Cleavers

Cleavers is a cleansing herb. Cleaning house throughout the body, especially the lymph system. As the body is cleansed, all types of issues can clear up as well, including many skin conditions.

Printable for Herbal

Galium aparine

Family: Rubiaceae - coffee

Parts used: aerial parts; leave, blossoms, stems

Actions

Antibacterial

Anti-Inflammatory

Astringent

Alterative

Diuretic

Diaphoretic

Lymphatic

Febrifuge

Vulnerary

Tonic

Energetics/Body Systems Affected

Cooling

Drying

Cleansing

Uses

• Lymphatic system support and cleansing.

• Swollen glands, adenoid issues, tonsilitis, edema, and goiters.

• Shrink tumors, cysts, modular growth on skin

• Support for blood, kidney, bladder, skin, and glands

• Urinary conditions, reduce and eliminate stones

• Jaundice, biliary obstruction, gallstones

• Digestive issues, indigestion, diarrhea, constipation

• Blood cleansing

• Cramps, migraines, neuralgia

• Restlessness, insomnia, panic

• Skin conditions of all kinds, eczema, psoriasis, rash, sores, bites, etc.

• Cuts, wounds, burns, itching, etc.

• Earache, sore throat, fever

  
  

Herb Preparations

Fresh plant is more potent than when dried.

• Food: add leaves to culinary dishes

• Juiced (best way to utilize, 1-2 teaspoons, 3 x day).

• Tea

• Tincture, liniment (use alcohol).

• Herbal oil

• Salve, cream, ointment

• Poultice, compress

Foraging/Harvesting

Cleavers can be foraged for in woods, fields, farmland, stream banks, hedgerows, and as a garden “weed.”  A creeping annual that readily self-sows with lance shaped leaves formed in a circle around the stem and tiny bristles that catch on clothing and other plants. Dainty, star shaped, white flowers bloom from April to September.

• Best harvested in the spring before flowering but can be harvested anytime.

• Cleavers are more potent when fresh, so it is best to immediately make your herbal preparations.

• You can also chop up or juice and then freeze for future use.