Cleaver Plant: Health Benefits & Side Effects

Cleaver Plant: Health Benefits & Side Effects

What is Cleaver Plant?

Cleaver, as the name implies, is a plant that climbs or cleaves on other surrounding plants for support. It is mostly found in some parts of Europe, Asia, North America, and Australia. The cleaver plant is also sometimes referred to as the blade of wildflower and grows up to 6 feet tall.

The plant is mainly used for medicinal purposes, and every part of the plant is useful, ranging from the flower to the fruits, the seeds, and most commonly, the seeds. Cleaver plants for medicinal purposes can come in different forms like capsules, teas, creams, and tinctures.

In fact, in some parts of Europe, the seeds and fruits of the cleaver plant are blended dry and used as beverages. These beverages are usually healthy and help in the maintenance of good health.

Studies have shown that the leaves, seeds, flowers, and fruits of the cleaver plants are effective in the prevention of several health conditions, as well as the improvement of those conditions in people who already suffer from those conditions.

Some of the health-benefiting effects of cleaver on the human health include; prevention and treatment of urinary infection, inhibiting cancer cells growth, improvement of skin conditions, lowering of BP, healing wounds faster than some over-the-counter medications, treating bladder conditions, and protecting the internal organs from failure or damage.

All these health benefits are courtesy of the properties packed within the cleaver plant. Be it that you consume the tea, capsule, or use the tincture, it will be as effective as it should be. In addition, this herb can both be used internally and externally.

In terms of external use, it can be applied to the affected area of the body in its raw form. Also, creams can be made out of it for better experiences.

Health Benefits of Cleaver

Protects the Kidneys

The kidneys play quite a vital role in the body. As small as they might seem, their absence could spell harm to the body.

Drinking beverages made from cleaver can help in the detoxification of the kidneys, elimination of kidney stones, and prevention of severe kidney conditions like fibrocystic tissues. People who employ this herb as part of their kidney medications have experienced significant improvement in the function of their kidneys.

As much as attainable, try to stick to the procedure of taking the herb and watching it do its thing.

Cancer

Cancer is one of the leading rationales for death in the world today. It affects specific parts of the body, and leaving it untreated for a long period of time can cause it to metastasize.

However, consuming capsules or teas made from cleaver can help inhibit the growth of cancer cells, if there are any at all. It can also help eliminate dead cells in the body that may morph into cancer cells. What is more? Cleaver is packed with antioxidants that rid the body of free radicals that cause oxidative damage to the organs in the body.

In other words, it diminishes your chances of experiencing severe health conditions like cancer. It is more effective in the treatment of breast and colon cancers.

Snake Bites, Scorpion Bites, or Spider Bites

Cleaver has also been discovered to be a great first aid choice in the treatment of bites and the elimination of venom from the body.

Thus, if you live in an environment where there are snakes or scorpions, you should have cleaver around you. Whenever you notice you have been stung or bitten, crush the leaves of the plant and apply the juice directly to the area of the bite or sting to suck out the venom.

In addition, you can boil the leaves and drink the water to get out the venom that might have lodged within your body system.

Treats External Ulcer

Cleaver can both be used internally and externally. For internal use, it can be used in the treatment of severe health conditions within the body. It could come in the form of capsules or in tea bags for steeping.

tummy achesIt can also be applied externally, especially on the skin, to treat different skin conditions. External ulcers, when left untreated, can be dangerous, as they can expose you to several forms of infections.

Thus, rather than leaving it untreated, it is best to get yourself a cleaver plant, boil it in water, allow the water to cool a bit, then bathe in the water. Repeat this process twice a day until you begin to see results.

Improves Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a skin disorder that causes the skin to fold in multiple layers, depriving your skin of the supple glory it once had. It is an autoimmune condition that can linger for a long time.

Treating this condition involves both internally and externally used medication. It is usually caused by inflammation and can get worse if care is not taken.

Cleaver, on the other hand, has a wealth of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory as well as antibacterial properties that eliminate the inflammation that causes the condition, prevent the skin from getting infected, and also protect your external organ from oxidative damage and cell death.

Regulates Blood Pressure

Cleaver is known to be an awesome blood thinner. It also has properties that make it effective in the elimination of blockages in the arteries that are responsible for the passage of blood to and from the heart.

It also loosens out arteries that are too tight, thereby reducing or regulating the pressure at which the heart pumps blood and ensuring better blood circulation. It is, however, important to avoid cleaver if you are already on any blood thinner medication.

To regulate blood pressure using a cleaver, you can steep one tablespoon of dried cleaver seeds in hot water and drink it daily, while you also check your blood pressure regularly to prevent it from dropping below normal.

Helps in the Management of Weight

If you are a regular consumer of cleaver beverages, your body will get accustomed to getting rid of excess fat. Rather than digesting, absorbing, and storing fat in the body, it gets rid of excess fat. This actually makes it one of the best herbs you can use during your weight loss journey.

In addition, studies have shown that cleaver has a high dietary fiber content that can help boost your metabolic rate by a lot. Thus, if you think only physical exercises can help you manage your weight, you are mistaken, as physical exercise plays its part in weight management, but combining it with weight loss foods, herbs and supplements can help you reach your weight loss goals in a shorter time.

Treats Edema and Other Swellings

Edema happens mostly when the kidneys no longer perform their functions properly. It can get worse if left untreated. Cleaver is a plant that, when converted into tea or used as an herb, can protect the kidneys from damages that may lead to Edema.

In addition, it has properties that reduce swellings in both internal glands and external parts of the body. It gets rid of cysts that grow in different parts of the body, especially on the organs in the body. Some women who have used the herb have also confirmed that it is a great remedy for sore breasts.

Caution

  • As great as the herb can be, it is best to use it in moderation, as its excessive use can cause skin irritation, especially if you use it on your skin for a prolonged period of time without stopping.
  • Also, if you are on blood-thinning medications, avoid cleaver, as it is a natural blood thinner on its own
  • To avoid pregnancy complications, avoid cleaver if you are pregnant
  • If you are diabetic, avoid cleavers

How to Use

For external problems like kidney stones, cancer, fibroid, urinary incontinence, and liver conditions, steep dried leaves in hot water and drink. You can also add powdered fruits or seeds like flaxseed or fennel and drink twice a day for one month.

For external problems like elephantiasis, sores, nipple discharge, and other skin conditions, you should blend the leaves with the affected area of the body. You can also drink the juice for a better experience and quicker recovery.

Conclusion

Cleaver is an effective medicinal plant and has been tried by many people. These people have also spoken about how helpful the herb has been to them.

breakfastHowever, as enticing as the health benefits of the cleaver plant may be, you should consume the herb with caution to avoid its side effects.