{"id":9551,"date":"2023-05-18T17:29:36","date_gmt":"2023-05-18T16:29:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/?post_type=herb&p=9551"},"modified":"2026-02-12T11:45:35","modified_gmt":"2026-02-12T11:45:35","slug":"cleavers","status":"publish","type":"herb","link":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/herb\/cleavers\/","title":{"rendered":"Cleavers"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"featured_media":9552,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","beyondwords_generate_audio":"1","beyondwords_integration_method":"rest-api","beyondwords_project_id":"47224","beyondwords_content_id":"6310c95b-fddf-4fcc-a19c-72bc6940478c","beyondwords_preview_token":"9c36c305-eb0c-4514-8b75-8327ff59a12c","beyondwords_player_content":"","beyondwords_player_style":"","beyondwords_language_code":"","beyondwords_language_id":"","beyondwords_title_voice_id":"","beyondwords_body_voice_id":"","beyondwords_summary_voice_id":"","beyondwords_error_message":"","beyondwords_disabled":"","beyondwords_delete_content":"","beyondwords_podcast_id":"","beyondwords_hash":"","publish_post_to_speechkit":"","speechkit_hash":"","speechkit_generate_audio":"","speechkit_project_id":"","speechkit_podcast_id":"","speechkit_error_message":"","speechkit_disabled":"","speechkit_access_key":"","speechkit_error":"","speechkit_info":"","speechkit_response":"","speechkit_retries":"","speechkit_status":"","speechkit_updated_at":"","_speechkit_link":"","_speechkit_text":""},"tags":[],"conditions":[701,699,695,700,697],"sustainability":[1576],"sense":[17,786,527,27],"western_action":[989,992,994,1000,1005,1006,1008,1013,1015,1826,1018,1025],"chinese_action":[],"ayurvedic_action":[],"energetics_action":[1383,1488,1490,1495,1494],"writer":[],"region":[1893],"class_list":["post-9551","herb","type-herb","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","conditions-immune-system","conditions-musculoskeletal-system","conditions-respiratory-system","conditions-skin","conditions-urinary-system","sustainability-green-sustainability-status","sense-aromatic","sense-cooling","sense-salty","sense-sweet","western_action-alterative","western_action-anti-inflammatory","western_action-antioxidant","western_action-astringent","western_action-demulcent","western_action-depurative","western_action-diuretic","western_action-hepatic","western_action-immunomodulant","western_action-lymphatic","western_action-relaxant","western_action-vulnerary","energetics_action-cold","energetics_action-moist","energetics_action-relaxing","energetics_action-salty","energetics_action-sweet","region-western-herbs"],"acf":{"last_reviewed":"20250829","herb_author":null,"banner_text":"Cleavers has powerful cleansing and regenerative properties","latin_name":"Galium aparine<\/em>","pseudonym_name":"","family_name":"Rubiaceae","herb_summary":"Cleavers supports the lymphatic system and is used for relieving all manner of congestion in the body, as well as conditions of the skin and urinary tract.","key_benefits":"Lymphatic\r\nDetoxifying \r\nSinusitis and respiratory congestion\r\nSkin conditions\r\nUrinary tract conditions","how_does_it_feel":"A cold infusion made using spring water and freshly foraged cleavers is one of the finest tastes of spring. Cleavers deliver a crisp, clean cucumber-like taste which is a delight to drink. When making an infusion with cleavers, the fresh herb is always best due to its high water content, and much of the herb mass and the medicinal potency is lost on drying. The tincture of cleavers is similar to the taste \u2014 with smooth and grassy tones.<\/span>","hdif_image_1":9553,"hdif_image_2":9554,"hdif_image_3":9555,"hdif_video":"https:\/\/youtu.be\/jEQPaXw4sow","sense":[17,786,527,27],"what_can_i_use_it_for":"[caption id=\"attachment_9552\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"513\"]\"Cleavers Cleavers (Galium aperine<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nCleavers is a spring cleansing medicine. The herb supports the lymphatic system and assists with clearing congestion, such as with spring colds. They can be used as a daily tonic throughout spring to clear stagnation built up throughout the winter. This medicine is safe for all the family and is best used as a fresh herb, foraged in early to mid spring (1).<\/span>\r\n\r\nCleavers directly support immune function by promoting lymphatic drainage and can be used to help reduce the symptoms of seasonal viruses and bacterial infections (2). By enhancing lymphatic drainage cleavers helps to reduce congestion in the tissues and support microcirculation, aiding in the removal of metabolic waste as well as delivering essential nutrients throughout the body.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe <\/span>anti-inflammatory<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>lymphatic<\/span><\/a> qualities of cleavers are effective in supporting conditions of the upper respiratory tract by reducing swelling and resolving congestion. In promoting effective lymphatic function, cleavers helps to reduce mucus build up and breathing difficulties (3). Cleavers supports chronic skin conditions such as <\/span>eczema<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>acne<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>psoriasis<\/span><\/a> through its cleansing and detoxifying properties (1,3).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe season to harvest cleavers is short, and as they are best used fresh, a great way to use the herb is to make a succus (or juice), which can then be frozen into ice trays for extended use (see below for instructions).<\/span>","into_the_heart_of":"Energetically, cleavers are cooling and <\/span>demulcent<\/span><\/a>. Cleavers improves the movement and flow in the lymphatic system, reducing stagnation in the tissues. This action allows for better removal of toxins and, therefore, it also allays inflammation and restores balanced function in tissues throughout the body. <\/span>\r\n\r\nThe removal of toxins and congestion produces a systemic cooling action. This indicates cleavers in the treatment of hot, inflamed or chronic inflammatory disorders where a cooling and decongestant action would be beneficial \u2014 such as fluid retention, excess phlegm and rheumatic conditions (4).\u00a0<\/span>","tradtional_uses":"Cleavers have a strong historical reference for the treatment of tumours, cancer as well as for tuberculosis, syphilis and dropsical complaints. Many of the most renowned herbalists and physicians throughout history have referenced this herb\u2019s use for hot inflamed skin conditions and as a blood purifier. Culpeper additionally recommended cleavers for the treatment of earache and for \u201ccolds of the head\u201d (5).<\/span>\r\n\r\nIn the King\u2019s American Dispensatory, published in The British Medical Journal in 1883, a case was described of a patient with severe non-healing leg ulcers that failed to respond to typical treatments, finally was remedied by cleavers. The text states that the fresh aerial parts were made into a poultice and applied to the leg ulcers, three times a day. It writes, \u201cthe effect in this most unhopeful case was decisive and plain to all. Healthy action ensued, and has since steadily continued; and, after a month of treatment, both ulcers have been reduced to considerably less than half their original size\u201d (6).<\/span>","what_practioners_say":"

\"ImmuneImmune system<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\r\nCleavers are a primary herb of the lymphatic system, an integral part of the immune system responsible for fluid balance. This makes cleavers a highly useful medicine for almost all treatment protocols, due to the importance of these functions in holistic herbalism. Part of the lymphatic system\u2019s function is to transport white blood cells (immune cells) around the body. Therefore, when working to support the immune system, it is wise to also consider lymphatic support (1,3).<\/span>\r\n\r\nImproving the function of the lymphatic system assists with the removal of toxins and reduces congestion anywhere in the body. Cleavers also enhance the immune function, increasing one\u2019s resilience to illness. Cleavers can directly enhance the immune response by increasing the production of key immune cells including splenocytes, activating natural killer (NK) activity and increasing cytokines (7).<\/span>\r\n\r\nCleavers may be prescribed in the treatment of conditions affecting the lymphatic system, such as lymphoedema, mumps, tonsilitis, glandular fever or fluid retention, which is often observed in systemic inflammatory conditions (1,4).<\/span>\r\n

Cancer<\/h3>\r\nCleavers may be used by herbalists as part of an integrated approach for cancer patients and for those in remission. It offers many benefits to the immune system, whilst supporting cellular detoxification through improved lymphatic drainage. Cleavers are rich in antioxidant compounds, such as flavonoids and tannins. This makes them an excellent support to help maintain cellular health and avoid damage caused by free radicals (8,9). However, for treating such serious conditions it is advised to work with a medical herbalist alongside doctors and oncologists, to ensure all healthcare providers are aware of potential herb\u2013drug interactions.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

Urinary system<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\r\nCleavers has a gentle yet powerful, soothing <\/span>diuretic<\/span><\/a> action that is used to increase the flow of urine. Due to these actions, cleavers would be appropriate for use where there is irritation and inflammation in the bladder, urethra, or vas deferens in the testes (8,10).<\/span>\r\n\r\nCleavers are a valuable remedy for cystitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis, epididymitis, urethritis, chronic <\/span>UTIs<\/span><\/a>, and interstitial cystitis. They are used in combination with soothing urinary demulcents such as <\/span>corn silk<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Zea mays<\/span><\/i>) and <\/span>marshmallow<\/span><\/a> leaf (<\/span>Althaea officinalis<\/span><\/i>) (8,9,11).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe mechanism of action for cleavers as a <\/span>demulcent<\/span><\/a> healer of the mucous membranes, such as those in the urinary tract, is due to the presence of silica, which strengthens weak connective tissue and improves its structure and function (10).<\/span>\r\n

Skin health<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\r\nCleavers should always be considered for conditions of the skin, particularly those of a dry nature, such as psoriasis or dry eczema. It can be taken internally to support the underlying inflammation and to support the elimination of cellular toxins and waste products (1,2).<\/span>\r\n\r\nA herbalist\u2019s approach to the treatment of inflammatory skin conditions will usually include support for the systems of elimination, such as the hepatic (liver) and renal (kidney) systems. This is because, in many cases, these systems are observed to be under-functioning.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nThis poor eliminatory function is understood to result in an excess of toxins in circulation. As a system of elimination, when the liver, kidneys and lymphatic system are overburdened,\u00a0 excess toxicity may be processed via the skin. As cleavers supports all of these systems, it is an invaluable herb to include in any prescription for an individual with a chronic skin condition (9,11).<\/span>\r\n

Nervous system<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\r\nCleavers are also well referenced as a herb for the nervous system. Matthew Wood specifies indications for cleavers as \u201cnervousness, sympathetic excess, skin irritability\/ itchiness, an unsettled feeling, insatiability and nervous irritability\u201d. Cleavers can be used alongside other nervine herbs such as <\/span>oat straw<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Avena sativa<\/span><\/i>), <\/span>lemon balm<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Melissa officinalis<\/span><\/i>) or <\/span>vervain<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Verbena officinalis<\/span><\/i>) for these presentations (12,13).<\/span>","research":"[caption id=\"attachment_9554\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"510\"]\"Cleavers Cleavers (Galium aperine<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nThere is a surprising lack of research for cleavers, despite its long and successful history of use in herbal medicine. Some available <\/span>in vitro<\/span><\/i> studies showing the mechanism of action using extracts and certain compounds in cleavers have, however, been included. Clinical trials in human subjects are the most relevant and reliable form of evidence. Most clinical trials are carried out using \u2018whole plant\u2019 extracts that better validate the effects of a full spectrum of active herbal compounds.<\/span>\r\n

Phytochemical profiles and in vitro<\/i> immunomodulatory activity of ethanolic extracts from Galium aparine<\/i> L.<\/h3>\r\nIn this <\/span>in vitro<\/span><\/i> study, the chemical composition and immunomodulatory activities of cleavers ethanolic extracts were analysed. The extracts were obtained at three different strengths by maceration with 20%, 60% or 96% ethanol. All of the extracts showed that they helped stimulate the transformational activity of immunocompetent blood cells (cells that mediate the immune response). Overall, the 96% ethanol extract was shown to be most active when supporting immune response (14).<\/span>\r\n

Evaluation of diverse antioxidant activities of Galium aparine<\/i> spectrochimica acta part A: molecular and biomolecular spectroscopy<\/h3>\r\nThis study investigated the immunostimulatory activity and antioxidant potential of a raw infusion and different bioactive fractions. It was shown that cleavers caused significant immunostimulatory and antioxidant scavenging activities with the strongest effect seen in the aqueous fraction. The butanol fraction contained the highest phenolic and flavonoid content. The study concluded that the antioxidant activity could indicate cleavers in the treatment of a variety of oxidative stress-related diseases, such as cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases and diabetes (15).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

Effects of Galium aparine<\/i> extract on the cell viability, cell cycle and cell death in breast cancer cell lines<\/h3>\r\nThis <\/span>in vitro<\/span><\/i> study was conducted on methanolic extracts of cleavers to evaluate its activity on human breast cancer cells and healthy breast epithelial cells. Galium aparine was tested at various concentrations and time points (up to 72 hours) and the cytotoxicity, cell cycle effects and cell death pathways were evaluated. The results showed that the extract induced apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 cells (human breast cancer, triple negative), necrosis in MCF-7 cells (human breast cancer, oestrogen receptor positive) and G1 cell cycle arrest after 72 hours of treatment. <\/span>\r\n\r\nResults show that the extract was cytotoxic against the cancer cells, killing cancer cells yet sparing normal healthy cells. These findings support the therapeutic potential of cleavers as an adjunct to cancer care. More research is required to evaluate whether these results translate into humans (19).<\/span>","did_you_know":"Cleavers belongs to the same family as coffee. The seeds of cleavers can be roasted and used as a coffee substitute. They contain small amounts of caffeine and are easily foraged in abundance.<\/span>","additional_information_right":{"illustration":263528},"additional_information_left":{"botany":"Cleavers are well known for their sticky leaves and stems. They consist of weak, sprawling stems, of up to 1 m (39 inches) long. They bear whorls of 6\u20138 mm long, slender green leaves with a prominent central vein. <\/span>\r\n\r\nTiny greenish-white flowers are borne in branching clusters between May to August and develop into round, green (later brown\/purple) fruits between 3\u20135 mm in diameter. <\/span>\r\n\r\nStems, leaves and seed have stiff hooked hairs and are sticky or velcro like (3).<\/span>","common_names":"