Cleavers - Galium aparine: Common Weed with a Long History of Use

Cleavers is one of many common names for Galium aparine, a member of the Rubiaceae family or Madder family. Native to Central Europe and Western Asia, it found its way to North America via settlers who, no doubt, knew of its healing powers. Cleavers or Clivers has many common names including Sticky Willy owing to the bristly hairs on the leaves and stalk that allow the plant to cling to clothing or hair like Velcro. Used as a spring tonic herb, it is also an ingredient in formulas for urinary track infections and as a lymph mover. Making Plant Medicine by Richo Cech is a good source for making medicinals. Herbal Remedies for Women by Amanda McQuade Crawford is another dependable resource. The video demonstrates how to identify, gather and dry Cleavers.

Books mentioned in the video:
"Making Plant Medicine" Richo Cech: https://amzn.to/42s052K

"Herbal Remedies for Women" Amanda McQuade Crawford: https://amzn.to/3CzRwZn