When spring arrives, our bodies naturally crave lighter foods, fresh greens, and herbs that help us shed the heaviness of winter. One of nature’s quiet allies for this springs seasonal reset is Cleavers (Galium aparine). Sometimes called “sticky weed” or “goosegrass,” cleavers is an herb that clings to your clothes when you walk through the fields—but inside the body, it gently supports your lymphatic system, skin, and urinary health.
At Wildly Botanical, we carry cleavers as a loose leaf herb, feature it in our Love Your Lymph Tea, and even blend it into our Resilience Roller for topical lymphatic and immune support. Let’s dive into why this sticky little plant deserves a spot in your apothecary.
Benefits of Cleavers
1. Lymphatic Flow
Cleavers is one of the most beloved lymphatic herbs. It helps the lymphatic system do its job: moving waste, toxins, and excess fluid out of the body. This makes it especially supportive when you’re feeling sluggish, puffy, or stagnant.
2. Skin Support
Because the lymph is closely tied to skin health, cleavers can be helpful for those who experience occasional breakouts, rashes, or dullness. By supporting detox pathways, it encourages a clearer, more vibrant complexion.
3. Gentle Diuretic Action
Cleavers has a soft flushing effect on the urinary tract, supporting the kidneys and helping reduce water retention. Unlike harsher diuretics, it’s mild enough for longer-term use when needed.
4. Spring Ally
In traditional herbalism, cleavers is considered a classic spring tonic. It helps the body align with seasonal transitions, offering renewal and lightness after the heaviness of winter, but its a great addition during all seasons.
Simple Recipes with Cleavers
1. Cleavers Cold Infusion (Herbal Water)
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1–2 tbsp dried cleavers (or a small handful fresh if you forage)
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16 oz cool filtered water
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Let steep overnight in the fridge.
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Strain and sip throughout the next day for a refreshing, lymph-moving drink.
This cold infusion is crisp and green, perfect as a daily tonic in spring and summer.
2. Cleavers & Citrus Tea
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1 tbsp dried cleavers
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1 tsp dried lemon peel
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½ tsp dried ginger
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Pour 12 oz hot water over herbs, steep 10 minutes.
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Strain and enjoy.
A bright, uplifting tea that combines cleavers’ detoxifying properties with digestive and immune-loving citrus and ginger.
3. Cleavers Skin Soak
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¼ cup dried cleavers
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¼ cup dried calendula
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¼ cup dried oatstraw
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Place herbs in a muslin bag or jar, pour 2–3 cups boiling water over, let steep 20 minutes.
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Add to a warm bath for a soothing soak that calms the skin and supports lymphatic flow.
Wildly Botanical Products Featuring Cleavers
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Loose Leaf Cleavers – Perfect for crafting your own teas, cold infusions, and bath soaks at home. A must-have herb for every spring apothecary.
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Love Your Lymph Tea – A seasonal favorite! This blend combines cleavers with other lymphatic allies like calendula and red clover. It’s the tea we reach for when the summer heat causes swelling or when we want to encourage gentle daily detoxification.
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Resilience Roller – For topical use, this roller blends cleavers extract with other immune and lymphatic supportive herbs and oils. Roll along the neck, underarms, or swollen areas to encourage lymph flow.
Final Thoughts
Cleavers may look like a sticky little weed in your yard, but it’s truly a gift for your lymph, skin, and whole body. Whether you sip it as a tea, infuse it overnight for a refreshing tonic, or roll it on topically with our Resilience Roller, this plant reminds us that sometimes the most humble herbs hold the greatest power.