Cleavers (Galium aparine), also known as stickyweed, goosegrass, or Velcro plant, is another plant often considered a weed but boasts a surprising number of uses, especially when harvested young.
Culinary Uses (Best when young and before it gets too sticky):
- Edible Greens:
- Young shoots and leaves: When very young and tender (like they would be in early April), the aerial parts can be eaten raw in salads. They have a slightly grassy, mild flavor. However, the tiny hooked hairs can be a bit off-putting to some, so chop them finely.
- Cooked greens: You can lightly cook young cleavers like spinach or other leafy greens. Sautéing or adding them to soups and stews are options. Cooking helps to soften the hairs.
- Juicing: Young cleavers can be added to green juices.
- Tea:
- Fresh or dried: The aerial parts (stems, leaves, and flowers/seeds later in the season) can be used to make a refreshing herbal tea. It's often described as having a mild, slightly sweet, and "green" flavor.
- Cleavers tea is often associated with lymphatic support and detoxification.
Medicinal Uses (Traditional and Some Modern Interest):- Lymphatic Support: Cleavers is perhaps best known traditionally as a lymphatic tonic. It's believed to help move stagnant lymph fluid, potentially aiding in detoxification and reducing swelling. Cleavers tea is a common way to use it for this purpose.
- Diuretic: It has diuretic properties, meaning it can help increase urine production, which can be beneficial for flushing out the kidneys and bladder.
- Skin Health: A strong infusion or cooled tea can be used as a wash for minor skin irritations, eczema, and psoriasis. Its cooling and anti-inflammatory properties are thought to be beneficial.
- Anti-inflammatory: Some traditional uses suggest it has anti-inflammatory effects.
- Traditional Uses for Urinary Tract Issues: Historically, it has been used for mild urinary tract infections and bladder irritation due to its diuretic and potentially soothing properties.
Other Uses:- Compost: Like many green plants, cleavers can be added to your compost pile.
- Animal Fodder: Some animals, like geese (hence the name "goosegrass"), will eat cleavers.
- Natural "Velcro": The hooked hairs that make it stick can be a fun novelty for kids (or adults!).Important Considerations (Especially for Consumption):
- Identification: Be absolutely certain you have correctly identified cleavers before consuming it. Look for the characteristic square stems and whorls of lance-shaped leaves with tiny hooked hairs that make it cling to things.
- Harvesting: Harvest young, clean plants from areas that haven't been treated with pesticides or herbicides. Early spring growth is generally considered the best for culinary purposes as the plant becomes tougher and stickier later in the season.
- The "Stickiness": The tiny hooks can be annoying when handling and eating raw. Finely chopping can help. Cooking also softens them.
- Moderation: As with any wild food, consume cleavers in moderation, especially if you're new to using it.
- Consult a Professional: If you are considering using cleavers for medicinal purposes, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking medications, it's always best to consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner
or herbalist.
