
Cleavers
6 reviewsCleavers
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Cleavers (Galium aparine) is a classic spring cleansing herb with a long history in Western herbalism for its cooling, diuretic, and lymph-moving properties. Often included in seasonal detox teas or skin and urinary formulas, it’s used to reduce puffiness, support lymphatic flow, and promote elimination. While traditionally taken fresh, our dried aerial parts are ideal for infusions, tinctures, or topical use year-round.
- Traditionally used for swollen glands, fluid retention, and skin eruptions
- Supports lymphatic circulation, urinary tract function, and immune balance
- Common in “spring cleanses,” detox teas, and women’s blends
- Soothing and slightly bitter — used as a cooling diuretic and gentle cleanser
- Backed by research for wound healing, liver protection, and antimicrobial activity
Tea (infusion): Steep 1–2 tsp dried herb in hot water for 10–15 minutes. Drink 2–3 times per day for skin, lymph, or urinary support.
Cold infusion: Steep overnight in cool water for a refreshing “spring tonic” style tea. Combine with mint or lemon balm to enhance flavour.
Tincture: Take 2–5 mL (1:5) up to 3x/day for lymphatic or urinary support. Combine with calendula or red clover as needed.
Topical: Use cooled tea or poultice on swollen glands, minor wounds, or inflamed skin. Infuse in water or vinegar for washes.
Pets: May be added to feed or tincture blends for dogs or horses with vet guidance. Often used for lymph and urinary support.
Cleavers is a favourite among herbalists for its gentle but noticeable cleansing action. Customers use it for fluid balance, skin support, post-winter sluggishness, or as part of their spring wellness routine. It pairs well with nettle, calendula, dandelion leaf, or corn silk. Though best fresh, this dried herb retains excellent quality and makes a pleasant infusion. Store airtight and use seasonally or as needed. Not known for flavour, but much loved for its effects.
Not for use during pregnancy or with kidney failure. Diuretic — drink extra fluids. May cause mild rash or digestive upset in sensitive individuals. Avoid long-term daily use unless guided. Store dry and cool.
- Actions: Lymphatic tonic, diuretic, alterative, mild astringent, anti-inflammatory
- Systems: Lymphatic, urinary, skin, immune
- Energetics: Cooling, moistening, gently bitter
- Pairings: Calendula, nettle, dandelion leaf, red clover, uva ursi
- Clinical note: Best used short-term or seasonally. May increase fluid loss. Monitor with other diuretics or fluid-sensitive medications. Avoid use in pets without vet approval.
This information is for general reference only. Consult your practitioner if pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing chronic illness. Not for long-term internal use without guidance. Store away from moisture.