Click to download this recipe card. And learn more about Cleavers below!

Cleavers Mini Monograph

My favorite ways to use Cleavers are as noted in the recipe card. I use this a lot in the springtime when it comes up and is ready to use. I often include this in herbal infusions for clients. I always include a lymph-moving herb in infusions. I will choose either cleavers, chickweed, burdock, or red clover, depending on my clients’ personal needs. I might choose cleavers over the other herbs if they tend to form tumors of any kind, need extra support for the urinary tract system, or require a moistening diuretic.

CLEAVERS – Galium aparine 

• FAMILY: Rubiaceae 
• COMMON NAMES: Bedstraw, goose grass 
• PARTS USED: Above-ground parts just before flowering. 
• DEGREE:  1st degree  
• TASTE: Salty, sweet, mildly bitter 
• TISSUES AFFECTED:  urinary tract, lymphatic 
• ENERGETICS: Cold and dry, relaxant 
• CLINICAL ACTIONS/PROPERTIES: Diuretic, Alterative, lymphatic 
• CONTRAINDICATIONS: If on blood thinners or if on diuretics. 
• NUTRITION: High in Vitamin C and Silica, used as an infusion. 
• DOSAGE:  
  • Juice the whole plant and drink a few ounces of the liquid.  Freeze rest. 
  • TINCTURE:  Fresh 1:2 40-60 drops 3x/day 
  • INFUSION: 1oz in 32oz boiling water, steep 4-8 hours. 
• Topically, as a tea/compress, it has been used for eczema, Psoriasis, and sunburns 
• USES FOR LYMPHATIC SYSTEM: 
  • Tonic for the lymphatic system 
  • For skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis 
  • Swollen, hot lymph nodes 
  • Lymphedema 
• USES FOR URINARY TRACT: 
  • Helpful when urine is dark, cloudy, and scanty 
  • Moistening diuretic which supports any type of burning or irritation in the urinary tract. 
  • Kidney and bladder stones, as it has some antilithic properties. Helps dissolve uric acid 
  • Bladder infections 
  • Prostatitis, and soreness of testicles upon rising (Wood, 2011) 

FUN FACT:

• The seeds of Cleavers make one of the best substitutes for coffee; they require only to be dried and slightly roasted over a fire, and, so prepared, have much the flavor of coffee. They have been so used in Sweden. The whole plant gives a decoction equal to tea.
• From <http://botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/c/cliver74.html>

LEARN MORE ABOUT HERBS IN YOUR AREA IN THE FAMILY HERBALIST COURSE COMING UP LEARN MORE HERE

RESOURCES:

Easley, T., & Horne, S. (2016). The Modern Herbal Dispensatory: A Medicine-Making Guide (Illustrated). North Atlantic Books.

Wood, M. (2008). The Earthwise Herbal, Volume I: A Complete Guide to Old World Medicinal Plants (46555th ed.). North Atlantic Books.