Our Cleavers Herb (Galium aparine) is a traditional botanical best known for its use in herbal practices supporting the lymphatic system, healthy fluid movement, urinary wellness, skin health and the body's natural elimination processes.

Cleavers is commonly prepared as a warm herbal tea or infusion and is especially popular in traditional lymphatic and cleansing formulas.

The herb naturally contains numerous plant compounds, including flavonoids, polyphenols, polysaccharides, iridoids, tannins and hydroxycinnamic acids.

Potential Benefits of Cleavers

Lymphatic System Support

Cleavers is one of the herbs most strongly associated with lymphatic wellness in traditional Western herbalism.

It has historically been incorporated into herbal formulas designed to support:

• Normal lymphatic function
• Healthy fluid movement
• Normal elimination
• Overall lymphatic wellness

Human clinical research on Cleavers and lymphatic drainage remains limited, so these benefits are based primarily on traditional herbal practice.

Healthy Fluid Balance & Urinary Support

Cleavers has traditionally been used as a mild diuretic herb, supporting normal urine production and fluid elimination.

For this reason, it is commonly included in herbal routines focused on urinary wellness, healthy fluid balance and natural cleansing processes.

Traditional Cleansing Support

Cleavers has historically been considered an alterative herb — an older herbal classification describing botanicals traditionally used to support the body's normal elimination and cleansing functions.

Rather than acting as a pharmaceutical “detox,” Cleavers may complement the body's normal systems of elimination.

Skin Wellness

Cleavers has a long tradition of both internal and external use for skin wellness.

The herb may be prepared as a tea, wash or compress and has traditionally been used to support comfortable, healthy-looking skin.

Antioxidant Plant Compounds

Scientific analysis of Galium aparine has identified numerous antioxidant-associated compounds.

Laboratory studies of Cleavers infusions have demonstrated antioxidant activity, although human clinical research remains limited.

Immune Wellness

Laboratory research has also investigated Cleavers for activity involving immune cells.

These preliminary findings are interesting but do not establish Cleavers as a treatment for immune disorders.

Naturally Occurring Compounds in Cleavers

Cleavers contains a diverse range of naturally occurring phytochemicals, including:

• Flavonoids – plant compounds associated with antioxidant activity
• Polyphenols – protective botanical compounds found throughout the plant kingdom
• Polysaccharides – naturally occurring complex carbohydrates found in Cleavers infusions
• Iridoids – including compounds such as asperuloside and asperulosidic acid
• Hydroxycinnamic acids – including chlorogenic and caffeic-acid-related compounds
• Tannins – contribute to the herb's traditional astringent properties
• Quercetin & Kaempferol derivatives – flavonoid compounds identified in phytochemical research

Why Add Cleavers to Your Herbal Routine?

Cleavers may be especially suitable for people looking for:

• Traditional lymphatic support
• Healthy fluid movement
• Urinary wellness
• Gentle cleansing support
• Skin wellness
• Antioxidant herbal support
• A naturally caffeine-free herbal tea
• A traditional herb for lymphatic-focused formulas

How to Make Cleavers Tea

Single-Cup Preparation

1. Add approximately 1–2 teaspoons of dried Cleavers herb to 8–12 ounces of spring water.
2. Bring the water to a boil.
3. Pour the hot water over the herb.
4. Cover and steep for approximately 10–15 minutes.
5. For a stronger infusion, steep for approximately 20 minutes.
6. Strain thoroughly and drink warm.

Begin with approximately one cup daily to observe how your body responds.

Large-Batch Preparation

1. Add approximately 1 ounce dried Cleavers herb to one gallon of spring water.
2. Bring the water to a boil.
3. Reduce or turn off the heat.
4. Add the Cleavers and cover.
5. Allow to steep for approximately 20–30 minutes.
6. Strain thoroughly.
7. Transfer to clean glass containers and refrigerate.

An 8-ounce cup may be consumed once or twice daily as desired.

Because Cleavers is traditionally used to support fluid elimination, excessive amounts are not necessary.

Cold Cleavers Infusion

Cleavers can also be prepared as a refreshing cold herbal infusion.

1. Add approximately 1–2 tablespoons dried Cleavers to 16 ounces of spring water.
2. Cover and allow to infuse for several hours in the refrigerator.
3. Strain thoroughly.
4. Keep refrigerated and consume promptly.

Product Details

• Botanical: Galium aparine
• Common names: Cleavers, Clivers, Goosegrass, Catchweed, Catchweed Bedstraw
• Plant part: Dried aerial parts
• Naturally caffeine-free
• Single botanical ingredient
• No artificial colors
• No artificial flavors
• No fillers
• No preservatives
• Suitable for hot tea, cold herbal infusions and external herbal washes
• Store tightly sealed in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight

Cleavers Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cleavers Herb?

Cleavers is the common name for Galium aparine, an herb traditionally used to support lymphatic wellness, urinary function, healthy fluid balance and skin health.

Is Cleavers good for the lymphatic system?

Cleavers has a longstanding reputation in traditional herbalism as a lymphatic-supporting herb.

It is traditionally used to support normal lymphatic function and fluid movement.

Clinical research specifically proving increased lymphatic drainage in humans remains limited.

What is Cleavers tea traditionally used for?

Cleavers tea has traditionally been consumed for lymphatic wellness, urinary support, fluid balance, skin health and general cleansing support.

Is Cleavers a diuretic?

Cleavers has traditionally been classified as a mild herbal diuretic, meaning it has been used to support normal urine production and fluid elimination.

Can Cleavers help with swollen lymph nodes?

Cleavers has historically been included in lymphatic herbal preparations, but it has not been established as a treatment for swollen lymph nodes.

Persistent or unexplained lymph-node swelling can have many causes and should not simply be assumed to represent poor lymphatic drainage.

Can Cleavers be used externally?

Yes. Cleavers has a long history of topical use.

A cooled, well-strained Cleavers infusion can be used traditionally as an external herbal wash or compress on intact skin.

Is Cleavers caffeine-free?

Yes. Pure Galium aparine is naturally caffeine-free.

Important Safety Information

• Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been adequately established; avoid medicinal use unless appropriately advised.
• Use caution if taking medications that influence fluid balance, blood pressure, kidney function or urination.
• Individuals with kidney disease, serious cardiovascular conditions, medically restricted fluids or significant electrolyte abnormalities should obtain individualized guidance before using herbs traditionally considered diuretic.
• Stop use if you experience an allergic reaction or unusual symptoms.
• Introduce new herbal products gradually to assess individual tolerance.
• This product is sold as a whole botanical and is not a standardized pharmaceutical extract.

FDA Disclaimer

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product and the information provided are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Information concerning the traditional uses of Cleavers (Galium aparine) is provided for educational purposes only.