Galium aparine is commonly known as Cleavers, but may also be known as clivers, goosegrass. stickywillie, catchweed, hedgeburs and gripgrass. Cleavers is a common weed found in hedgerows, fields and waste lands. It is a scrambling annual which can reach a height of 1.2m ans spread of 3m. It has whorls of 6-9 elliptic cleaves.
The generic name (Galium) is derived from gala which is Greek for 'milk' and the species name 'aparine' comes from the Greek word apara meaning 'to seize'; cleavers is able to curdle milk and the hooked bristles which cover the plant allow it to cling on to things.
The young leaves and stems can be eaten as a cooked vegetable and can be added to soups. Harvest the aerial parts in late spring or early summer before the plant becomes too fibrous and before the hard, round seeds appear.
Cleavers was traditionally used in the treatment of obesity - Culpeper writes 'It is familiarly taken in broth to keep them lean and lank, that we apt to grow' and 'It is a good remedy in Spring, eaten (being first chopped small, and boiled well) in water-gruel, to cleanse the blood, and strengthen the liver, thereby to keep the body in good health, and fitting it for that change of season that is coming'.
Also traditionally used in the treatment of cancer.
Cleavers is a valuable plant in herbal medicine. and is one of my favourite cleansing remedies. The plant is a lymphatic, meaning that it supports the lymphatic system which helps to detoxify the body, and is a diuretic. It is an excellent remedy for swollen lymph glands and is given alongside other herbs for the treatment of tonsillitis, glandular fever and recurrent throat infections. Cleavers is also used in the treatment of eczema psoriasis and seborrhoea.
Combines with Althea officinalis, Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, Borosma betulina and Zea mays for urinary tract infections (though a medical herbalist should be consulted rather than self-prescribing to ensure that any infection has not spread to the kidneys).
Combines well with Calendula and Echinacea for lymphatic problems
To make a Spring Cleansing Tea:
The plant can be used fresh or dried. Gather approx 1 handful of the young plant (stalks and leaves) and place in a teapot of boiling water. Leave to infuse for 5-10 minutes, then serve using a tea strainer. Drink up to 3 cups daily Note dose is for adults.
To make a cold infusion:
Gather a handful of cleavers and place in a pan or bowl. Add cold water so that you are covering the plant material and cover the pan with a lid or cloth. Strain and drink 1 cup a day
NOTE: Galium is a diuretic therefore caution should be exercised in people with diabetes.
Galium aparine by Veda West ©Veda West