Family: Cleavers is in the Rubiaceae Family. There are several species throughout N America and our is probably not native, though some sources argue this point.
Other names include: Stickyweed, Goosegrass, and Sweet Woodruff
Description and Habitat: It is an annual viney herb that fills in in the winter after the rains begin to soak the dry ground. It tends to grow in neglected parts of the yard, along fencerows, in gardens and around the darker areas of woodlands. It prefers shade. The plant is a light green vine with whorled leaves, like a bicycle wheel with tiny white flowers. It is also known as sticky plant because it will stick to your clothes. It is a weed but easily managed, unlike others
Harvest: The best time to harvest is in early spring. It tends to deepen in color and I have found that as it flowers it tends to develop a kind of intense bite to it. It will die back with freezes but comes in quickly with moisture. And eventually the heat kills it off in late spring
Historical Use: The plant has the property of curdling milk, hence another of its popular names ‘Cheese Rennet.’common English name of this plant, ‘Our Lady’s Bedstraw,’ is derived from its use in former days, even by ladies of rank, for stuffing beds
Modern Use: Cleavers helps to cool and flush the lymph system as well as acting as a diuretic. It is commonly used to treat burns, and other rashes, eczema and skin inflammations. It is also a popular herb to treat urinary tract infections
Preparation: I think freshly juiced cleavers is best, though I also enjoy it as a vinegar or fresh glycerite.
Clinical Use: I like to have clients juice cleavers with a cup of water in a blender all winter long as a sort of tonic. It is high in minerals and helps flush out allergies and infections. It is gentle and safe. You can even freeze the juice in ice cube trays and use on burns and cold sores in the summer. I have clients who have found that there allergies have gotten less aggravated while using cleavers regularly. One client found that her contact dermatitis cleared within a day from the use of cleavers vinegar. Cleavers is a soothing weed that keeps things flowing.