Cleavers

Galium aparine | Lymphatic Support · Urinary Health · Skin · Detox

There is a sticky, velcro-like weed that grows along roadsides, fences, and forest edges across most of the world. It clings to your clothes, your socks, your dog. Most people pull it off and toss it aside. Herbalists have been using it as medicine since 77 AD.

Cleavers (Galium aparine) is one of Western herbal medicine's most beloved and underappreciated herbs. Ancient Greek physician Dioscorides documented its use nearly 2,000 years ago. Native American healers used it independently. European herbalists have prescribed it for centuries as their go-to herb for the lymphatic system — your body's internal drainage network that moves fluid, filters waste, and supports immune surveillance throughout every tissue.*

Why Cleavers?

• May support healthy lymphatic drainage and lymphatic system function*
• May support healthy urinary tract function and normal urine flow*
• May support the body's natural cleansing and detoxification processes*
• May support healthy kidney function and elimination of metabolic waste*
• May support skin health and clarity as a downstream benefit of lymphatic support*
• May support healthy immune system function and surveillance*
• May support healthy thyroid drainage and function*
• May support the body's natural inflammatory response and antioxidant protection*

How to Brew

1. Cold infusion (preferred): steep 1–2 tsp dried cleavers in cool or room temperature water overnight in the refrigerator (8–12 hours)
2. Strain in the morning and drink 1–2 cups throughout the day
3. Or hot steep for 10–15 minutes if you prefer a warm cup

Traditional tip: Cleavers is one of the few herbs where cold water extraction is actually superior to hot — it preserves more of the delicate iridoid compounds. The overnight cold infusion is how traditional herbalists have always prepared it.

Supplement Facts Summary

Serving size: 1–2 tsp (2–4g) dried aerial parts, approx. 45 servings per package. Key compounds: asperuloside, luteolin, quercetin, tannins. Nutritional values are approximate and vary by harvest.

Bundle With

Cleavers anchors our Detox & Cleanse collection — pairs naturally with Burdock Root and Dandelion, or Goldenrod for lymphatic and urinary support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why cold infusion instead of hot tea? Cold water extraction preserves more of cleavers' delicate iridoid compounds than hot steeping — it's the traditional and most effective method.

Is it safe during pregnancy? Use with caution — its diuretic activity may affect fluid balance during pregnancy. Consult your healthcare provider.

Does it interact with medication? It may enhance the effects of diuretic medications and has mild blood sugar-lowering effects — monitor closely if you take diabetes medications.

How long can I use it? Best results are typically seen with consistent use over 4–8 weeks.

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.