536. Galium.—Cleavers. Lady's Bedstraws.
Botanical name:
536. GALIUM.—CLEAVERS. LADY'S BEDSTRAWS. The herb of Ga'lium apari'ne Linné. Habitat: Northern Hemisphere. Stem weak, quadrangular, prominently winged, and covered with retrorse prickles; leaves linear-lanceolate, borne in whorls. Flowers small, white, axillary, the single ovary ripening into a two-seeded, bristly fruit. Aperient, diuretic, and alterative; also used in psoriasis and other skin diseases. Dose: 30 to 60 gr. (2 to 4 Gm.), in infusion.
G. ve'rum (Yellow Lady's Bedstraw) has a smooth stem, bearing yellow flowers. G. triflo'rum contains coumarin, and has a fragrant odor when dry.
