star, or rowel of a spur; from between the leaves or the joints at the top of the branches come forth very small white flowers. The seeds grow two together; they are rough. The stalks, leaves, and especially the seeds are so rough that they will stick to any thing they touch.

It grows in hedges, and by ditch-sides, and it is injurious to whatever grows near it. It flowers in june or july, and the seed is ripe in august. The juice of the herb is a good styptic for bleeding wounds. It is taken in broth, to keep those lean who are apt to grow fat. The distilled water drank twice a day is good for the yellow jaundice; and the decoction also has the same effect, and stayeth lasks, both are useful in the bloody flux. The juice is also very good to close up the lips of green wounds, and the powder of the dried herb cures old ulcers.

Boiled in hog's lard, it relieves hard swellings, or kernels in the throat. The juice is good for ear-ache. It is a renowned diuretic, most appropriate to remove speedily suppression of urine, gravelly complaints, removing slimy matter and obstructions from the kidneys and bladder. It has been found useful in the cure of scurvy. The infusion should always be made in cold water; say 4 ounces to 2 pints.