In my e-book on Do-In and Spring, I refer to Cleavers, a herb that can be found on almost every roadside and especially supports the energy of the Wood Element. In this blog, I'll share about this plant and its energetic qualities.
Whenever possible, I devour books about the energetic effect of food, and herbs. I especially find the effect of local products interesting; I assume that the earth gives us what we need in the place where we live. That's why I love foraging - with respect for nature (not too much, especially "weeds"). The nice thing about this is that sometimes what you need literally grows next door. This certainly applies to one of the plants that make me happy in spring: Cleavers (Gallium aparine L). It has a strong purifying effect and is, therefore, an ideal herb at the beginning of the year. It helps to remove waste products that remain in the body in winter (when the metabolism is usually a bit lower). You probably know the seeds as the small balls that stick to your clothes or your pet's fur. These seeds are edible, as are the shoots, leaves and flowers.
Taste: sour, bitter
Route (meaning: which meridian systems and organs it supports in particular) lung, kidneys, bladder, liver, gallbladder, stomach, spleen
Elements it mainly works on: all, but especially Wood
Regulates: dampness and body fluids
Specific effect and application: The leaves (Feb-Oct): The leaves have a refreshing, mildly cooling energetic effect. They purify the blood, lymphatic fluid and life energy, improve circulation and dissolve dampness and mucus. Dampness and phlegm are terms that we don't see much in western medicine, but we do see them in eastern medicine. You can interpret dampness as a thickening and slowing down in the energy flow so that tissues are less nourished with life force and waste products accumulate. Phlegm is a worse form of dampness. Both are seen as causes of tumours. Cleavers are therefore sometimes used as natural support in treatment against tumours. The damp-dissolving effect supports the Liver and Gallbladder, the Wood element that ensures free circulation of life force energy. It also supports the Stomach and Spleen, which support digestion. Digestion is much better when there is no dampness or mucus in this system. Use the leaves and shoots as tea, vegetables: soup, quiche, dough, homemade burgers or fried egg, juice (juicer).
The flowers (May-October): These have a refreshing to neutral energetic effect (slightly less cooling than the leaves). The other qualities are the same as the leaves. Use the flowers as topping for example on a salad.
The seeds (September - October): The seeds have a neutral energetic effect. The damp-dissolving effect of the seeds mainly focuses on the Bladder, Kidneys, and lymphatic system. For example, eat the seeds regularly if you are prone to cystitis. Use the seeds mildly roasted like little nuts on a salad, or roasted like "coffee" - I've never tried this myself but I heard it is tasty. Let me know if you try this and how you like it!
Our diet has a major effect on our energy flow. Together with Do-In (stretching and acupressure), you can support the health of yourself and others with knowledge of nutrition. I will not (yet) go into specific wild-picking herbs at Do-In Academy. But luckily this blog offers space for that when I feel inspired! However, Eastern nutrition is part of the teaching package, so that you learn to work with terms such as dampness, the refreshing quality of foods, Blood and the like.
