Cleavers - not just for sticking onto clothes!
CLEAVERS (mawe) aka Biddy Bids or Sticky Willy
(galium aparine)
(galium aparine)
Cleavers is tenacious little herb that appears in Spring - perfect timing for a spring cleanse!
Historically the seeds were roasted and ground to make a coffee-like tea. It was also used crushed into a ball to scour cooking pots and clean pans. And it gained a reputation as a herb that could heal nearly any complaint.
Spring Cleanse - Cleavers are most well known for their detoxing, anti-inflammatory and cleansing properties, particularly their ability to cleanse the lymph nodes and to cleanse the blood.
Lymphatic Drainage - Cleaver tea is often used by herbalists as a remedy for swollen glands, tonsillitis, or any other sickness that would benefit from lymphatic drainage support, such as respiratory infections.
Bladder & Kidneys - Cleavers are useful for treating urinary or bladder infections given the diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties. Great for bladder and kidney stones and scalding urine.
Rheumatism & Arthritis - Also great for rheumatism and arthritis, and as an underarm lotion to neutralise acid perspiration!
Hair & Teeth - Cleavers are rich in silica which is great for healthy skin, hair, nails, teeth and connective tissues.
Wounds, Acne, Bleeding - Topically cleavers are used as a poultice for skin ailments such as wounds, burns, eczema, acne & psoriasis, rashes, dandruff. Crush the herb well and apply to cold sores, blisters, burns, bleeding and wounds.
Skincare - Cleavers is helpful for treating dry, itchy skin and the fresh juice or infusion is lovely as a face wash.
How to take - Make into a strong infusion (herbal tea) and drink 3 cups daily if taking internally as a spring tonic. Or the youngest leaves can be eaten like spinach, chop finely and blanch.
Harvesting - Gather with scissors or you'll pull up the whole plant. They're at their best at this time of year (spring).
Posted: Monday 27 September 2021