Cleavers Extract

Cleavers (Galium aparine)

Cleavers is a gentle yet persistent lymphatic mover that restores flow in tissues where stagnation, swelling, or fluid congestion have begun to accumulate. It works by encouraging the movement of lymphatic fluid, supporting the body’s natural drainage pathways, and relieving the sense of internal “back-up” that often presents in the neck, sinuses, breasts, or lower body.

Unlike forceful detoxifiers, cleavers coaxes rather than compels. It softens congestion, reduces lymphatic tension, and supports the quiet, continuous clearing of metabolic waste. Particularly useful in seasonal transitions, it helps the body process increased environmental and immune load without overwhelm.

Water gives it its affinity for fluid movement and drainage, while Venus lends softness and receptivity—this is a plant that restores flow through gentleness, not force.

Energetic Architecture

A cooling, moistening lymphatic that promotes fluid movement and tissue drainage, especially where swelling, stagnation, or congestive patterns have taken hold. It supports the lymphatic system’s ability to clear waste, reduce inflammation, and maintain internal circulation without overstimulation.

Tastes: Bitter, slightly sweet
Organ Systems Influenced: Lymphatic, Urinary, Immune
Elemental Ruler: Water
Planetary Ruler: Venus

Who it’s for:

• Swollen lymph nodes or a feeling of lymphatic congestion
• Seasonal allergies with fluid stagnation (puffy face, clogged ears)
• Breast tenderness associated with lymphatic stagnation
• Skin conditions linked to internal congestion
• Those who feel “backed up,” heavy, or fluid-retentive

Who it’s not for:

• Very dry, depleted constitutions without signs of stagnation
• Individuals needing strong, rapid detoxification (this is gentle and gradual)
• Excessively cold individuals without concurrent stagnation (pair with warming herbs)

Pairs beautifully with:

• Taraxacum officinale (Dandelion) – for liver + lymph synergy
• Arctium lappa (Burdock) – for deeper systemic clearing
• Urtica dioica (Nettle) – for mineral support alongside drainage
• Calendula officinalis (Calendula) – for lymph + skin interface
• Zingiber officinale (Ginger) – to add warmth and improve movement

Ingredients: Distilled water, organic food-grade alcohol, extractives of cleavers (Galium aparine)

Shelf-stable. Does not need refrigeration. Please consult your doctor before use if you have a medical condition, are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications. You are more than welcome to email me, as well, with any questions you may have about the herb.

All herbal extracts are extracted by me in my private kitchen.

These statements and products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any illness or disease.