Cleavers (Galium aparine) Mini Monograph
Cleavers (Galium aparine)
Common Names: Clivers, Clives, Sticky Weed and Goosegrass (Hoffman 1990 p. 191, Grubb & Raser-Rowland 2012 p. 44), Barweed, Grip Grass, Goosebill, Catchweed, Everlasting Friendship (Grieve 1931 p. 206).
“The angles of its quadrangular stalks and leaves are covered with little hooked bristles, which attach themselves to passing objects, and by which it fastens itself in a ladder-like manner to adjacent shrubs, so as to push its way upwards through the dense vegetation of the hedgerows into daylight, it’s rough weak stems then struggling over and through all the other wayside plants, often forming matted masses.” – Mrs. M. Grieve (A Modern Herbal, 1931).
Genus: Galium (Merika 2019 p. 92)
Family: Rubiaceae (Merika 2019 p. 92)
Part used: Fresh juice, dried aerial parts (Hoffman 1990 p. 191).
Constituents: Glycoside asperuloside, gallotannic acid, citric acid (Hoffman 1990 p. 191), anthraquinone derivatives, caffeic acid, calcium, coumarins, copper, fatty acids, flavonoids, gallic acid, glycosides, asperuloside, iodine, iridoid glycosides, organic acids, polyphenolic acids, silica and tannins (Merika 2019 p. 92).
Edible Parts: Edible seeds, stalks and leaves (Grubb & Raser-Rowland 2012 p.45).
Actions: Diuretic, alterative, anti-inflammatory, tonic, astringent, anti-neoplastic (Hoffman 1990 p. 191).
Plant Spirit Qualities:
“Cleavers is about letting go of that which no longer serves you but you may be holding on to, afraid to let it go – which is ironic, given how this plant ‘holds on’ so tightly when it sticks to you. It’s essence is almost homeopathic, in that if you are ‘holding on’ to something it will help you let go” – Heidi Merika (Wildcraft 2019 p. 92).
Cooking: Hairs will soften slightly when steamed as a vegetable but Cleavers is best when added to a green smoothie or soup (Grubb & Raser-Rowland 2012 p.45-46).
Nutrients: Silica, vitamin C and minerals (Merika 2019 p. 94).
Uses: Tea, tincture, cream, poultice and succus (juice) (Merika 2019 p. 96).
References:
Grieves, M. (1992). A Modern Herbal. (3rd ed.). London, Great Britain: Tiger Books International.
Grubb, A. Raser-Rowland, A. (2019). The Weed Forager’s Handbook. Melbourne: Hyland House Publishing.
Hoffman, D. (1990). Holistic Herbal: A safe and Practical Guide to Making and Using Herbal Remedies. Great Britain: Thorsons
Merika, H. (2019). Wildcraft: The science & spirit of wild plants as food & medicine. Eumundi, QLD Australia. Heidi Merika.