The Cleavers Wild Beauty
Goosegrass/cleavers/ Sticky willy are but a few common folk names of this simple yet versatile wild perennial. Yet, again, most considere them weed and keen to pluck them prom garden beds in early spring, which makes cleavers the perfect wild foraging herb. Still, it also have medicinal qualities and we admit loving to work with such under appreciated plants for healing.
– great fun can be had by playing a kind of tag game with them, you tag somebody with them and by the time they have removed them you have run a fair distance.
Cleavers were once used as a potherb. It was a useful plant in Medieval kitchens because it could be picked in frost or snow.
The plant’s hook-like bristles soften when boiled. Its chopped leaves and stem can be made into soups and stews. The tender shoots can be boiled and buttered as a vegetable.
Cleavers belongs to the coffee family, and its seeds have been ground to make cleavers coffee.
Herb-lore
Folklore claims that 'whoever drinks cleaver water for nine weeks shall be so beautiful, everyone will fall in love with them*'. It has been recorded in many ancient herbals, including the 15th Century Herbal of the Royal Welsh Physicians of Mydffai. They recommended infusions of cleavers in seawater to ‘expel and completely destroy eruptive poison from the blood and humours’ and for boils and ulcers. This is reflected in the modern herbalism use in aiding the lymphatic system cleanse the body’s tissues and treating chronic skin problems. Hence its reputation for making you beautiful: it gives you a good 'spring clean' and a fresh, healthy glow. However, we wouldn't recommend the seawater recipe; a more palatable recipe using cleavers can be found at the end of this article.
Cleavers were used as a love medicine by one Native American tribe. The infusion of plants was used as a bath by women who wished to be successful in love. A red dye is obtained from a decoction of the root; it is said to dye bones red.
Gerard writes of Cleavers as a marvellous remedy for the bites of snakes, spiders, and all venomous creatures. When used as a sieve for filtering milk, a thick mat of the stems was said to give healing properties to the milk and is still used in Sweden for that purpose.
Cleavers in Bloom
Herbal Medicine Uses of Cleavers
In herbal tradition, it is believed that various skin irritations stem from blood toxins, hence the importance of "cleansing the system." Cleavers is a common remedy for skin issues like seborrhea, eczema, and psoriasis. The fresh plant or its juice is applied as a poultice to treat wounds, ulcers, and other skin conditions. When only dried Cleavers is available, it can be brewed into an infusion, decoction, or tincture. While some herbalists prefer using the plant's juice, the benefits might not be significant.
Cleavers herb is known for its cooling and detoxifying properties, particularly in severe illnesses like cancer. However, it's advisable to consult an oncologist before using this herb. Cleavers is considered a gentler alternative to Pokeweed, which is also used for similar purposes but is deemed toxic. It may have a mild laxative effect and promote lymphatic system activity. Infusions have proven beneficial in treating glandular fever, tonsillitis, hepatitis, cystitis, and liver, bladder, and urinary issues. Always consult a physician regarding such conditions and the use of any herbal remedies.
Cleavers is believed to promote hair growth when used as a rinse and was historically used by several Native American tribes to address gonorrhea. Additionally, Cleavers was thought to reduce freckles.
Properties of the Cleavers Plant
The Cleavers plant consists of organic acids, flavonoids, tannins, fatty acids, glycoside asperuloside, gallotannic acid, and citric acid.
Edible Uses of Cleavers:
Cleaver plants can be eaten raw, although it is considered unappetizing. It is commonly used as a pot herb or added to soups. The plant's consumption as a vegetable is believed to aid in weight loss.
Cleavers seed is an excellent coffee alternative; simply dry and lightly roast it to achieve a flavour similar to coffee.
RECIPE//Violet leaf, nettle and cleavers cold infusion Tonic
A twist on a traditional recipe to brighten skin and for fresh spring nutrition.
Take a good handful each of cleavers, violet leaves and nettles (use gloves for this one!)
Rinse and place in a 1-2 litre jug of cold spring water.
Leave to infuse overnight.
In the morning, strain, add lemon juice and drink the liquid.
