Cleavers: the ultimate Spring tonic

‘Sticky willy’, ‘goose grass’, ‘catch weed’ and ‘beggar lace’, are just some of the colloquial names for the common hedgerow perennial called Cleavers (Galium aperine).  You will recognise this common plant for its long sticky, clingy and bristly foliage and troublesome sticky seed balls (that I seem to spend hours brushing out of my cockapoo’s furry coat!).  Often found growing alongside stinging nettle, this plant can form part of an effective spring cleansing regime given its lymphatic, diuretic and kidney and liver supporting properties.  Cleavers is a water mover, supporting the flow of lymph and stimulating the kidneys.  For this reason, it is considered as a drying herb as it moves water and fluid through the lymphatic system and out through the kidneys, and it also has a mild laxative effect.  Therefore, if you take cleavers as part of a spring cleanse, you also need to make sure you have adequate fluid intake.   Alongside its water and blood moving properties, it is also toning, astringent, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory helping to strengthen and stimulate the immune system.  Taken internally, it is a traditional remedy for chronic skin disorders including acne, eczema, urticaria and psoriasis.  Also, thanks to its lymphatic properties, it is an affective remedy for swollen glands, glandular fever, breast tenderness, swollen ankles, and recurrent tonsilitis.  Topically an ointment made with cleavers can be used to treat ulcers.  Also, Cleavers infused oil can be massage into sore breasts and swollen glands.  Cleavers is a good diuretic herb to use in cases of urinary infections, renal gravel and kidney stones.  It can also lower blood pressure through its diuretic effects and helps to relieve osteoarthritis. It combines well with other supportive herbs such as horsetail, and shepherd’s purse in equal parts for treating urinary infections, bleeding and chronic cystitis and can be used over an extended period of time to soothe and tone an irritated bladder (Tayler, 2021).  It can also be used with Marigold (Calendula off.) to support conditions where there is a lot of congestion or infection (heavy and swollen tissue).  You can gather the upper parts in early spring when shoots are small and before it goes to seed.  It is best taken as a fresh hot or a cold overnight infusion.  Chop the upper parts of the plant and leave to infuse in cold water overnight.  Strain and drink in the morning.  You can follow this regime for 3-4 weeks in early Spring when the shoots are young and small, and the effects are slightly weaker (as it can be mild laxative too!).  The plant becomes stronger as Spring progresses, but you will become more accustomed to the cleansing effects.  If used as part of a Spring cleanse, you can combine it with nettle tops and chickweed in a tasty soup, and by cutting out rich fatty food and improving fluid intake it will assist in clearing an overloaded lymph system.  Following an illness or use of medication, if taken over a few weeks, Cleavers will help to build up stamina and strength and reduce the effects of any previous medications.  Energetically, Cleavers is slightly bitter and hot, and encourages new energy and motivation to have a good declutter both physically and emotionally.  Fostering a new lease of life, it helps to raise vitality and turn cold wet dampness into new growth.  So, if you would like to clear away the old and stale, follow new directions and try new things, Cleavers may well be the plant for you!  Ruled by the moon, Cleavers represents tenacity and can represent the “calm sea at twilight” (Brooke, 1992), the time of calm and thoughtfulness before renewed activity.   Great for those beginning a new phase of life, to take stock of what has passed and to review and assimilate before moving forward.  The ultimate spring herb!

References

Brooke, E. (1992).  A Woman’s Book of Herbs. Aeon Books.

Taylor, S. (2021). The Humoral Herbal: A Practical Guide to the Western Energetic System of Health, Lifestyle and Herbs (Aeon Books).