Cleavers Herb vs Stillingia sebifera

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Cleavers Herb

Galium aparine

Skin and Topical

Skin and Topical

Cleavers Herb

✅ Generally safe in pregnancy

✅ Generally safe while nursing

Stillingia sebifera

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

A common garden weed and important lymphatic herb; fresh plant juice drains lymph nodes, reduces tonsil swellings, and supports skin detoxification.

Chinese tree whose seed coating provides vegetable tallow; used in TCM for skin diseases and cough.

Active Compounds

Iridoids, Tannins, Glycosides, Caffeic acid

stillingia factor, flavonoids, fatty acids, tannins, resins

Traditional Uses

Lymph swellings and glandular fever in European tradition, Skin diseases and psoriasis, UTI and kidney support

skin diseases, cough, constipation, liver, edema

Modern Uses

Lymphatic drainage, Diuretic and urinary tonic, Skin detoxification

topical antimicrobial, expectorant, laxative, anti-inflammatory

Adult Dosage

3-6g fresh herb juice or 4-8g dried herb as cold infusion

Topical application or 3-9g decoction

Contraindications

Very safe – minimal contraindications

pregnancy, internal large doses

Side Effects

Rare skin rash, Mild GI disturbance

GI irritation, topical skin irritation

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E