Herb
Cleavers
This sticky little spring plant clings to everything it touches, and its cool-steeped infusion has long been valued as a gentle spring tonic.
🌱 What it is
Cleavers is a scrambling spring plant covered in tiny hooked hairs that make it cling to clothing and fur. It's traditionally prepared as a cool (not hot) infusion.
✨ How it may help
- May help support the lymph system
- May help support healthy urinary tract function
- May help support clear, healthy-looking skin
- May help provide a light, refreshing spring tonic
🥄 How to use it
Make a cool infusion — steep a handful of fresh (or 1 tablespoon dried) cleavers in cool water for several hours — and sip through the day; gentle heat destroys its delicate qualities, so cool-steeping is traditional.
⚖️ Caution
Cleavers acts as a mild diuretic, so stay hydrated and go easy with water pills; make sure any foraged cleavers are correctly identified and gathered from a clean, unsprayed area.
🍃 A note from nature
It seems fitting that a plant which clings so eagerly to everyone it meets became known as a friendly, gentle helper in the spring garden of remedies.