Cleavers

Galium aparine

Common & Folk Names

• Goosegrass
• Stickyweed
• Bedstraw
• Catchweed
• Grip Grass
• Barweed
• Cleaverwort
• Robin-Run-the-Hedge

Plant Family

Rubiaceae (Madder Family)

Geographic Location

Cleavers is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa, and has naturalised throughout temperate regions worldwide, including North America, Australia, and New Zealand. In Aotearoa New Zealand, it is a common introduced species found throughout both islands, particularly in disturbed areas, gardens, hedgerows, and along forest margins.

Habitat

This annual climbing plant thrives in moist, shaded environments with rich soil. It grows naturally in hedgerows, woodland edges, gardens, waste ground, and along stream banks. Cleavers favours disturbed habitats and is often found scrambling over other vegetation, using its hooked bristles to cling to surrounding plants for support. It tolerates partial to full shade and prefers cool, damp conditions.

Growing Conditions

Sun: Prefers partial shade to full shade. Can tolerate some sun but grows best in cooler, shadier locations with consistent moisture.

Soil: Prefers rich, moist, well-drained soil with high organic content. Tolerates a range of soil types but thrives in humus-rich loam. pH neutral to slightly alkaline (6.5-7.5).

Propagation: Easily grown from seed sown in autumn or early spring. Seeds require cold stratification for best germination. Self-seeds readily, often becoming weedy in favourable conditions.

Care: Minimal care required once established. Keep soil consistently moist. In gardens, may need containment as it spreads readily. Being an annual, it completes its life cycle in one growing season, dying back after seed production.

NZ Planting Calendar

Sowing: March–April (autumn) or August–September (early spring) after frost risk passes

Harvest: August–October (late winter through spring) when young and tender before flowering

Harvesting Guidelines

Harvest the fresh, young aerial parts (stems, leaves, and small flowers) in spring before the plant flowers and sets seed, typically from August to October in New Zealand (September to May in the Northern Hemisphere). The plant is at its peak medicinal potency when young, tender, and bright green. Once flowering begins and seed production commences, the plant becomes tough, fibrous, and loses much of its medicinal value.

Harvest on a dry morning after dew has evaporated. Cut the top 15-20 cm of the plant, selecting tender growth. The entire aerial portion can be used. The plant grows in sprawling mats, making it easy to harvest handfuls at once. Wear gloves or use protective leaves when harvesting, as the hooked bristles can irritate sensitive skin.

Critical Note: Fresh cleavers is vastly superior to dried. The plant loses significant potency when dried due to its high moisture content and volatile constituents. Use fresh whenever possible, or prepare fresh plant tinctures and juices for preservation.

Parts Used

• Aerial parts (stems, leaves, flowers)
• Seeds (occasionally used, less common)

Constituents & their Actions

Iridoid Glycosides:

These bitter compounds are among the most important active constituents in cleavers, responsible for much of its anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective activity. Some of the main iridoid glycosides in cleavers are:

• Asperuloside
• Asperulosidic acid (10-deacetylasperulosidic acid)
• Monotropein
• Aucubin
• Geniposidic acid

The main actions of these iridoid glycosides are:

• Anti-inflammatory
• Diuretic (promoting urine production)
• Hepatoprotective (protecting the liver)
• Mild laxative
• Choleretic (stimulating bile production)

Flavonoids:

These polyphenolic compounds provide antioxidant protection and strengthen capillary walls, which supports vascular and lymphatic function. Some of the main flavonoids in cleavers are:

• Rutin
• Quercetin and quercetin glycosides
• Quercetin 3-O-rhamnoglucoside-7-O-glucoside
• Kaempferol and kaempferol glycosides
• Isorhamnetin derivatives
• Luteolin

The main actions of these flavonoids are:

• Antioxidant
• Anti-inflammatory
• Vascular tonic (strengthening capillary walls)
• Diuretic
• Reducing capillary permeability

Polyphenolic Acids (Hydroxycinnamic Acids):

These compounds contribute to cleavers’ antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Some of the main polyphenolic acids in cleavers are:

• Chlorogenic acid (3-O-caffeoylquinic acid, 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid)
• Caffeic acid derivatives
• Dicaffeoylquinic acids (3,4-di-O-caffeoylquinic, 3,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic)
• p-Hydroxybenzoic acid
• Gentisic acid

The main actions of these polyphenolic acids are:

• Antioxidant
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antimicrobial
• Hepatoprotective

Tannins:

These astringent compounds provide a mild toning action to tissues and contribute to antimicrobial effects.

The main actions of tannins are:

• Astringent (toning and tightening tissues)
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antimicrobial

Citric Acid:

This organic acid contributes to cleavers’ sour taste and plays a role in preventing kidney stone formation.

The main action of citric acid is:

• Anti-lithic (preventing kidney stone formation by binding with calcium)
• Alkalinising the urine

Coumarins:

These compounds are present in small amounts and contribute to cleavers’ subtle antispasmodic and antimicrobial effects. Some coumarins in cleavers include:

• Scopoletin

The main actions of these coumarins are:

• Antispasmodic (mild)
• Antimicrobial (mild)

Actions with Mechanisms

Lymphatic Alterative (Lymphatic Stimulant):

This is cleavers’ primary and most renowned action. Cleavers acts as a gentle but profound stimulant to the lymphatic system, the body’s network of vessels and nodes responsible for draining fluid, metabolic waste, and immune cells from tissues. The mechanism is thought to involve increasing the flow and circulation of lymph fluid through enhanced contractility of lymphatic vessels and increased activity of phagocytic cells (macrophages), which in turn helps clear metabolic waste, cellular debris, and inflammatory byproducts from interstitial spaces. This action reduces swelling in lymph nodes (such as swollen tonsils, enlarged cervical lymph nodes, or tender breasts), decongests tissues, and supports the body’s ability to eliminate waste through the lymphatic pathways, which in turn enhances immune function and tissue repair. This makes cleavers invaluable for any condition involving lymphatic congestion or stagnation.

Diuretic (Gentle and Non-Irritating):

Cleavers promotes the excretion of water and metabolic wastes through the kidneys, increasing urine production and flow. The flavonoids, particularly rutin, act on the kidneys to enhance filtration and fluid elimination, which in turn flushes toxins, uric acid, and excess fluid from the body. Unlike some stronger pharmaceutical diuretics that can deplete electrolytes like potassium, cleavers’ diuretic action is gentle, non-irritating, and does not typically cause electrolyte imbalances, which in turn makes it suitable for long-term use. This action is particularly useful for fluid retention, oedema, and urinary tract conditions where increased urine flow helps flush out irritants and pathogens.

Anti-inflammatory:

The iridoid glycosides, particularly asperuloside, work synergistically with flavonoids and polyphenolic acids to inhibit various inflammatory pathways in the body. Asperuloside may be converted in the body into prostaglandin intermediates, which in turn modulates inflammatory responses in a gentle, sustained manner. The flavonoids and hydroxycinnamic acids inhibit pro-inflammatory enzymes and reduce the production of inflammatory mediators like cytokines and prostaglandins, which in turn reduces both systemic and localised inflammation. This is particularly beneficial for inflammatory conditions of the urinary tract (cystitis, urethritis), skin (eczema, psoriasis), and lymphatic system (swollen glands).

Anti-lithic (Prevents Kidney Stones):

Cleavers’ combination of gentle diuretic action, soluble silica content (which may help break down existing stones), and citric acid makes it an effective preventative for urinary stone formation. The diuretic action increases urine volume and flow, which in turn dilutes the concentration of stone-forming minerals in the urine. Citric acid binds with calcium in the urine, which in turn reduces the formation of calcium oxalate crystals that can aggregate into kidney stones or bladder gravel. The increased flow also helps flush out small crystals before they can grow larger, which in turn prevents stone formation and helps eliminate existing gravel.

Vulnerary & Astringent (Topical):

When applied topically as a fresh plant poultice or wash, cleavers’ astringent tannins and anti-inflammatory iridoids soothe and heal skin irritations, minor wounds, burns, and ulcers. The tannins cause mild protein precipitation in damaged tissues, which in turn creates a protective layer that reduces inflammation and promotes healing. The hooked bristles on the fresh plant are traditionally said to have a “drawing” effect, helping to remove splinters and draw out impurities from wounds, which in turn facilitates cleansing and healing of the affected area. This makes cleavers useful for cuts, scrapes, minor burns, and inflammatory skin conditions.

Vascular Tonic:

The flavonoids, particularly rutin, strengthen and tone capillary walls by reducing capillary fragility and permeability, which in turn improves the integrity of small blood vessels throughout the body. This reduces the leakage of fluid from capillaries into surrounding tissues, which in turn helps prevent oedema and supports healthy circulation. Stronger capillaries also reduce bruising and support the efficient transport of nutrients and waste products at the cellular level, which in turn enhances overall tissue health and supports lymphatic drainage.

Immunomodulatory:

Recent research has demonstrated that cleavers extracts significantly stimulate the transformational activity of lymphocytes (immune cells), increasing their proliferation by 4-5 times compared to baseline. The iridoids, flavonoids, and polyphenolic acids enhance immune cell activity and cytokine production, which in turn improves the body’s ability to recognise and eliminate pathogens. Simultaneously, the antioxidant compounds scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can damage healthy tissues during immune responses, which in turn protects tissues while supporting effective immune function. This dual action makes cleavers valuable for supporting immune responses to infections whilst preventing excessive inflammation.

Hepatoprotective & Depurative:

The iridoid glycosides, particularly aucubin and asperulosidic acid, protect liver cells from damage and support the liver’s detoxification functions. These compounds enhance the liver’s ability to process and eliminate toxins, which in turn supports overall metabolic health. Cleavers also stimulates bile production and flow, which in turn aids in the digestion of fats and the elimination of fat-soluble toxins through the digestive tract. This “blood-cleansing” or depurative action helps the body eliminate metabolic waste through multiple elimination pathways (kidneys, liver, lymphatics), which in turn reduces the toxic burden on the system and supports clearer skin and better overall health.

Main Use

Cleavers’ primary use is as a lymphatic decongestant and gentle diuretic for clearing stagnant fluid and metabolic waste from the body. It is the herb of choice when the lymphatic system needs support, particularly when there is visible or palpable swelling of lymph nodes, tissue congestion, or conditions associated with poor lymphatic drainage.

Cleavers is specifically indicated for enlarged or swollen lymph nodes, especially with tonsillitis, recurrent ear infections, mastitis (breast inflammation), and after illnesses to clear residual congestion. It is invaluable for lymphatic congestion associated with skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis that are linked to poor waste elimination and lymphatic sluggishness. The skin is often called the “third kidney” and when the lymphatic system, liver, and kidneys are overburdened, toxicity may manifest through skin eruptions.

Cleavers is also extensively used for urinary tract support, particularly for cystitis, urethritis, and as a preventative for kidney stones and bladder gravel. Its gentle, non-irritating diuretic action combined with anti-inflammatory properties makes it ideal for inflammatory urinary conditions with burning, frequency, and discomfort. The anti-lithic action helps prevent stone formation and flush out existing gravel.

Post-surgical or post-injury recovery benefits from cleavers’ ability to reduce oedema and promote the clearance of inflammatory byproducts from tissues, which supports faster healing and reduces swelling.

Preparations

Fresh Plant Juice (Succus): The gold standard preparation. Extract the juice from fresh, crushed cleavers using a blender and strainer or juicer. Take 5-15 mL (1-3 teaspoons), 1-3 times daily. Can be frozen in ice cube trays for longer storage. This preserves the full spectrum of constituents and is the most potent preparation.

Fresh Plant Tincture: (1:2 in 25-40% alcohol). This is the preferred tincture method. Use fresh cleavers harvested at peak potency. Take 3-5 mL, 3 times daily. Fresh plant tincture retains much more medicinal value than dried herb tincture.

Cold Infusion (Fresh Herb): Pour cold or room-temperature spring water over a large handful of fresh, crushed cleavers (approximately 30-50 grams). Steep for 2-4 hours at room temperature or overnight in the refrigerator. Strain and drink throughout the day. This is a traditional spring tonic preparation. The cold infusion preserves heat-sensitive constituents and has a pleasant, cucumber-like flavour.

Hot Infusion (Fresh or Dried Herb): Pour boiling water over 2-4 grams (1-2 teaspoons) of dried herb or a larger handful of fresh herb per cup. Steep covered for 10-15 minutes. Strain and drink 2-3 times daily. Note: Fresh herb is strongly preferred as dried cleavers loses significant potency.

Poultice (Fresh Plant): Crush or chop fresh cleavers and apply directly to the skin for wounds, burns, skin irritations, or swellings. Cover with a clean cloth. Renew every few hours as needed. Can also be made into a wash by steeping fresh herb in hot water, cooling, and applying to affected areas.

Culinary: Young spring shoots can be eaten fresh in salads or lightly steamed as a potherb, though they become stringy as they mature. Historically used to curdle milk in cheese-making.

Dosage

Fresh Plant Juice: 5-15 mL (approximately 1-3 teaspoons), 1-3 times daily.

Fresh Plant Tincture (1:2, 25-40% alcohol): 3-5 mL (approximately 60-100 drops), 3 times daily.

Cold Infusion (Fresh): Drink freely throughout the day. Use a large handful (30-50 grams) steeped in 2-4 cups of water.

Hot Infusion (Dried Herb): 2-4 grams (1-2 teaspoons) per cup, 3 times daily. Fresh herb infusion can be taken more freely.

Dried Herb (if fresh unavailable): 2-4 grams per dose, 3 times daily. However, fresh preparations are strongly preferred for optimal efficacy.

Safety & Drug Interactions

Scientific Evidence

Immunomodulatory Activity: A 2020 study published in Molecules demonstrated that cleavers infusion significantly stimulated lymphocyte proliferation and increased cytokine production (TNF-α, IL-8) in vitro. The study confirmed immunostimulatory activity whilst also demonstrating antioxidant effects through scavenging of reactive oxygen species, supporting cleavers’ traditional use for immune and lymphatic support.

Phytochemical Profile: Multiple studies have characterised the chemical composition of cleavers using UHPLC-DAD-MS/MS and GC-MS analyses, identifying major constituents including iridoid glycosides (asperuloside, monotropein, aucubin), chlorogenic acids, flavonoids (rutin, quercetin glycosides), and polyphenolic compounds. This research validates the presence of bioactive compounds that support traditional uses.

Anti-inflammatory & Diuretic: Animal studies have confirmed both diuretic and anti-inflammatory activity of Galium aparine extracts, supporting traditional use for urinary and inflammatory conditions. The iridoid glycosides and flavonoids have been specifically implicated in these actions.

Antioxidant Activity: Multiple in vitro studies confirm that cleavers extracts possess significant free radical scavenging activity, attributed to its polyphenolic content including flavonoids and hydroxycinnamic acids. This antioxidant activity supports tissue protection during inflammatory conditions.

Anti-proliferative Effects: In vitro studies have demonstrated anti-proliferative and apoptotic effects of cleavers extracts on human breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231), suggesting potential anti-cancer properties. While promising, human clinical studies are needed.

Traditional Use Documentation: Cleavers’ lymphatic and diuretic actions are extensively documented in historical herbal texts including Grieve’s “A Modern Herbal” (1931), which notes its use for “obstructions of the urinary passages” and as a “sovereign remedy” for glandular swellings. Its consistent use across Western herbal, Eclectic, and folk medicine traditions for lymphatic congestion is well-established.

Limited Clinical Trials: Despite extensive traditional use and in vitro studies, high-quality human clinical trials are largely lacking. Most evidence for lymphatic action comes from centuries of consistent clinical observation by herbalists rather than controlled trials.

Western Energetics

Temperature: Cooling. Cleavers clears heat and inflammation, particularly useful for hot, swollen lymph nodes, burning urinary tract infections, and hot, inflamed skin eruptions. It reduces fever and internal heat.

Moisture: Drying. Cleavers resolves dampness in the form of oedema, lymphatic congestion, boggy tissues, and moist skin conditions. It helps move stagnant fluids and dry excess moisture.

Tissue State: Primarily indicated for Damp/Stagnation (lymphatic congestion, oedema, sluggish elimination, cystic conditions) and Heat/Excitation (inflammation, infection, burning sensations, red/hot skin conditions). Also useful for Atrophy/Exhaustion when tissues are waterlogged and need toning and drainage to restore function.

Taste

Bland/Neutral: Fresh cleavers has a very mild, grassy, slightly cucumber-like flavour. This neutral taste makes it pleasant to drink and indicates its gentle, non-forcing nature.

Slightly Bitter: A subtle bitterness can be detected, particularly in the dried herb. This bitterness indicates digestive and hepatic (liver) stimulation.

Slightly Astringent: A subtle drying, slightly puckering sensation in the mouth from the tannins, indicating its toning and tissue-tightening properties.

Slightly Salty: Some herbalists note a faint salty quality, which corresponds to cleavers’ affinity for the kidneys and fluids.

Plant Lore

The genus name Galium derives from the Greek word gala, meaning “milk,” as plants in this genus were historically used to curdle milk for cheese-making. Lady’s Bedstraw (Galium verum), a related species, was particularly valued for this purpose, and the yellow flowers were also used to colour cheese.

The species name aparine comes from the Greek word meaning “to seize” or “to cling,” referring to the plant’s distinctive hooked bristles that allow it to cling tenaciously to clothing, animal fur, and surrounding vegetation. This clinging nature is reflected in many of its common names: Catchweed, Stickyweed, Grip Grass, and Cleaverwort.

The common name “Bedstraw” refers to the historical practice of using dried cleavers and related Galium species as stuffing for mattresses and pillows. A Christian legend states that cleavers was part of the manger bedding for the infant Jesus, and was thereafter blessed to grow upward toward heaven rather than sprawling prostrate on the ground.

In ancient Greece, cleavers was known as philanthropos, meaning “lover of mankind,” reflecting its beneficial and gentle healing properties for human ailments.

Cleavers has been used across multiple continents in folk medicine. In European herbalism, it was highly regarded as a lymphatic cleanser and spring tonic, used to clear the stagnation accumulated over winter. It was considered a “blood purifier” used to clear skin conditions, gout, and rheumatism. In traditional Chinese medicine, a related species (Galium aparine var. tenerum) is used similarly for its clearing and draining properties.

The plant’s seeds, covered in tiny hooks, were an inspiration for the invention of Velcro. Swiss engineer George de Mestral observed how cleavers (and burdock burrs) clung to his dog’s fur and used this natural mechanism as the basis for his hook-and-loop fastener invention in the 1940s.

Herbalist Matthew Wood associates cleavers with “nervousness, sympathetic excess, skin irritability, an unsettled feeling, insatiability, and nervous irritability,” suggesting its use extends beyond physical lymphatic drainage to include emotional and nervous system support for people who feel “stuck” or “clogged” on multiple levels.

Additional Information

Spring Tonic Tradition:
Cleavers is a classic spring tonic herb in Western herbalism, used to “cleanse the blood” and clear the winter’s accumulation of stagnation from the system. The fresh, young growth appearing in early spring was traditionally harvested and consumed as a medicine and food to revitalise the body after months of heavier winter foods and reduced activity. This seasonal use aligns perfectly with the plant’s life cycle and peak potency.

Fresh vs Dried:
This cannot be emphasised enough: cleavers loses the majority of its medicinal potency when dried. The plant’s high water content (it’s about 90% water when fresh) means that drying removes much of its mass and many of its active constituents degrade or become less bioavailable. Fresh preparations—juice, fresh plant tincture, cold infusion—are vastly superior. If you must use dried cleavers (for instance, outside of the growing season), expect reduced efficacy and use larger doses.

Combinations:
Cleavers works exceptionally well in combination with other lymphatic herbs such as Calendula, Red Clover, and Poke Root (use poke cautiously and in small amounts). For urinary tract issues, it combines well with Marshmallow, Corn Silk, and Uva Ursi. For skin conditions, pair with Burdock, Nettle, and Red Clover. For immune support during infections, combine with Echinacea.

New Zealand Foraging:
Cleavers is abundant in New Zealand and considered a weed in many gardens and agricultural areas. It’s easily foraged from clean areas away from roadsides and agricultural spraying. The best time to harvest in New Zealand is late winter through spring (August-October), when the plant is young, tender, and most potent. It grows in shaded areas under hedges, along fence lines, and in moist disturbed ground.

Sustainable Harvesting:
Cleavers is an abundant annual that self-seeds prolifically. Harvesting the aerial parts does not harm the plant population and in fact helps manage its spread in gardens. Always harvest from clean areas and leave some plants to set seed for next year’s growth.

Dosage for Children:
Cleavers is safe for children. Adjust doses according to body weight: children aged 2-6 can take ¼ to ⅓ adult dose; children aged 6-12 can take ½ adult dose; children over 12 can take adult dose. Fresh cleavers juice or cold infusion is particularly pleasant for children due to its mild cucumber-like taste.

Sources

Ilina, T., Kashpur, N., Granica, S., Bazylko, A., Shinkovenko, I., Kovalyova, A., Goryacha, O., & Koshovyi, O. (2020). Immunomodulatory activity and phytochemical profile of infusions from cleavers herb. Molecules, 25(16), 3721. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25163721

Shynkovenko, I., Ilina, T., Kovalyova, A., Goryacha, O., Golembiovska, O., & Isakova, T. (2019). Phytochemical profiles and in vitro immunomodulatory activity of ethanolic extracts from Galium aparine L. Molecules, 24(3), 541. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24030541

Atmaca, H., Bozkurt, E., Çittan, M., Dilek Tepe, H., & Şirin Özdemir, D. (2016). Effects of Galium aparine extract on the cell viability, cell cycle and cell death in breast cancer cell lines. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 186, 305-310. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2016.04.008

Zarrelli, A., Romanucci, V., Greca, M. D., Simplicio, A., Previtera, L., & Di Fabio, G. (2014). New iridoid glucosides from Galium aparine L. Molecules, 19(7), 10842-10849. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules190710842

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