Organic Cleavers Extract (Galium aparine)

Organic Cleavers Extract (Galium aparine)

Cleavers (Galium aparine), also known as Goosegrass, Sticky Willy, and Clivers, is one of the most specific lymphatic herbs in the Western herbal tradition — a mild, safe, and versatile botanical with a long history of use across European, Native American, and Chinese herbal medicine.

Cleavers is classified as a lymphatic tonic, diuretic, and alterative herb in traditional herbal practice. It is regarded as one of the primary lymphatic herbs available, with a particular traditional affinity for the lymphatic system, urinary tract, and skin. This extract is prepared in 60% alcohol from certified organic Cleavers aerial parts.

Traditional Herbal Use

Lymphatic Wellness — Primary Traditional Use

Cleavers has a particular and well-established traditional affinity for the lymphatic system and is regarded as one of the primary lymphatic tonic herbs in Western herbal medicine. It is traditionally used to support the body's natural lymphatic flow and drainage processes, and is a classic inclusion in herbal formulas for lymphatic and glandular wellness. Christopher Hobbs describes it as a "mild diuretic and blood and lymphatic cleanser" with a particular affinity for the lymphatic system. It is one of the most commonly used herbs for lymphatic stagnancy and glandular congestion in traditional European herbal practice.

Urinary, Bladder & Kidney Wellness

Cleavers is one of the most well-regarded diuretic herbs in Western herbal medicine, traditionally used to support urinary tract, bladder, and kidney wellness. It is traditionally used to support the dispersal of stagnancy and inflammation in the bladder and urinary system. In Chinese herbal medicine it is included in formulas for urinary and bladder wellness, particularly where lymphatic or fluid stagnancy is involved. It is a classic herb in traditional European practice for urinary tract wellness and supporting the body's natural urinary eliminative processes.

Circulatory Wellness

Cleavers is traditionally used in circulatory wellness formulas, with its diuretic and lymphatic-clearing action considered the mechanism behind its circulatory applications. Christopher Hobbs notes it as a useful addition to circulatory wellness formulas. It is particularly useful where fluid and lymphatic stagnancy contribute to circulatory congestion. Peer-reviewed research has examined Cleavers for blood pressure wellness, with preliminary research interest in its hypotensive properties.

Skin Wellness

Cleavers has a long traditional history of use for skin wellness in European herbal medicine. Its lymphatic and alterative action is considered the traditional mechanism behind its skin applications — supporting the body's natural eliminative processes via the lymphatic system. It is a classic alterative herb traditionally used when skin wellness is associated with lymphatic or eliminative congestion.

Immune & Glandular Wellness

Cleavers has been traditionally used for immune and glandular wellness, particularly in the context of lymphatic congestion and swollen lymph nodes. Its lymphatic tonic action makes it a traditional inclusion in immune wellness formulas where lymphatic support is indicated.

How to Use

Take 10–30 drops under the tongue or in a little juice or water, up to 2–3 times daily, or as directed by your healthcare practitioner. Best used as part of a broader herbal protocol for lymphatic, urinary, or skin wellness. Cleavers is traditionally used as a spring tonic and short-to-medium term cleansing herb.

Precautions

Generally well tolerated at traditional dosages. Consult your healthcare practitioner before use if pregnant or breastfeeding. Consult your healthcare practitioner before use if taking diuretic or cardiovascular medications. As with all herbal preparations, consult your healthcare practitioner if you have a pre-existing medical condition.

Ingredients

Organic Cleavers (Galium aparine) aerial parts, 60% alcohol.

Stack This With

• Dandelion Extract — the classic synergistic pairing with Cleavers; complementary liver, kidney, and lymphatic herb. Dandelion's bitter hepatic action supports liver-driven lymphatic clearance while Cleavers supports lymphatic drainage directly — together they form one of the most complete lymphatic and eliminative formulas in the Western herbal tradition.
• Nettle Extract — synergistic urinary and anti-inflammatory herb; Nettle's iron-rich nutritive action complements Cleavers' diuretic and lymphatic clearing for comprehensive urinary and kidney wellness support.
• Calendula Extract — complementary lymphatic and skin herb; Calendula's anti-inflammatory and lymphatic action synergises with Cleavers for lymphatic and skin wellness, particularly where inflammation and congestion are present.
• Gumpii Extract — foundational botanical base

Want to Combine Several Tinctures?

Our tinctures are designed to be combined. Cleavers pairs particularly well with Dandelion, Nettle, and Calendula for a comprehensive lymphatic and urinary wellness formula. Find out more about custom blends →

Naturally Occurring Compounds

• Iridoid glycosides (asperuloside) — characteristic compounds of Galium species; the primary bioactive marker compounds; associated with diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties in research
• Tannins — naturally occurring astringent compounds; contribute to tissue-toning properties
• Flavonoids — including luteolin and apigenin; naturally occurring antioxidant compounds
• Coumarins — naturally occurring in Galium species; associated with circulatory and lymphatic research interest
• Organic acids — including citric acid; contribute to diuretic action
• Polysaccharides — immune-associated research interest
• Chlorophyll — naturally present in the aerial parts; contributes to the herb's traditional use as a spring tonic and blood cleanser

Research & References

• Hobbs, C. Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner's Guide. Storey Publishing.
• Wichtl, M. (Ed.). (2004). Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. Medpharm Scientific Publishers.
• Chevallier, A. (2016). Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine. DK Publishing.
• Newall, C.A., Anderson, L.A., & Phillipson, J.D. (1996). Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-Care Professionals. Pharmaceutical Press.

Related Wellness Guides

• Wellness Hub — explore all herbal guides

Content provided for informational purposes only. Not medical advice. Not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition. Consult your healthcare practitioner.