cloudbotanicals

Cleavers aka Galium aparine aka Goosgrass

Another of the very earliest spring herbs alongside chickweed and nettles, Cleavers seems to pop up when we need it most.

As a diuretic, alterative(blood cleanser), anti-inflammatory, astringent, and tonic, cleavers is a very valuable botanical and perhaps one of the best tonics to the lymphatic system. As a lymphatic tonic with alternative and diuretic actions it may be used in a wide range of symptoms where the lymphatic system is involved such as swollen glands. These same actions make cleavers especially useful in a variety of skin conditions such as psoriasis and in clearing the urinary tract.

Cleavers is also another edible spring herb! But due to its coarse, velcro like surface , its definitely best cooked. Chickens seem to love it as well!