Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsUsesPossible Side EffectsDosage and PreparationWhat to Look For
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Uses
Possible Side Effects
Dosage and Preparation
What to Look For
Cleavers (Galium aparine) is a popular herbal remedy that is often used to reduce swelling, boost energy, and treat infections. In folk medicine, it is often applied topically to address various skin issues, such as psoriasis, eczema, and acne. Additionally, this herb is thought to support the immune system and assist the liver in detoxifying the body.
Some evidence suggests that cleavers might help the body’s natural defenses in battling pre-cancerous cells. The herb’s fruits and seeds can be dried and roasted to make a coffee-like beverage.While there are some signs that it may be helpful, more studies are needed to fully understand its benefits.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. Whenchoosing a supplement, look for independently tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.
Verywell / Getty Images
What Is Cleavers Used For?
Cleavers is believed to support the immune system and havediuretic(water pill), antispasmodic, and anti-inflammatory effects. Cleavers has been used on skin conditions likepsoriasisandeczema.
Research studies have explored its benefits in treating cancer and other conditions, though more evidence is needed to support any recommendations about cleavers use.
18 Natural Anti-Inflammatory Supplements
Cancer
Immunomodulators are bioactive substances that support the body’s natural defenses in fighting against pre-cancerous cells. This group of drugs is used to treatmultiple myelomaand a few other cancers.
Although more human studies are needed, cleavers has been shown to boost the production oflymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. This effect suggests the potential for immune system benefits and cancer cell reduction.
Other studies on two human tumor cells, MCF-7 and Caco-2, demonstrate the ability of cleavers extract to inhibit cancer cell growth throughapoptosis(programmed cell death).
These results are promising, while keeping in mind that isolated effects in the lab can’t always predict what will happen in the human body.
Psoriasis
Unfortunately, no major studies to date are available to back-up this claim. You’ll want to ask your rheumatologist about using cleavers as part of your overall psoriasis management plan, especially since there’s no indication that cleavers would interfere with other therapies.
What Are Autoimmune Diseases?
Other Uses
While some herbalists may tout the benefits of cleavers for additional uses, peer-reviewed research studies are lacking to support these uses.Potential uses for cleavers have included:
You may choose to consult an experienced herbalist or alternative medicine practitioner to discuss the above conditions. However, if you experience a severe burn, an acute urinary tract infection, or another serious medical concern, seek immediate treatment from your healthcare provider to avoid worsening a potentially dangerous issue.
Cleavers isn’t known to interact with any medications or other herbal supplements. As an edible plant, there appears to be minimal risk associated with ingesting cleavers or placing it on the skin. Although no notable side effects are associated with cleavers, anallergic reactionis always possible.
Non-specific signs of an allergy include:
What Is Angioedema?
Herbalists advise using fresh cleavers instead of dried when possible. You can blend the herb in a blender, extract its liquid in a juicer, or mash it to squeeze out the natural juices.
Anytime you try a new product or supplement, it’s important to pay attention to how your body feels and watch out for signs of a negative reaction. If you plan to use cleavers as a topical treatment for skin issues, start with a small patch to detect an allergy or irritation before covering a larger area. For oral supplements, always begin with the smallest recommended dose.
Knowing what to look for is a challenge when seeking herbal remedies and alternative medicines. If possible, purchase live sprigs of the fresh herb, rather than commercial products, to avoid added toxins or hidden ingredients.
Nutritional Supplements
Summary
Cleavers is an edible wildflower sometimes used for its health benefits, although more research evidence is needed to support its use in treating cancer, liver toxicity, and more. It can be used as a tea or tincture, or juiced in a blender with water.
Cleavers is considered generally safe to use, but you may experience side effects and an allergic reaction is possible. Talk to your healthcare provider before using cleavers or other supplements, in order to avoid complications due to your existing health conditions or the medications you take.
10 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Washington State University.Catchweed bedstraw.University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program.Catchweed bedstraw.American Cancer Society.Immunomodulators and their side effects.Ilina T, Kashpur N, Granica S, et al.Phytochemical profiles and in vitro immunomodulatory activity of ethanolic extracts from galium aparine l.Plants. 2019;8(12):541. doi:10.3390/plants8120541Aslantürk Ö, Çelik T, Karabey B, Karabey F.Active phytochemical detecting, antioxidant, cytotoxic, apoptotic activities of ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of galium aparine l.BJPR. 2017;15(6):1-16. doi:10.9734/BJPR/2017/32762Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Psoriasis.Duke JA.Handbook of Edible Weeds. CRC Press; 2019.Sahin B, Karabulut S, Filiz AK, Özkaraca M, Gezer A, Akpulat HA,et al.Galium aparine L. protects against acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.Chem Biol Interact. 2022 Oct 1;366:110119. doi:10.1016/j.cbi.2022.110119.ND Health Facts.Galium aparine.Pflipsen MC, Vega Colon KM.Anaphylaxis: recognition and management.Am Fam Physician. 2020;102(6):355-362.
10 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Washington State University.Catchweed bedstraw.University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program.Catchweed bedstraw.American Cancer Society.Immunomodulators and their side effects.Ilina T, Kashpur N, Granica S, et al.Phytochemical profiles and in vitro immunomodulatory activity of ethanolic extracts from galium aparine l.Plants. 2019;8(12):541. doi:10.3390/plants8120541Aslantürk Ö, Çelik T, Karabey B, Karabey F.Active phytochemical detecting, antioxidant, cytotoxic, apoptotic activities of ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of galium aparine l.BJPR. 2017;15(6):1-16. doi:10.9734/BJPR/2017/32762Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Psoriasis.Duke JA.Handbook of Edible Weeds. CRC Press; 2019.Sahin B, Karabulut S, Filiz AK, Özkaraca M, Gezer A, Akpulat HA,et al.Galium aparine L. protects against acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.Chem Biol Interact. 2022 Oct 1;366:110119. doi:10.1016/j.cbi.2022.110119.ND Health Facts.Galium aparine.Pflipsen MC, Vega Colon KM.Anaphylaxis: recognition and management.Am Fam Physician. 2020;102(6):355-362.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Washington State University.Catchweed bedstraw.University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program.Catchweed bedstraw.American Cancer Society.Immunomodulators and their side effects.Ilina T, Kashpur N, Granica S, et al.Phytochemical profiles and in vitro immunomodulatory activity of ethanolic extracts from galium aparine l.Plants. 2019;8(12):541. doi:10.3390/plants8120541Aslantürk Ö, Çelik T, Karabey B, Karabey F.Active phytochemical detecting, antioxidant, cytotoxic, apoptotic activities of ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of galium aparine l.BJPR. 2017;15(6):1-16. doi:10.9734/BJPR/2017/32762Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Psoriasis.Duke JA.Handbook of Edible Weeds. CRC Press; 2019.Sahin B, Karabulut S, Filiz AK, Özkaraca M, Gezer A, Akpulat HA,et al.Galium aparine L. protects against acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.Chem Biol Interact. 2022 Oct 1;366:110119. doi:10.1016/j.cbi.2022.110119.ND Health Facts.Galium aparine.Pflipsen MC, Vega Colon KM.Anaphylaxis: recognition and management.Am Fam Physician. 2020;102(6):355-362.
Washington State University.Catchweed bedstraw.
University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program.Catchweed bedstraw.
American Cancer Society.Immunomodulators and their side effects.
Ilina T, Kashpur N, Granica S, et al.Phytochemical profiles and in vitro immunomodulatory activity of ethanolic extracts from galium aparine l.Plants. 2019;8(12):541. doi:10.3390/plants8120541
Aslantürk Ö, Çelik T, Karabey B, Karabey F.Active phytochemical detecting, antioxidant, cytotoxic, apoptotic activities of ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of galium aparine l.BJPR. 2017;15(6):1-16. doi:10.9734/BJPR/2017/32762
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Psoriasis.
Duke JA.Handbook of Edible Weeds. CRC Press; 2019.
Sahin B, Karabulut S, Filiz AK, Özkaraca M, Gezer A, Akpulat HA,et al.Galium aparine L. protects against acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.Chem Biol Interact. 2022 Oct 1;366:110119. doi:10.1016/j.cbi.2022.110119.
ND Health Facts.Galium aparine.
Pflipsen MC, Vega Colon KM.Anaphylaxis: recognition and management.Am Fam Physician. 2020;102(6):355-362.
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
