Cleavers (Galium aparine), also known as goosegrass, catchweed, or stickywilly, is an herbaceous annual plant that often gets overlooked as a bothersome weed. However, this tenacious herb has been used for centuries in folk medicine to treat a variety of ailments.
As spring arrives, cleavers can be found growing prolifically in hedges, woodlands, and gardens across Europe, Asia, and North America. Let’s take a closer look at the medicinal properties and uses of this amazing plant that you might be mistaking for a weed.
Identifying Cleavers
Cleavers are easy to identify by their distinctive characteristics:
- Square stems with whorls of 6-8 narrow, lance-shaped leaves.
- Tiny hooked hairs cover the leaves and stems, causing the plant to stick to clothing and fur.
- Grows in dense mats, often reaching 2-3 feet in length.
- Produces small, star-shaped white flowers followed by sticky, round seed pods.
The hooked hairs help the plant climb and spread, aiding in seed dispersal by clinging to passing animals.
Medicinal Properties
Cleavers contain a variety of beneficial compounds, including:
- Tannins: Help reduce inflammation and have an astringent effect on tissues
- Iridoids: Exhibit antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties(ref)
- Flavonoids: Possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects
These constituents contribute to the herb’s potent medicinal properties, which include:
- Lymphatic System Support: Cleavers are well-known for stimulating lymphatic flow and aiding in the removal of toxins and waste products from the body. This makes them useful for treating swollen lymph nodes, edema, and other lymphatic disorders.
- Urinary Tract Health: As a mild diuretic, cleavers help flush excess water and promote healthy kidney function. It has been traditionally used to treat urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and other urinary issues.
- Skin Health: Due to their anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties, cleavers can help soothe and heal various skin conditions, such as cuts, scrapes, burns, insect bites, eczema, and psoriasis, when applied topically.
- Detoxification: Cleavers act as natural detoxifiers, helping to cleanse the blood and support the body’s elimination of toxins through their diuretic action and ability to enhance liver function.
How to Use Cleavers
There are several ways to incorporate cleavers into your natural health routine:
- Infusion: Steep fresh or dried cleavers in hot water for 10-15 minutes to make a tea. Drink 2-3 cups daily.
- Tincture: Take 2-4 ml of cleaver tincture up to 3 times per day.
- Juice: Harvest fresh cleavers and run them through a juicer. Drink 1-2 ounces per day or add to other juices or smoothies.
- Poultice: Mash fresh cleavers into a paste and apply directly to skin irritations, wounds, or insect bites.
Young cleaver shoots can also be eaten as a vegetable, but the hooked hairs can make them less palatable when raw. The roasted seeds have historically been used as a coffee substitute.
Safety & Precautions
While cleavers are generally considered safe for most people when used appropriately, there are some precautions to keep in mind:
- Cleavers may cause allergic reactions in some individuals. Start with a small amount and discontinue use if symptoms occur.(ref)
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid using cleavers due to a lack of safety data.
- Cleavers may interact with diabetes medications and affect blood sugar levels. Monitor closely if using the herb.
- Those with high blood pressure or taking blood thinners should consult a healthcare provider before using cleavers.
As with any herbal remedy, it’s always best to consult with a qualified herbalist or healthcare practitioner to determine the appropriate dosage and method of use for your individual needs.
Cleavers may be an unassuming plant, but its powerful medicinal properties have earned it a place in the herbal repertoire for centuries. From supporting lymphatic function and urinary health to promoting skin healing and detoxification, this sticky spring herb offers a natural way to enhance overall wellness.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.