The Wild Wisdom of Cleavers
Cleavers, or Galium aparine, is commonly known as Stickyweed or Catchweed and there couldn’t be a more perfect name for it. Cleavers sticks to everything it comes in contact with! The leaves and stem of Cleavers are covered in small hooked hairs that love to catch on clothing and animals. The seeds are also covered in hooked bristles and will adhere to anything they touch such as gardening gloves, cat and dog tails, and pants legs. This stickiness is how the plants spreads its seeds.
Galium is the bedstraw genus in the plant world. The species name of Cleavers is aparine, which means “clinging” or “to seize” in Greek. Cleavers is an early spring creeping ground cover that is widely found all states in America except Hawaii as well as spread through the temperate climates around the globe.
Cleavers Salve*
Cleavers is widely known to aid the lymphatic system. The salve can be massaged into areas with stagnant fluid and energy. Cleavers can be used to reduce swelling in swollen lymph nodes and breasts. Cleavers is also used to treat skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis, and eczema.
There is no typical salve dosage. Apply a salve as needed but remember that a little salve goes a long way. Applying the salve one to four times daily to affected areas is appropriate. Salves have a shelf-life of about one year stored in a cool location. They tend to melt into a liquid at high room temperatures which is why storing in a cool location is necessary.
Cleavers Tincture and Oxymel*
Cleavers is well known for supporting and clearing the lymphatic system. It is called for during periods of fluid retention. Because of this, Cleavers is also used for weight loss. Cleavers also supports a healthy metabolism and has a reputation for helping to reduce cellulite.
Tinctures are very strong herbal extracts made by infusing herbs in alcohol. Oxymels are herbal extracts made using apple cider vinegar and raw honey. Cleavers is especially befitting an oxymel when used for weight loss. It is reported that drinking 1-2 Tablespoons of apple cider vinegar daily can aid in weight loss and is excellent for digestion as it raises stomach acid levels.
Alcohol based herbal tinctures have a shelf life of three years or more. Oxymels have a shorter shelf life, around 6 months, and can be refrigerated.
Cleavers Flower Essence*
Flower essences capture the healing vibration of a plant. They work on a different level than tinctures or salves. Flower essences work on helping with emotions, traumas, and fears. They do not work on physical problems or disease although they can help with the underlying emotions behind a disease.
The wisdom of a flower essence often comes from physical attributes of the flower and Cleavers is no exception. Cleavers is the flower essence to use when there are attachment issues. Cleavers helps with healthy emotional attachment and bonding. Cleavers can also help relieve emotional neediness and possessiveness.
The Wild Wisdom Botanicals Cleavers Flower Essence was lovingly crafted on the Summer Solstice and also represents high vibration.
Cleavers Around the Web
6 Things To Do with Cleavers (Galium aparine) by Superfood Journal
Cleaver and Nettle Pesto by Gardens Illustrated
Goosegrass (Cleavers) Soup Recipe from Britain by Southern Forager
Cleavers - Herb of the Week by Backyard Patch Herbal
Are you interested in working with the wild wisdom that each plant has to offer? Check out our collection of Wild Wisdom Botanicals at the Mossygoat Farm store. All plants used to make Wild Wisdom Botanicals are lovingly grown or sustainably foraged on our wild, happy farm.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
This content is provided by informational and/or educational purposes only. This content is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, and you should not accept it as such. If you need medical advice, evaluation, consulting, then you must seek help by a qualified physician or health care provider in your area. Do not ignore or delay your physician’s advice based on something you read on our site. Although every effort is made to ensure that this information is correct, use this information at your own risk.