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Practical ecological knowledge for the temperate reader. |
Family: Rubiaceae - Madder [E-flora]
"Annual, perennial herb, occasionally ± shrubby, glabrous to hairy, generally scabrous; dioecious, bisexual, or flowers unisexual and bisexual. Stem:' 4-angled, occasionally ridged lengthwise. Leaf: generally in whorls of >= 4, including leaf-like stipules. Inflorescence: panicles, axillary clusters (cymes), or occasionally 1 in axils. Flower: bisexual, or unisexual with sterile stamens or pistils; calyx 0; corolla generally rotate, occasionally ± bell-shaped, generally ± green, yellow to white, occasionally pink or red, lobes generally 4; ovary 2-lobed, styles 2, bases ± fused. Fruit: 2 nutlets or berry.
± 650 species: worldwide, especially temperate. (Greek: milk, from use of some species for curdling) [Dempster 1978 Univ Calif Publ Bot 73:1–33; Soza & Olmstead 2010 Amer J Bot 97:1630–1646] Ovary and fruit generally ± equally hairy on a plant; staminate plants generally identified by vestigial ovaries, pistillate plants generally by vestigial anthers. Galium saxatile L., Galium schultesii Vest, and Galium verum L. are lawn weeds in California." [Jepson]
Local Species;
Species Mentioned;
Hazards
"Many herbalists recommend bedstraw as an herb that can be used freely without fear of irritation. However, in Alaska's Wilderness Medicines, Viereck cautions that "continued use of cleavers tea has caused irritation to the mouth and tongue." Demulcent herbs (such as Fucus, or the non-Alaskan slippery elm) should be blended with Galium if the herb is taken frequently. Viereck adds that Galium should be avoided by those with a tendency to diabetes." [Schofield]
Edible Uses
The Cowichan rubbed this plant on their hands to take pitch off. They also used the dried plants for lighting fires (Harry, 1969).[Turner&Bell]
(Galium verum, G. triflorum)
Folk Names: Cleavers, Madder's Cousin
Gender: Feminine
Planet: Venus
Element: Water
Power: Love
Magical Uses: Fragrant bedstraw is worn or carried to attract love. [EMH Cunningham]
Pharmacology: "To understand how cleavers works in the body, you need to know a little about the lymphatic system. When our arteries carry oxygenated blood out to the far reaches of the body, the blood vessels branch smaller and smaller until only one red blood cell at a time can pass through.
These tiny blood vessels are the capillaries. Here, the red blood cells give up their oxygen and nutrients to the clear liquid around them, which then crosses the capillary walls into the cells.
The cells take the oxygen and nutrients, and in return give up their metabolic waste products to the fluid. This fluid doesn’t go back into the blood vessels, but is collected by the lymphatic vessels, which are like a white bloodstream flowing back through the body toward the heart in parallel with the veins.
White blood cells in the lymphatic fluid start cleaning it up, and it passes through lymph nodes where the process continues. When it is all clean, the fluid rejoins the bloodstream at the point where the large vein enters the heart. Here it is pumped out to the lungs and the cycle begins again. If the lymph is clean and flowing well, the body will be healthy.
Herbally, cleavers promotes the lymphatic flow and helps rid the lymphatic system of metabolic waste. In effect, it is like a pipe cleaner for the body’s lymph ves sels. This makes it a good remedy for swollen glands, adenoid problems, tonsillitis, and earache. Again because of its effect on the lymph, cleavers enjoys a strong reputation for helping to shrink tumors, both benign and cancerous, and for removing nodular growths on the skin." [BackMed]
Phytochemicals
G. aparine; G. boreale; G. triflorum; "A number of species in this genus contain asperuloside, a substance that produces coumarin and gives the scent of new-mown hay as the plant dries[238]. Asperuloside can be converted into prostaglandins (hormone-like compounds that stimulate the uterus and affect blood vessels), making the genus of great interest to the pharmaceutical industry[238]." [PFAF]
References
Status: Exotic [E-flora]
References
"General: Annual herb from a taproot; stems weak, climbing or prostrate, solitary, few branched, square, short-hairy on the angles, the hairs pointed downwards, 10-100 cm tall/long." [IFBC-E-flora]
"Habitat / Range Moist to mesic fields, waste places, beaches and open forests in the lowland, steppe and montane zones; common on Vancouver Island, less frequent on Queen Charlotte Islands, SW BC and SC BC; circumpolar, N to S AK, E to NF and S to FL, TX and CA; Eurasia." [IFBC-E-flora] "A common wild plant throughout Europe, in Asia from Siberia to the Himalayas, and in North and South America." [PDR]
"Additional Notes There is debate as to the origin status of this species. While some consider it native to North America, some feel it is introduced. It is possible it is native but that it has also been introduced from Europe (Gucker 2005)." [E-flora]
Ecological Indicator Information "A shade-tolerant/intolerant, submontane to montane, circumpolar forb (transcontinental in North America). Occurs in cool temperate and cool mesothermal climates on nitrogen-rich soils: its occurrence decreases with increasing elevation. Common in herbaceous communities on disturbed sites; sporadic in open-canopy, broad-leaved forests on water-shedding and water-receiving sites. A nitrophytic species characteristic of Moder and Mull humus forms." (Information applies to coastal locations only) [IPBC-E-flora]
Status: Native [E-flora]
Medicinal Use
"The medicinal parts are the aerial parts collected during the flowering season and dried, as well as the fresh, flowering herb and the fresh or dried whole plant." [PDR]
"The drug is used internally as well as externally for ulcers, festering glands, lumps in the breast and skin rashes. It is also used for lithuresis and calculosis and as a diuretic for dropsy, bladder catarrh and retention of urine (ischuria)." [PDR] Efficacy has not been proven." [PDR]
"Smith advocates G. aparine for lymphatic cancer, tumors, cysts, cystitis, and for gravel in the urinary tract." [Schofield]
"Since shelf life is poor, the fresh herb is greatly preferred. For year-round use, tincture the fresh plant or freeze quantities of the tea. Generally, one cup of the tea (steep one heaping tablespoon fresh flowering herb in 1 cup water) is taken before each meal; for serious condi- tions, a thermos of the tea is prepared and a sip taken every twenty minutes. For goiter and mouth cancer, the tea is drunk plus used as a gargle. The herb is said to dissolve stones in the bladder, rid organs of toxic waste, and strengthen the liver. Hepatitis, jaundice, goiter, and painful urination have all reportedly been helped by this herb." [Schofield]
Dosages
Phytochemicals
References
"General: Perennial herb from a creeping rhizome; stems erect or ascending, many, simple or few-branched, short-bearded below the nodes, angled, smooth, 20-80 cm tall." [IFBC-E-flora]
"Habitat / Range Moist to dry meadows, grasslands, shrublands, rocky slopes, open forests and shorelines from the lowland to upper subalpine zones; common throughout BC except absent on the Queen Charlotte Islands and the north coast; circumpolar, N to AK, YT and NT, E to PQ, NS and NB and S to DE, OH, MO, TX and CA; Eurasia." [IFBC-E-flora]
Status: Native [E-flora]
"Prefers a loose moist leafy soil in some shade[200]. Tolerates dry soils but the leaves quickly become scorched when growing in full sun[200]. This species does not thrive in a hot climate[200]." [PFAF]
"Seed - best sown in situ as soon as it is ripe in late summer[200]. The seed can also be sown in spring though it may be very slow to germinate[200]. This plant does not really need any help to reproduce itself. Division in spring or throughout the growing season if the plants are kept well watered[200]. Very easy, larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring." [PFAF]
"General: Perennial herb from a creeping rhizome; stems erect, solitary, simple, round, smooth or sparsely hairy, 10-30 cm tall." [IFBC-E-flora]
"Habitat / Range Moist streambanks, thickets, forests and talus slopes in the lowland and montane zones; infrequent in coastal and C BC; rare in SE BC; amphiberingian, N to AK, E to NF and S to NY and ME; E Asia." [IFBC-E-flora]
Status: Native [E-flora]
"General: Perennial herb from a creeping rhizome; stems prostrate or ascending to erect, several, branched, round, smooth or sometimes short spreading-hairy below, 30-120 cm tall/long." [IFBC-E-flora]
"Habitat / Range Mesic to dry fields, roadsides and disturbed sites; rare in extreme SW and SC BC; introduced from Eurasia." [IFBC-E-flora]
Status: Exotic [E-flora]
Synonyms
"Galium odoratum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in) at a medium rate. It is hardy to zone (UK) 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to July, and the seeds ripen from Jul to August. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Flies, bees, self.The plant is self-fertile.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid and very alkaline soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) or semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers dry or moist soil. It can tolerate atmospheric pollution." [PFAF]
"General: Perennial herb from a creeping rhizome; stems ascending to erect, several, branched, 4-angled, bristly at the nodes otherwise smooth, 15-45 cm tall." [IFBC-E-flora]
"Characteristics: Sweet Woodruff is aromatic when dried; the taste is bitter and tangy." [PDR]
"Not to be Confused With: Gallium mollugo or Gallium sylvaticum" [PDR]
Habitat / Range
"Disturbed sites; rare garden escape on S Vancouver Island and Saltspring Island; introduced from Eurasia." [IFBC-E-flora]
"Woodland and shady areas[4, 14] on damp calcareous and base rich soils[17]. Often found in beech woods[268]. Northern and central Europe, including Britain, south and east to N. Africa and Siberia." [PFAF] "The plant grows in northern and central Europe, Siberian and northern Africa." [PDR]
Origin Status: Exotic [E-flora]
"The freshly harvested plant contains melilotoside as glycosidic precursor of coumarins. In the process of dehydration, coumarin is released (content up to 1% coumarin in freshly dried drug). Health risks or side effects following the proper administration of designated therapeutic dosages are not recorded. Headache and stupor can occur with the administration of higher dosages of the drug. Susceptible patients could experience liver damage following long-term administration. This effect is reversible following discontinuation of the drug. Liver enzyme values should be monitored." [PDR]
"Generally reported to contain coumarin in bound form (glycoside) that is set free by enzymatic action during wilting or drying. However, one study did not detect any coumarins in woodruff.1" [Leung ECNI]
"Class 1. Rarely may cause headache (AHP). None known for proper dosages (PHR). High dosages may cause dizziness, headache, nausea, and stupor (APA; PHR). Long-term consumption may damage idiosyncratic livers (PHR). Not allowed in German products (PHR). Animals fed large doses of coumarin may experience blood clotting problems, growth inhibition, liver damage, and testicular atrophy." [HMH Duke]
Edible Uses
Select Indications (Woodruff) Bacteria (1; APA; CRC; HHB); Circulosis (f; LAF; PH2); Colitis (f; CRC; HHB); Cramp (1; APA; CRC; HHB; PHR; PH2); Dysmenorrhea (f; PHR; PH2); Edema (1; APA; PHR; PH2); Fever (f; APA; CRC); Hemorrhoid (f; LAF; PH2); Hepatosis (f; CRC; HHB; PH2); Hysteria (f; PHR); Infection (1; HHB); Inflammation (1; APA; CRC; JLH; PHR; PH2); Insomnia (f; APA; CRC; HHB; PHR; PH2); Nervousness (f; APA; CRC; HHB; PHR; PH2); Swelling (1; APA; PHR; PH2); Varicosis (f; APA; PH2); Venosis (f; PH2); Water Retention (f; APA; CRC); Wound (1; APA; CRC). [HMH Duke]
"Sweet woodruff was widely used in herbal medicine during the Middle Ages, gaining a reputation as an external application to wounds and cuts and also taken internally in the treatment of digestive and liver problems[4]. In current day herbalism it is valued mainly for its tonic, diuretic and anti-inflammatory affect[254]. The leaves are antispasmodic, cardiac, diaphoretic, diuretic, sedative[9, 13, 21, 200]. An infusion is used in the treatment of insomnia and nervous tension, varicose veins, biliary obstruction, hepatitis and jaundice[9, 238]. The plant is harvested just before or as it comes into flower and can be dried for later use[9]. One report says that it should be used with caution[21] whilst another says that it is entirely safe[9]. Excessive doses can produce dizziness and symptoms of poisoning[268]. The dried plant contains coumarins and these act to prevent the clotting of blood - though in excessive doses it can cause internal bleeding[254]. The plant is grown commercially as a source of coumarin, used to make an anticoagulant drug[268]. Do not use this remedy if you are taking conventional medicine for circulatory problems or if you are pregnant[254]. A number of species in this genus contain asperuloside, a substance that produces coumarin and gives the scent of new-mown hay as the plant dries[238]. Asperuloside can be converted into prostaglandins (hormone-like compounds that stimulate the uterus and affect blood vessels), making the genus of great interest to the pharmaceutical industry[238]. A homeopathic remedy made from the plant is used in the treatment of inflammation of the uterus[238]." [PFAF]
Aerial Parts
Unspecified
Pharmacology
"Antiaggregant (1; APA); Antibacterial (1; APA; CRC; HHB); Antiedemic (1; APA; PHR; PH2); Antiinflammatory (1; APA; CRC; PHR; PH2); Antiseptic (1; APA); Antispasmodic (1; APA; CRC; PHR; PH2); Anxiolytic (f; CRC); Aperient (f; CRC); Aphrodisiac (f; CRC); Astringent (1; APA); Bitter (1; APA; CRC); Deobstruent (f; CRC); Depurative (f; CRC); Diaphoretic (f; APA; CRC); Digestive (1; APA); Diuretic (f; APA; CRC); Expectorant (f; APA); Hepatotonic (f; APA); Hepatotoxic (1; CRC); Hypnotic (f; CRC); Insectifuge (1; CRC); Lymphokinetic (1; PHR; PH2); Sedative (f; APA; CRC; HHB); Sialagogue (1; APA); Stomachic (f; CRC)." [HMH Duke]
"Other constituents reported present include asperuloside (0.05%), monotropein, tannins, anthracene and naphthalene derivatives, traces of nicotinic acid, fixed oil, and bitter principle, among others" [Leung ECNI] "The coumarin content may impart antiphlogistic, antiedematic, spasmolytic and lymphokinetic properties. However, due to the low level of coumarin, the therapeutic effect is doubtful." [PDR]
| Galium odoratum (L.) SCOP. - Rubiaceae [DukePhyt] | |
| Chemical /Part /Loppm /Hippm /Reference | |
ANTHRACENE-DERIVATIVES Plant DUKE1992A |
MONOTROPEIN Plant DUKE1992A NAPHTHALENE-DERIVATIVES Plant DUKE1992A NICOTINIC-ACID Plant DUKE1992A NICOTINIC-ACID-AMIDE Plant DUKE1992A RUBRICHLORIC-ACID Plant DUKE1992A TANNIC-ACID Plant DUKE1992A TANNIN Plant DUKE1992A |
Propagation
"Seed - best sown in situ as soon as it is ripe in late summer[200]. The seed can also be sown in spring though it may be very slow to germinate[200]. A period of cold stratification helps reduce the germination time. Lots of leafmold in the soil and the shade of trees also improves germination rates. Division in spring. The plant can also be successfully divided throughout the growing season if the divisions are kept moist until they are established[200]. Very easy, larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring. Cuttings of soft wood, after flowering, in a frame." [PFAF]
Cultivation
"Prefers a loose moist leafy soil in some shade[200]. Tolerates dry soils but the leaves quickly become scorched when growing in full sun[200]. This species does not thrive in a hot climate[200]. Prefers a moist calcareous soil[9, 13, 14]. Dislikes very acid soils[187]. Tolerates a pH in the range 4.3 to 8.3. This species is very tolerant of atmospheric pollution and grows well in towns[208]. A very cold-hardy plant, tolerating temperatures down to about -25°c[187]. Sweet woodruff is occasionally cultivated in the herb garden for its medicinal and other uses. The dried foliage has the sweet scent of newly mown hay[245]. A very ornamental plant[1] but it spreads rapidly[28] and can be invasive[200]. However, this is rarely to the detriment of other plants since these are normally able to grow through it[200]. It does no harm to any plants more than 60cm tall[208]." [PFAF]
Synonym
Asperula odorata L. [E-flora]
Status: Native [E-flora]
References
"Galium triflorum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Flies, beetles, self. The plant is self-fertile.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers dry or moist soil." [PFAF]
"General: Perennial herb from a creeping rhizome; stems prostrate to ascending or climbing, several, branched, square, short-hairy on the angles, the hooked hairs pointed downwards, 20-80 cm long." [IFBC-E-flora]
Habitat / Range
"Moist to mesic streambanks, thickets and forests in the lowland, steppe and montane zones; common throughout BC; circumpolar, N to AK, YT and SW NT, E to NF and S to FL, CA and MX; Eurasia." [IFBC-E-flora]
Origin Status: Native [E-flora]
Ecological Indicator Information
"A shade-tolerant, submontane to subalpine, circumpolar forb (transcontinental in North America). Occurs on fresh to very moist, nitrogen-rich soils within boreal, temperate, and cool mesothermal climates; its occurrence decreases with increasing elevation. Common on water-receiving (alluvial, floodplain, seepage, and stream-edge) sites: also present in early-seral communities. Scattered in coniferous forests, plentiful in broad-leaved forests. Typically associated with Athyrium filix-femina, Polystichum munitum, Rubus parviflorus, and Tiarella trifoliata. A nitrophytic species characteristic of Moder and Mull humus forms." (Information applies to coastal locations only) [IPBC-E-flora]
"A number of species in this genus contain asperuloside, a substance that produces coumarin and gives the scent of new-mown hay as the plant dries[238]. Asperuloside can be converted into prostaglandins (hormone-like compounds that stimulate the uterus and affect blood vessels), making the genus of great interest to the pharmaceutical industry[238]." [PFAF]
Nutritional Information
Propagation
"Seed - best sown in situ as soon as it is ripe in late summer[200]. The seed can also be sown in situ in the spring though it may be very slow to germinate[200]. Division in spring. The plant can be successfully divided throughout the growing season if the divisions are kept moist until they are established[200]. Very easy, larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring." [PFAF]
Cultivation
"Prefers a loose moist leafy soil in some shade[200]. Tolerates dry soils but the leaves quickly become scorched when growing in full sun[200]. This species does not thrive in a hot climate[200]." [PFAF]
Synonyms
"Galium verum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in).
It is hardy to zone (UK) 3 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from Jul to August, and the seeds ripen from Aug to September. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Flies, beetles, self.The plant is self-fertile.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure." [PFAF]
"General: Perennial herb from a creeping rhizome; stems decumbent to erect, several, branched, finely hairy, at least in the inflorescence, 25-120 cm tall/long." [IFBC-E-flora]
Habitat / Range
"Mesic to dry fields and roadsides; rare on Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, SC BC and SE BC; introduced from Eurasia." [IFBC-E-flora] "Waste ground, roadsides etc[7], mainly near the sea[4], on all but the most acid soils[17]. Most of Europe, including Britain, to W. Asia." [PFAF] "The plant grows throughout Europe (with the exception of Lapland and arctic Russia), as well as in Asia Minor, Iran and Syria." [PDR]
Origin Status: Exotic [E-flora]
"Characteristics: The flowers have a strong honey fragrance." [PDR]
Hazards
Edible Uses
Select Indications (Lady’s Bedstraw) Cancer (f; JLH); Cancer, breast (f; JLH); Cancer, ganglion (f; JLH); Cancer, skin (f; JLH); Dermatosis (f; GMH; HHB); Dysuria (f; GMH; WOI); Epilepsy (f; GMH; WOI); Gravel (f; GMH; WOI); Hysteria (f; GMH; WOI); Water Retention (f; PH2; WOI); Wound (f; GMH; HHB; PH2). [HMH Duke]
"Lady's bedstraw has a long history of use as a herbal medicine, though it is little used in modern medicine. Its main application is as a diuretic and as a treatment for skin complaints[254]. The leaves, stems and flowering shoots are antispasmodic, astringent, diuretic, foot care, lithontripic and vulnerary[4, 7, 9]. The plant is used as a remedy in gravel, stone or urinary disorders[4, 9, 53, 238] and is believed to be a remedy for epilepsy[4, 21]. A powder made from the fresh plant is used to soothe reddened skin and reduce inflammation[7] whilst the plant is also used as a poultice on cuts, skin infections, slow-healing wounds etc[9]. The plant is harvested as it comes into flower and is dried for later use[9]. Both Asperuloside (a terpenoid) and Coumarin (a benzopyrone) occur in some species of Galium. Asperuloside can be converted into prostaglandins (hormone-like compounds that stimulate the uterus and affect blood vessels), making the genus of great interest to the pharmaceutical industry[238]." [PFAF]
Dosages: "2 heaping tsp in 250 ml water, 2–3 cups/day (PH2)." [HMH Duke]
Phytochemicals
"Alterative (f; WOI); Antispasmodic (f; HHB); Aphrodisiac (f; HHB); Astringent (1; WOI); Bitter (f; WOI); Diuretic (f; PH2; WOI); Hypotensive (1; HHB)." [HMH Duke]
Greens (per 100g fresh weight) - Phosphorus 24mg; water 90g [Turner&Kuhnlein]
Propagation
"Seed - best sown in situ as soon as it is ripe in late summer[200]. The seed can also be sown in situ in the spring though it may be very slow to germinate[200]. Division in spring. The plant can be successfully divided throughout the growing season if the divisions are kept moist until they are established[200]. Very easy, larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring." [PFAF]
Cultivation
"Prefers a loose moist leafy soil in some shade, but it tolerates a position in full sun[14]. Plants are tolerant of dry soils[1], but do not thrive in a hot climate. They dislike very acid soils[17, 53]. A very invasive plant[1], though it is low-growing and mixes without harm with any plants at least 60cm tall[K]. It grows well in the summer meadow[24] and is a food plant for the larvae of several species of butterflies[30]." [PFAF]