Exploring the History, Characteristics, and Uses of an Unassuming Wildflower

Cleavers is not a typo for clovers but rather refers to Galium aparine. Galium aparine, commonly known as “clivers,” “goosegrass,” or “sticky willy,” is a fascinating plant that many of us have encountered in gardens, hedgerows, or out on a walk in the countryside. With its clinging nature and delicate, star-shaped leaves, this annual herb is instantly recognizable for its ability to stick to clothing and animal fur thanks to tiny-hooked hairs covering its stems and leaves.

Despite its reputation as a pesky weed, galium aparine boasts a long history of traditional use. Herbalists have valued it for centuries in teas and poultices, believing it to support lymphatic health and skin wellness. Foragers appreciate its young shoots as a seasonal green, while wildlife benefit from its small, sticky seeds that provide food for birds.

In herbal medicine, Galium aparine has been prized for its gentle but effective cleansing properties. The plant is often infused as a tea or prepared as a tincture to promote detoxification, stimulate the lymphatic system, and soothe minor skin inflammations. Folk remedies have used cleavers as a diuretic and to support kidney function, and its cooling, moistening quality is believed to offer relief for mild cases of urinary discomfort. While modern scientific research is still catching up, the enduring popularity of cleavers among herbalists speaks to its valued role in traditional plant medicine.

Horses will readily eat large quantities of this herb and will often appreciate having it provided in pastures that have lost their greenery. Cleavers contain silica and is useful for clearing the digestive tract of grit and parasites. Cleavers are a very useful herb to be given to horses that are on extended stall rest because of winter or injury.  The herb supports GI health and is useful in helping horses resist colic.  Cleavers are a rough underappreciated plant. However, this clingy herb is one that horse herbalist will find very useful. You can find cleavers as an ingredient in Equinature's Spring Herb Blend.

References

• Cointreau, Maya. Equine Herbs & Healing: An Earth Lodge Guide to Horse Wellness. Lulu. com, 2005.
• Orhan, I.E. (2012). “Biological Activities of Galium Species.” Records of Natural Products, 6(4), 360–375.
• González, J.A., Vallejo, J.R., & Ramírez, G. (2010). “Plants Used in Galician Folk Medicine: Ethnobotanical Studies in North-West Spain.” Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 127(3), 493–510.
• Rohloff, J., Skjeseth, G., & Iversen, T.H. (2005). “Essential Oil Composition of Galium aparine L. from Four Different Habitats in Norway.” Flavour and Fragrance Journal, 20(1), 54–56.
• Self, Hilary Page. A modern horse herbal. 1996.