Cleavers - Galium aparine

As your knowledge of herbal remedies grows, you will find that most herbs have a stage of growth when their medicinal constituents peak.  

Cleavers grows tall on a single stem and has tiny white flowers.

Roots like dandelion, yellow dock, marshmallow, and burdock have the most vitality in the early spring or after a hard frost in the fall.  This is the time when the plant's energies are stored in the roots.

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Other plants, like St. John's Wort and cleavers are most potent when in bloom, while other herbs like nettles should not be used once flowers form.

Cleavers is a weedy plant that grows among other plants in woodsy settings.  It grows best in moist soil and is easy to identify as it will "cleave" or attach itself to your clothing as you walk by.

Although cleavers can be dried, the fresh picked herb is best, as the medicinal properties of the dried plant will dissipate quickly over time.  I like to make a batch of cleavers tincture when the small (and I mean VERY small) flowers appear in the spring.

Cleavers leaves are thin with a wagon wheel formation.

Cleavers is very effective in preventing urinary tract infections. I drink a dropper full of cleavers tincture, diluted in a glass of water, at the very first sign that a urinary tract infection may be brewing.  

Cleavers is a tonic herb that supports the lymph system as it removes toxins from the body.

The cleansing and diuretic properties of this herb make it useful for treating skin conditions such as  psoriasis, acne, and eczema.  People suffering from arthritis, gout, and obstructed lymph glands may also benefit from using cleavers.  

Some sources report the herb can be used to treat tumors, especially those occurring in the skin, breasts, and lymphatic systems.

Cleavers will stick to your clothing with tiny hooks.

To preserve cleavers for year around use, tincture the fresh herb in 100 proof vodka following these instructions.

If you dry the herb, be sure to store it out of sunlight, away from moisture and use it within 6 months for the best results.  The fresh plant can also be juiced.

If you are out in the woods this spring, looking for morel mushrooms, keep your eyes open for cleavers as well.

Please note: The objective of this blog is to raise awareness of alternative ways to achieve wellness and to empower you to take an active role in your health decisions.  To accomplish this, you will need to explore these subjects in greater depth and then determine what makes sense for your life.  My hope is that this information will inspire you to start your own search into ways to make your life happier, healthier and more fulfilling.