Cleavers - Time for an internal spring clean...

The days are finally drawing out, the evenings are lighter, and there is a change in the air. We are now starting to see sudden burst of green leaves on trees, the birds are busy nest building, and flowers are starting to bloom. These subtle signs of life herald in what is to come; and that is always uplifting, particularly after months of seeing brown and grey...
One of my favourite visions of green is from the herb cleavers - which is often seen growing with nettle - they are friends! I harvest it all the time, and make cleavers juice to give myself a spring clean
Read below for why you should get cleavers into your life, and how to make juice for yourself.

Cleavers overview & medicinal uses:

Latin name: Galium aparine
Family name: Rubiaceae (same as coffee)
Parts used: Ariel - when in flower, seeds

Medicinal actions: Diuretic (increases urine output), depurative (improves detoxification, and helps to eliminate waste from the body - otherwise known as a 'blood cleanser'), lymphatic (clears the lymphatic system - effectively improving immune function).

Medicinal uses: Cleavers is a cooling herb, so be mindful of using if you tend to feel the cold. It is therefore considered useful if there is too much heat in the body, reducing inflammation. It is an all round 'tonic' meaning it just gently boosts and builds upon our own bodily systems. It actively clears and eliminates waste and toxins, and cleans up and tones those elimination channels too. It is like having a house cleaner in!

• Oedema and swollen/enlarged lymph glands - Often associated with cancer and tumours, and with post treatment. It helps to reduce fluid retention, and clear the excessive build up. It decongests and clears those immunity channels.
• Kidney stones and weakened urinary system - Again, it reduces water retention, tones and cleanses the kidneys, and is useful clearing infections such as cystitis.
• Anything skin related - Eczema, psoriasis, rashes, burns, abrasions. This can be used topically as a cooling poultice/compress for direct relief as well as internally. Our skin (also an elimination organ) reflects what is happening internally, so the clearing and cleansing nature of cleavers, of eliminating toxins and waste means it gradually clears the skin too.

Habitat and cultivation: Classed as a weed - this is drought tender and frost resistant. It  self sows freely, and is a bit of a scrambler, often intertwined amongst tall grasses, and other plants, in particular it is often seen with nettle.

It comes up early spring, and can be harvested throughout spring and summer, once in flower. You can harvest this a few times over, as it grows back quickly.
*As always, just take what you need, and from all over, not just from one patch. This ensures the plant's recovery and sustanability. Also check where you are picking it, ideally not on a polluted roadside, or on a farm boundary (which may use pesticides), don't pick on a known dog walking area! Just be mindful*
Cleavers feels sticky, due to its tiny hooked hairs, and has small white flowers consisting of 4 petals. Take the top third of the plant, this part is youngest, containing more of the plant's energy. As it is under the dominion of the moon, try picking when it is full for extra potency!

How to make cleavers juice...

What you need:

• A few big handfuls of fresh cleavers
• A blender
• A fine sieve/muslin cloth
• A large glass jar/bottle

Method:

• Wash cleavers thoroughly
• Add to blender, covering with water
• Blend
• Strain into chosen vessel
• Store in fridge (no longer than 3 days) and drink as required. * I add to my morning smoothies, I never measure, just slug it in!*
  

This herb is so well matched for this time of year, for moving out the sluggishness of winter, and to prepare for the new energy of spring/summer. We have spring cleaned our homes, and now we can do the same for our bodies too.