Cleavers (Galium aparine) is a sticky, sprawling annual plant found across North America and Eurasia. In traditional herbalism it was used as a diuretic for urinary complaints, as a wash for the skin, and as a so-called lymphatic herb. Modern scientific research on cleavers is very limited, so its reputation rests mostly on history.
What is cleavers?
Cleavers is a member of the madder family (Rubiaceae). University of Wisconsin Extension lists many common names for it, including cleavers, bedstraw, catchweed bedstraw, grip grass and stickywilly. Older herbal texts also call it goose-grass and catch-weed.
How do you recognize cleavers?
The plant is easy to spot once you have brushed against it. According to UW Extension:
- Its leaves and stems are covered in fine, hooked hairs that cling to clothing and animal fur like Velcro.
- Narrow leaves grow in whorls of six to eight around square stems.
- It sprawls over other plants and can climb up to 6 feet.
- Tiny white or pale green flowers have four petals.
- Round fruits split in two and stick to whatever passes by.
The name "cleavers" comes from this clinging habit. An EBSCO research summary explains that the small hooked hairs cause the plant to cleave to fingers when touched.
Where does cleavers grow?
UW Extension describes cleavers as native to the Northern Hemisphere, in both North America and Eurasia, and reports that it occurs in every US state except Hawaii. It grows in forests, meadows, gardens and disturbed ground. It is an herbaceous annual that sprouts very early in spring, and in some areas it starts in fall and overwinters as a small plant.
How was cleavers used in traditional herbalism?
Cleavers has a long place in European and American folk medicine. One of the most detailed historical records comes from King's American Dispensatory, an 1898 reference written by Eclectic physicians Harvey Wickes Felter and John Uri Lloyd.
Urinary and fluid uses
King's American Dispensatory describes cleavers as a cooling diuretic used for a range of urinary complaints. The EBSCO summary agrees that its main traditional use was for urinary problems and fluid retention, which herbalists linked to its diuretic effects.
Skin uses
The same 1898 text records cold infusions of cleavers applied to the skin, including for freckles, and lists its use for skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.
Lymphatic reputation
EBSCO notes that cleavers has been recommended for enlarged lymph nodes and tonsillitis and is said to help cleanse the lymph system. This is the origin of its modern place in lymphatic herbal blends. These are traditional claims, and they have not been tested in clinical studies.
As food
UW Extension notes that young cleavers leaves can be eaten raw or cooked, and that the dried, roasted fruits have been used as a coffee substitute.
How was cleavers prepared?
Historical herbalists believed the plant worked best when extracted with cool or warm water. King's American Dispensatory says boiling destroys its active parts, and it describes soaking the herb in warm water for two hours, then straining and cooling the liquid. It even notes the infusion could be sweetened with honey.
| Traditional preparation | Historical use | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Warm water infusion, cooled | Urinary complaints, taken by mouth | King's American Dispensatory (1898) |
| Cold water infusion | Washed onto the skin | King's American Dispensatory (1898) |
| Tea from the dried herb | Fluid retention, digestion | EBSCO Research Starters |
| Roasted fruits | Coffee substitute | UW Extension |
What does modern research say about cleavers?
Very little. The EBSCO summary states that there has not been any meaningful scientific evaluation of the herb and that even animal and test-tube studies are largely lacking. Claims of anti-inflammatory or antioxidant effects have not been established in people.
EBSCO also notes that cleavers has not had thorough safety testing. Its safety has not been established for young children, pregnant or nursing women, or people with severe liver or kidney disease. Because of its possible diuretic effect, people taking lithium should use it only under a physician's supervision. Anyone with sensitive skin should also know that UW Extension reports the hooked hairs can cause mild irritation.
Where does cleavers appear today?
Cleavers aerial parts are one of four herbs in Lymphoria Lymphatic Drainage Drops, alongside red clover, stillingia and prickly ash. The formula draws on this traditional background, and it is not intended to treat any condition. You can see the full formula on our ingredients page, and learn how lymph actually moves in what is the lymphatic system.
Frequently asked questions
Why is cleavers called sticky willy?
Its stems, leaves and fruits are covered in tiny hooked hairs that cling to clothing, fur and skin. That sticky habit gave it names like stickywilly, catchweed and cleavers.
Is cleavers a weed?
Many gardeners and farmers treat it as one. UW Extension describes it as an herbaceous annual weed that can tangle with crops, though it also has a long history of food and folk medicine use.
Has cleavers been proven to help the lymphatic system?
No. Its lymphatic reputation comes from traditional herbalism. EBSCO notes there has been no meaningful scientific evaluation of the herb.
Who should avoid cleavers?
Safety has not been established for young children, pregnant or nursing women, or people with severe liver or kidney disease. People taking lithium should talk with their doctor first.