Bedstraw

Galium apparent

COMMON NAMES

• Bedstraw
• Catchstraw

Bedstraw is a perennial that grows 8 in to 12 in (20 cm to 30 cm) in height, with climbing stems adorned with whorled leaves. All the stems bear small thorns that grab onto animal fur and onto clothes. The flowers are white and very small.

PARTS USED

Whole plant.

HABITAT AND CULTIVATION

Bedstraw grows in colonies in acidic, moist soil, along streams and shaded ditches.

CONSTITUENTS

Bedstraw contains vitamins A, C and K, minerals (iron, silica, sodium and potassium), acids, asperulin, coumarin, flavonoids.

APPLICATIONS

The whole bedstraw is used, preferably fresh and crushed, in a poultice (1 handful or 10 g) on a wound, age spots, and even on a skin tumor. In a decoction: drink 2 to 3 cups (500 ml to 700 ml), or 1 plant in 1 cup (250 ml) water, of fresh bedstraw daily. This is a powerful depurative of the blood, the lymph, the kidneys and the prostate. Prepare a mother tincture (1 part plant to 2 parts alcohol, vinegar or wine) against skin or kidney ailments: 5 to 10 drops, depending on the concentration, before each meal. When diluted in water to 20%, it can also be applied to many skin disorders and even on freckles.

STONE-CRUSHING TINCTURE

• 1 cup (250 ml) white wine (12%) alcohol content or something similar
• 1/4 cup (15 g) fresh bedstraw

Finely chop the bedstraw by hand or in a vegetable mill and macerate in the wine for 1 month away from light. Strain. Consume as needed. To prevent kidney stones, take 1 t (5 ml) before each meal for 1 month. It can also be used in a compress applied to wounds and persistent cysts.

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