Refreshing Cleaver Tonic

Cleaver/Galium aparine: food and medicine

This Spring herb( aka a weed;) has many names, but the best name in my book is, velcro weed. It brambles along the fence of my yard and clings to whatever it touches.

This herb brings out the child in some of us, because of the irresistible urge to throw it on the backs of unsuspecting friends. This can be irritating if you want to get rid of it. But if it is pulled out while its is young, consistently, i woun't grow back. As for me, I love to wear it on the way into the house (after I check for blood sucking bugs of course).

Refreshing Cleaver Tonic

Energiticlly it is a cooling herb. Great as a green tonic drink for lymphatics. Try blending it with dandelion, and just enough coconut water( distilled or filtered water works too.) Strain the greens through cheese cloth, and top with more coconut water. No sweetener needed.

If you have ever felt sluggish, mentally? Often on your device, working long days, and draining yourself physically or mentally. This can cause too much heat in the head, which in turn can cause a build-up of toxins in the body over time.

Studies have shown getting up and outside will release toxin. Foraging fits perfectly. Combined with a diuretic like cleaver, There are yoga and qui gong movements that target the lymphatic system as well. Look up Nadi Shodhan Pranayama, or Qui gong massages.

*Note, Alway research and check with your practitioner, about any plants shared on this site. Especially if you have any health conditions or contraindications associated with Cleavers.

Look closely at the pictures of the cleaver in this post. I strongly suggest if you are in our area and want to become more familiar with cleaver, sign up to forage with me during the Spring before they flower. Check out our Calender often to plan the best times to join us.

Until then here is an excerpt from Rosalee De’ la Forét, She further elaborates on the energetics as well as the benefit  of  Cleaver.  You can watch her video by following this link https://youtu.be/Mzx-dqFvCkQ?si=4cnk3ywvt2NX18rN

Cleaver(Galium Aparine)

1. Assist the moving of toxins through the Lymphatic system 

2. Diuretic heat or scalding urine (combine with uva ursi)

3. Skin issues : Burns as topical as juice or poultice, moist skin conditions(psoriasis, acne, and boils) 

4. Young plant as a salad green

5. Seeds roasted see beverage

6. Roots can be made into a red dye

It is a  relatively safe plant but rarely some people may have allergic reactions after touching cleavers. I suggest testing on the wrist and looking for a reaction to itching and or redness of any sort. If that is the case there are other plants that can help, or the modalities mentioned

The Joy of Foraging

Foraging can be a rewarding experience. It allows you to explore local ecosystems, learn about native plants, and enjoy the thrill of finding food in the wild. Plus, when done consciously, it’s a sustainable and rewarding way to nourish the mind and body. To be able to relate to nature in a we mindset instrad of me mindset.

Benefits of Foraging

• Connection to Nature: Spending time outdoors can improve mental health and well-being.

• Sustainability: Foraging promotes environmental awareness and reduces reliance on commercial agriculture.

• Unique Flavors: Wild edibles often have more intense flavors compared to cultivated varieties.