Cleavers: What It Is and How to Use It
Cleavers (Galium aparine) is a clingy little green herb covered in tiny hooked hairs that stick to everything it touches — hikers often find it hitching a ride on their socks and sleeves. It has a long history as a spring tonic in European herbal tradition and is still a favorite of home herbalists today. You'll find dried cleavers in the bulk herb section at William's Natural Foods, 12249 San Pablo Ave, Richmond, CA 94805.
Available in Bulk
We carry cleavers in our bulk herb section so you can grab exactly the amount you want, from a spoonful to a full bag. Scoop what you need into your own bag or container, and our staff can help you find it in the bins or point you toward other herbs that blend well with it.
What We Carry
Look for cleavers as a dried, cut-and-sifted herb in our bulk section — the leafy aerial parts, chopped and ready for infusions. You may also see it sold as the whole, dried plant in season. The dried herb has a mild, grassy scent and a pale green color.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called cleavers?
The name comes from the plant's famous clinging habit: its hooked hairs let it "cleave" to clothes, fur, and passing animals, which is how it spreads its seeds. It's also known by folk names like catchweed, sticky willy, and goosegrass.
What is cleavers traditionally used for?
Cleavers has traditionally been used as a gentle spring tonic and may support healthy lymphatic function and normal urinary flow. Herbalists have also traditionally used it to support skin health. These are traditional uses passed down through herbal practice, not proven medical effects.
Can I brew cleavers as a tea?
Yes — cleavers is most commonly brewed as an herbal infusion, either hot or cold. It has a mild, grassy, slightly sweet flavor that blends easily with other herbs like nettle or peppermint. Many people enjoy it as a light, everyday herbal tea.
Is cleavers related to coffee?
Surprisingly, yes. According to Wikipedia's entry on Galium aparine, cleavers belong to the coffee family (Rubiaceae), and their dried, roasted fruits have historically been used as a coffee substitute. The fresh young shoots are also edible and have traditionally been cooked as a leafy green.
Visit Us
You'll find dried cleavers in the bulk herb section at William's Natural Foods, 12249 San Pablo Ave, Richmond — open Mon–Fri 9 AM–7 PM, Sat 9 AM–6 PM, Sun 10 AM–5 PM. Our staff are happy to help you find it or talk through your options.
This guide is for general information only and is not medical advice. Talk to your doctor or a qualified health professional about any health questions.