Cleavers: The Clingy Herb That Helps You Let Go
If you've ever walked through the garden and come out with a leafy hitchhiker on your clothes, you’ve already met Cleavers. Known affectionately as “nature’s Velcro,” this humble herb may stick to you, but its true magic lies in helping you let go—physically, emotionally, and energetically.
At Dancing Gardens, Cleavers (Galium aparine) is one of our most cherished spring allies. It shows up when the earth is waking up and we’re ready to shake off winter sluggishness. Hoosier Herb, our big green mascot, loves to call Cleavers “the spring cleaner,” and you’ll often catch him doing his best detox dance whenever this wild herb shows up on the farm.
What Makes Cleavers Special?
Cleavers is a gentle yet effective lymphatic cleanser—that means it supports your body’s internal drainage system. Think of the lymphatic system like your body's natural garbage disposal, moving waste out and supporting your immune function. Cleavers helps give that system a boost, especially when we’re feeling stagnant or bogged down.
Traditionally used in folk medicine across Europe and North America, Cleavers has been a go-to remedy for:
Swollen lymph nodes
Puffy or congested skin
Post-illness recovery
Kidney and liver support
Inflammatory skin issues like eczema or rashes
It’s cooling, soothing, and oh-so-refreshing—just what we need after a long, dry winter.
How to Use Cleavers at Home
You don’t need to be an herbalist to bring Cleavers into your wellness routine. Here are a few easy ways Hoosier Herb recommends (well, he dances while we make them!):
Cold Infusion:
Pick a handful of fresh cleavers, rinse well, and steep in cool water overnight. Strain in the morning and sip throughout the day as a gentle detoxifying tonic.Tincture:
If you want a stronger or more shelf-stable option, cleavers can be extracted in alcohol or vegetable glycerin. A few drops daily can support long-term lymph health.Topical Rinse:
Brew cleavers like a tea and use the cooled liquid as a rinse for irritated or inflamed skin. You can also mash the fresh herb into a poultice and apply directly to the skin.
A Springtime Ritual at Dancing Gardens
Each year, when the ground softens and the trees begin to bud, we head out to harvest cleavers with care and gratitude. Hoosier Herb is always first out the gate—twirling, tumbling, and sticking cleavers to his arms like leafy armbands. He reminds us that even the clingiest things in life might be trying to teach us how to let go.
We include fresh cleavers in seasonal CSA shares, offer it in custom tinctures, and use it in spring garden workshops focused on herbal detox. It's one of those plants that quietly supports the body—while inviting us to reconnect with the land and our rhythms.
So next time you feel like life is piling up and you’re ready for a reset, look to the clingy little herb that’s all about release. Cleavers might just be your new springtime friend—with Hoosier Herb leading the way.
Cleavers Cold Infusion Recipe
A gentle spring tonic to support lymphatic health and help your body let go.
Ingredients:
1 large handful of fresh cleavers (approx. 1 cup loosely packed)
1 quart of cool, filtered water
Mason jar or glass container with lid
Instructions:
Rinse cleavers gently under cool water to remove any dirt or bugs.
Roughly chop (or leave whole) and place into a clean quart jar.
Fill the jar with cool water, covering the herbs completely.
Cap tightly and place in the fridge or a cool space overnight (8–12 hours).
In the morning, strain out the herbs and enjoy your herbal infusion!
Serving Suggestions:
Drink 1–2 cups throughout the day.
Add lemon, cucumber, or mint for extra flavor.
Storage: Keep refrigerated and use within 24–36 hours.
💚 Crafted with care by Dancing Gardens & Hoosier Herb
