Cleavers
Galium aparine
Cleavers, Stickwilly, or Catchweed Bedstraw, Galium spp., is an annual green herb that primarily grows in the spring, but can be present in the late fall and early winter depending on your region. It has six to eight whorled leaves around the stem and has tiny white flowers with four petals on the leaf axis. A notable characteristic is the hairs on the plant and seeds that act like Velcro®, sticking to clothing or animals. You’ll often find this growing in dense clumps amongst other plants since it both spreads easily and needs support.
You can find this plant growing now in abundance, just about anywhere, before springtime truly begins. They will typically be 1-5” tall by now and can grow up to 6 feet!
Did you know there are 667 species of Galium found worldwide? Most species are not native to the United States and have naturalized here. Use resources like iNaturalist to find what species are growing near you! In central Texas, we have G. aparine 1, G. virgatum, G. tinctorium, G. texense, and G. spurium.
1 Gallium comes from Greek word for milk because a species there was used to curdle milk. Aparine is derived from the Greek word apairo, which means to lay hold of or seize [to].
One of the common names it has is Bedstraw, as the dried plant was used in Europe to stuff mattresses!
Plant Benefits:
Cleaver leaves and stems are used in folk medicine topically in Europe, Asia, and the Americas to treat skin issues. It may help with infections and wound healing.
This plant contains asperulosidic acid (ACA), which has anti-tumor, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. ACA inhibits inflammatory cytokines (proteins) in your body that regulate immune responses. Cleavers also contain vitamin C.
Like most early springtime plants, cleavers may help cleanse your kidneys!
Other trace volatile compounds include, but are not limited to:
Hexanal - an alkyl aldehyde that has a flavor of greens or fresh-cut grass. It provides antimicrobial properties.
Anethole - an organic compound that provides flavor (another name is anise camphor) that may have anti-inflammatory and anticarcinogenic properties.
β-caryophyllene - a terpene that is anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal effects, as well as having potential to be antiviral and immunomodulatory.
For more information, refer to this study at PubMed.
Caution: Galium spp. may work to stimulate uterine contractions in women, so don't eat them if you are or trying to become pregnant! Do not eat cleavers if you are already on blood thinning or high blood pressure medications.
It has tiny hairs and irritates the majority of people if eaten raw. It is best to do a small patch test on your skin if you think you may be allergic and cook this herb to avoid further issues. If you notice a scratchiness in your throat, do NOT continue to eat it.
Preparation:
Though Cleaver leaves and stems can be eaten raw, again, it is best to cook them as you would stir fry any other greens.
They can also be prepared into a tea. Chop up the leaves and stems and steep them in hot water for about 10 minutes. There isn’t a strict volume ratio, but you can start with 4 g per 1/2 cup of water. You can drink this a few times daily. Drinking this may help cleanse your kidneys!
A tincture is best made with 40-90% organic alcohol, like vodka. Place the herbs in a jar and fill with alcohol. Close the lid and put it in a cool place for 4-8 weeks. Agitate the jar by turning it upside down and right side up daily (it’s okay if you miss a few days). You’ll notice the liquid turning darker over time; this is normal. After 4-8 weeks, strain the liquid and funnel it into your jar or bottle of choice. Use a couple of droppers (1ml each) by mouth daily.
Some people prefer to roast the seeds for a coffee substitute! Cleavers are in the coffee family Rubiaceae.
A poultice can be made by crushing or bruising the leaves and applying it directly to a rash or skin irritated by psoriasis or eczema. Alternatively, you can add a little water or use your own saliva if water is not available.
Lastly, the roots make a beautiful natural red dye! If you’re interested, here is a great wildcraft dyeing resource.
Growing and Harvesting:
This is not commercially available at nurseries. You will find this plant growing in the wild where there is shade and moisture! If you wish to work with this plant, PLEASE be mindful of the area you are foraging in. Never forage at the bottom of a slope (that is where pollutants run down to after it rains), never near a railroad track (many spray the sides with herbicides), and be mindful of where else there could have been herbicides, pesticides, or animal urine!
Harvest plants that have not gone to seed/fruit. Because this is an annual herb, it is very easy to cut or pull from the ground. The stems are weak, so it may be difficult to pull up the entire plant. But it’s as simple as that! Those with sensitive skin may want to wear gloves because of the somewhat rough texture (they WILL stick to your gloves). Tip: The younger/newer growth will be less sticky than the older parts.
It is hardy to Zones 4-9.
For more information and scientific studies, visit PubMed - Galium aparine
*We are not medical professionals. The information provided in this blog post is for informational and educational purposes only.*
