Cleavers

Solubility & Behavior in Water

• Steeps into a deep green infusion
• Powder disperses but does not dissolve
• Slightly earthy scent becomes mild in blends

Compatibility & Pairings

• Cleavers
• Burdock
• Chamomile
• Rice powder
• Kaolin clay

Shelf Life & Storage

1–2 years dried.

Safety Notes

• Very gentle when dried
• Avoid if fresh stingers are improperly processed

Cleavers

Identity & Origin

Latin Name: Galium aparine
Family: Rubiaceae
Part Used: Aerial parts
Forms: Dried herb, powder, tincture, cold infusion

Uses in Apothecary Work
Historical & Cultural Context
• Cold infusions
• Spring blends
• Bath teas
• Skin-clearing washes (traditional)
• Powder additions for “green” cleansing energy

Historical & Cultural Context
Used in European and North American folk medicine as a spring tonic.
Symbolically tied to renewal, thawing, and waking the body after winter.

Flow & Release • Spring Awakening

Key Minerals & Constituents

Rich in:
• Iridoids
• Coumarins
• Mucilage
• Minerals
Traditionally associated with lymphatic flow, spring cleansing, and gentle movement..

Preparation & Best Practices

Best Extracted In:
• Cold water (primary — preserves delicate compounds)
• Light alcohol tincture (secondary, low alcohol works best)

• Best extracted via cold infusion to preserve delicate compounds
• Combine with nettle or calendula for synergistic blends
• Great for bright, “green” skincare rituals

Energetic & Ritual Associations

Water + Air.
Symbolic of movement, unclogging, clearing pathways, and fresh beginnings.

In the Archive With…

• Nettle
• Marshmallow (Future)
• Calendula

Appearance & Character

Green, slender stems with tiny hooked hairs (fresh); when dried, lightweight and grassy.
Powder is pale green and soft.