Traditional Uses and Benefits of Cleavers or Sticky Willy

Cleavers, Galium aparine
Cleavers, Galium aparine, is an annual plant that grows in damp, rich soils
along river banks and fence lines. It is also called catchweed, goosegrass or sticky Willy.
A frail prostrate or climbing thorny stem grows from a thin taproot to a height of two to six feet.

The plant produces coarse leaves with a variableshape. Leaves may be oblong to lance-like or even linear. The leaves grow in whorls around the stem. The stem, leaves, and fruit are sometimes covered with small, spiny hairs.
Cleavers flowers are small with white or greenish-white color and appear from early summer until fall. The flowers have a pronounced fragrance that reminds me of honey. I usually harvest cleavers in mid-summer and dry it for later use.

Medicinal Use
Cleaver is alternative, astringent, antiphlogistic, diuretic, diaphoretic, depurative, tonic and febrifuge. It is effective both internally and externally.
Rejuvenate the Skin, Slow the Signs of Aging
While this is not medicinal, it works quickly and reliably. Soak a cloth or cotton pad in Cleavers Infusion and apply it to the face or other affected skin. Leave in place for 10 minutes. Repeat this 3 to 5 times daily to tighten skin and smooth out wrinkles.
Detoxify the Body, Drains the Lymphatic System
Cleavers works very well to remove the toxins from the body and clean the lymphatic system. It is also a diuretic and works to flush these toxins from the body.

To detoxify the body, drink 8 ounces of Cleavers Infusion, three times a day.

Skin Disorders, Acne, Psoriasis, Eczema, Abscesses, and Boils
Cleavers works internally and externally to improve the condition of the skin, detoxify the blood and lymph, and reduce
the inflammation associated with these conditions. It is also antibacterial, which helps treat the underlying infections.

I recommend people with skin infections, psoriasis, and other skin disorders drink 8 ounces of Cleavers Infusion, 2 to 3
times daily and apply the infusion as a wash or mask on the area 5 or more times daily. You can also take two “00”
capsules of dried cleaver leaves if preferred over the infusion.

Urinary Tract Infections, Kidney Stones and Gravel
Cleavers is very effective at treating urinary tract infections and kidney stones. It dissolves stones, clears
obstructions, and flushes them out of the body. The antibacterial action is also effective at curing the
underlying infection. I prescribe the powdered cleaver leaves (two “00” capsules daily) or the Cleavers Infusion
for urinary tract problems.

Chickenpox, Measles, and Fevers
Cleavers beneficial actions on the skin are very welcome with chickenpox and the measles. Use it both internally to treat the disease and on the skin to relieve the itching and general discomfort from the rash. Cleavers also helps bring down the accompanying fever.

Take 2 to 4 ounce of Cleavers Infusion for children, twice daily, and 8 ounces for adults.
Also, apply the Cleavers Infusion to the skin as a wash or on a cloth as a mask or poultice.

Stop Bleeding, Treat Burns, and Sunburns
Freshly picked cleavers leaves are excellent for stopping bleeding in wounds, cuts, or other surface bleeding. Apply the
leaves directly to the wound. It reduces inflammation, stops the bleeding, and speeds healing. The leaves can also be made into a poultice for larger wounds.

Tonsillitis, Glandular Fever, and Prostate Problems
8 ounces of cleavers juice, taken twice daily for glandular problems like tonsillitis, glandular fever, and for
prostate problems and prostate cancers. When fresh juice is not available the infusion can be used, although it is not usually as effective for these problems.

Recipes
Cleavers Juice
Fresh cleavers leaves and water
Wash the fresh leaves thoroughly and place them in a blender with a small amount of water. Use only as much water as
needed to blend. Blend the leaves into a pulp and strain out the juice with a fine sieve. I recommend that patients make a large batch of juice and freeze the extra.

Cleavers Infusion
4 Tablespoons of dried cleavers, 1 quart of boiling water
Add the cleavers to the boiling water and turn off the heat. Cover the pot and let it steep for 45 minutes. Cool the infusion and strain it through a fine sieve or coffee filter. Store in the refrigerator and use within 3 days.

Cleaver Infused Oil

Make an infused oil and a salve or ointment to apply to the skin.