Monograph: Cleavers

Botanical Name:

Galium aparine

Common Names:
Cleavers, Goosegrass, Bedstraw, Stickyweed, Catchweed, Grip Grass

Family:
Rubiaceae

Plant Description:
Annual herb with slender, square stems that sprawl or climb using tiny hooked bristles. Leaves are narrow, in whorls of 6–8, also covered in fine hooks. Small, star-like white to greenish flowers bloom in clusters. Clings easily to clothing and fur.

Habitat & Cultivation:
Native to Europe and North America. Thrives in moist, shady hedgerows, gardens, woodland edges, and disturbed soils. Prefers rich, damp ground. Easily self-seeds and grows vigorously in spring and early summer.

Parts Used:
Aerial parts (fresh is preferred)

Harvesting:

• Gather young, tender growth in spring and early summer
• Use immediately or juice/freeze if preserving; not suitable for drying long-term use

Traditional Uses:

• Renowned lymphatic and urinary tonic
• Used to “cool the blood,” reduce inflammation, and clear skin eruptions
• Traditionally applied for swollen glands, tonsillitis, and urinary gravel
• Folk remedy for cancerous growths and ulcers
• Employed as a gentle spring cleanser and tonic

Modern Applications:

• Promotes lymphatic drainage and detoxification
• Supports kidneys and bladder in clearing waste and reducing irritation
• Used internally or externally for cysts, swollen lymph nodes, and edema
• Helpful for acne, eczema, and psoriasis when combined with alteratives
• Juiced or used fresh in spring tonics

Preparations:

• Juice: Fresh plant juiced alone or with water
• Infusion: Use fresh or freeze-dried herb; steep gently
• Tincture: Made from fresh plant, 1:2 ratio with alcohol
• Poultice: Crushed herb for inflamed glands or skin issues
• Cold infusion or vinegar: Infuse for gentle tonic use

Dosage:

• Juice: 1–2 tbsp fresh juice daily during cleansing period
• Tincture: 2–4 mL, 2–3x daily
• Infusion: 1 cup of fresh herb tea up to 3x daily
• Topical: Apply poultice or compress as needed

Constituents:
Iridoid glycosides, coumarins, tannins, citric acid, chlorophyll, silica, vitamins C and A

Mechanism of Action:

• Stimulates lymphatic circulation and drainage
• Diuretic properties promote fluid elimination and reduce swelling
• Cooling and astringent action soothes inflamed tissue
• Detoxifying and alterative action supports skin and immune system

Safety & Contraindications:

• Generally considered safe
• Best used fresh; dried herb loses potency
• Avoid in cases of severely impaired kidney function without supervision
• Use caution when combining with diuretics

Historical Context or Folklore:
Cleavers has long been part of European spring cleansing traditions. The sticky nature of the plant led to names like "catchweed" and inspired its use as natural Velcro. Historically used in country medicine to make a nourishing, cooling tea after winter. Its close relatives were once used to curdle milk and stuff mattresses—hence the name “bedstraw.”

References to Scripture (if applicable):
Not directly referenced, but its role in cleansing and restoration echoes Psalm 51:10 – “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.”

German Common Name:
Kletten-Labkraut

Other Notes:

• Combine with violet, red clover, or calendula for lymphatic blends
• Can be juiced with lemon or cucumber for a spring detox drink
• Beneficial as part of seasonal reset or gentle detoxification plan

© Triple H Homestead - 2025