Cleavers Medicinal Benefits – a Deep Dive
Image by Kathy McCabe and Copilot
Today, we’re going to do a deep dive into the wonders of Cleavers (Galium aparine). I was surprised to find that this herb was wildly beneficial when I thought it was nothing more than a nuisance. Cleavers is characterized for its tiny hooks that attach to everything! And, is indicative of several medicinal benefits – of which I think the main benefit is its ability to flush out impurities from the lymphatic system and reduce inflammation. I like to imagine those hook-like properties grabbing impurities and removing them.
Galium aparine, courtesy of Wikipedia
Cleavers (Galium aparine), also known as goosegrass or bedstraw, is a fascinating herb with a long history of medicinal use. Here’s a detailed look at its properties:
Medicinal Benefits
- Lymphatic Support: Cleavers is renowned for its ability to stimulate the lymphatic system, helping to detoxify the body by promoting the removal of waste and abnormal cells.
- Skin Health: It is often used to treat skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and acne due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
- Diuretic Effects: Cleavers acts as a natural diuretic, aiding in the elimination of excess fluids and supporting kidney and urinary tract health.
- Immune System Boost: Some studies suggest that cleavers may enhance immune function by increasing lymphocyte production, which helps the body fight infections and even pre-cancerous cells.
- Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Its gentle yet effective anti-inflammatory effects make it useful for reducing swelling, particularly in cases of sore throat, tonsillitis, or other inflammatory conditions.
- Liver Detoxification: Cleavers is believed to support liver health by assisting in the detoxification process.
Traditional Uses
- Spring Cleanse: Historically, cleavers has been a favorite for spring detox routines, helping to clear out “winter baggage” from the body.
- Topical Applications: It has been applied externally to soothe skin irritations and promote healing.
- Herbal Preparations: Cleavers is commonly used fresh in teas, tinctures, or herbal vinegars, as it loses much of its potency when dried.
Preparation and Usage
- Harvesting: The plant is best harvested in its green state, before it starts to bloom.
- Forms: Cleavers can be consumed as a tea or tincture or even infused into vinegar. Its seeds can also be roasted to make a coffee-like beverage.
Cleavers is a gentle yet powerful herb, making it a valuable addition to natural remedies. If you’re considering incorporating it into your practice, ensure proper identification and consult a healthcare professional for guidance.
Here’s a simple and effective spring cleanse recipe using cleavers to support detoxification and refresh your body:
Cleavers Spring Cleanse Tea
Ingredients:
- 1 handful of fresh cleavers (Galium aparine) (approximately 1/4 cup, loosely packed)
- 2 cups of water
- 1–2 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice (optional)
- 1 teaspoon of raw honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cleavers: Rinse the fresh cleavers thoroughly under cool water to remove any dirt or impurities.
- Boil the Water: In a small pot, bring 2 cups of water to a gentle boil.
- Steep the Cleavers: Remove the water from heat, add the cleavers, and cover the pot. Let them steep for 10–15 minutes to extract their nutrients.
- Strain: Pour the tea through a strainer into a mug to remove the plant material.
- Optional Additions: Add fresh lemon juice for a zesty flavor and an extra boost of vitamin C. You can also sweeten with honey or maple syrup if desired.
- Enjoy: Sip slowly, preferably in the morning, to kickstart your body’s natural cleansing processes.
Tip: For a more potent cleanse, drink this tea daily for a week alongside a balanced diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, and plenty of water.
To enhance the cleansing benefits and flavor of your Cleavers Spring Cleanse Tea, you can add complementary herbs. Here are some options:
Complementary Herbs
- Dandelion Root or Leaves: Known for its detoxifying properties, dandelion supports liver and kidney health, making it a great pairing with cleavers.
- Nettle (Urtica dioica): Rich in vitamins and minerals, nettle is a powerful ally for overall vitality and supports kidney function and detoxification.
- Peppermint (Mentha piperita): Adding peppermint can give your tea a refreshing taste while aiding digestion and reducing bloating.
- Ginger (Zingiber officinale): Ginger’s anti-inflammatory and digestion-enhancing properties make it a warming addition.
- Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis): This calming herb complements detox teas with its mild, citrus-like flavor and stress-relieving effects.
- Red Clover (Trifolium pratense): An excellent herb for cleansing the blood and supporting the lymphatic system, like cleavers.
Suggested Proportions
- 1 part cleavers
- 1 part dandelion
- 1 part nettle
- ½ part peppermint or lemon balm
- ½ part ginger (if you prefer a warming touch)
- Optional: ½ part red clover for enhanced blood-cleansing benefits (If you are a breast cancer patient, red clover should be avoided)
Cleavers (Galium aparine) has shown potential in supporting the body’s natural defenses against cancer. Here’s what research and traditional use suggest:
- Lymphatic System Support: Cleavers is known to stimulate the lymphatic system, which plays a crucial role in immune function. By promoting lymphatic drainage, it helps the body eliminate toxins and abnormal cells, including pre-cancerous ones.
- Immune Modulation: Studies indicate that cleavers may boost the production of lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell essential for fighting infections and abnormal cell growth.
- Anti-Tumor Activity: Preliminary research has shown that cleavers extract can inhibit the growth of certain cancer cells through apoptosis (programmed cell death). This has been observed in studies involving human tumor cells.
- Blood Cleansing: Cleavers is traditionally used as a blood purifier, which may indirectly support the body’s ability to manage abnormal cell growth.
While these findings are promising, it’s important to note that more research is needed to fully understand cleavers’ role in cancer prevention or treatment.
Cleavers can be a gentle and effective herb for soothing and healing skin. Here’s a recipe for a Cleavers Skin Soothing Salve:
Cleavers Skin Soothing Salve
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of fresh cleavers (Galium aparine) leaves and stems
- 1 cup of carrier oil (e.g., olive oil, almond oil, or coconut oil)
- 1 ounce of beeswax (or plant-based wax for a vegan option)
- 10 drops of lavender essential oil (optional, for added soothing and antimicrobial properties)
Instructions:
- Infuse the Oil:
- Wash and dry the fresh cleavers thoroughly.
- Place the cleavers in a clean, dry jar and pour the carrier oil over them, ensuring they are completely submerged.
- Close the jar tightly and allow the mixture to infuse for 2–3 weeks in a cool, dark place, shaking the jar occasionally. For quicker results, gently heat the oil and cleavers in a double boiler for 2–3 hours, keeping the heat low.
- Strain the Oil:
- Once infused, strain the oil through a cheesecloth or fine mesh to remove plant material.
- Create the Salve:
- In a double boiler, melt the beeswax or plant-based wax over low heat.
- Stir in the infused cleavers oil, mixing well. Add lavender essential oil for extra benefits, if desired.
- Pour and Cool:
- Pour the mixture into small, clean containers or jars.
- Let it cool and solidify before sealing the jars.
- Use:
- Apply the salve to clean skin to soothe irritations, dryness, or minor inflammations. It’s gentle enough for daily use.
This salve combines the anti-inflammatory and skin-nourishing properties of cleavers with the moisturizing effects of the carrier oil and beeswax.
So, the next time you’re walking through a field of sticking weeds, take a look – they may be cleavers!
Sources for more information:
- The Outdoor Apothecary: A guide on identifying, harvesting, and using cleavers, including its medicinal properties.
- The Old Farmer’s Almanac: Insights into cleavers as a spring herb, its health benefits, and practical uses.
- Verywell Health: An overview of cleavers’ health benefits, including its effects on the immune system and skin conditions.
- The Practical Herbalist: A detailed look at cleavers’ medicinal properties, traditional uses, and preparation methods.
- Cleavers Herb Uses, Benefits, Cures, Side Effects, Nutrients
Kathy is an herbalist/naturopathy practitioner who is constantly researching to expand her knowledge. She came to herbalism after her migraine medicine was suddenly removed from the market and she had to find something new. After discovering the magic of herbs she’s never looked back. She is accredited by the International Practitioners of Holistic Medicine (IPHM) and is an Associate Member of the American Herbalist Guild.