If you’re exploring natural ways to support your lymphatic system and reduce inflammation, learning how to juice cleavers (Galium aparine) is a great place to start. This sticky, nutrient-rich herb has long been valued in traditional medicine for its detoxifying properties—and juicing offers a quick, effective way to harness its benefits.
In this guide, you’ll discover how to prepare and juice cleavers safely and effectively, so you can easily add it to your wellness routine. Whether you’re a seasoned herbal enthusiast or just starting out, this step-by-step method will help you enjoy cleavers in its most potent form.
What Are Cleavers?
If you are new to juicing, you may wonder what cleavers are and why they are beneficial in a juice. Cleavers or galium aparine is a weed that grows abundantly in damp and shady areas in europe and north america.
The plant produces a white to green herbaceous stem that climbs and adheres to nearby plants, trees, and walls with its hooked hairs. People have also known it as velcro plant, stickyweed, catchweed, and goosegrass.
Cleavers have a long history of use in traditional medicine dating back to ancient greek and roman times. The herb contains high amounts of vitamins A and C, antioxidants, flavonoids, and minerals such as calcium, potassium, and silica. It possesses diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and lymphatic properties, which make it a popular herb for cleansing and detoxifying the body.
What Is the Common Name for Cleavers?
Cleavers are known by many names in different parts of the world. In Europe, it is called gorse, scratchweed, and clabber grass, while in North America, it is known as bedstraw and stickywilly. Other regions in the world have their names for the plant, such as robin-run-the-hedge, grip grass, and coachweed.
Kids often find amusement in the clingy texture of cleavers, playfully sticking the plant’s angular stems to themselves, each other, or even their pets. This adhesive quality has earned the plant various nicknames, including “sticky bobs,” “stick-a-back,” and “kisses”—the latter symbolizing how lovers tend to stick together as well.
Despite the varying names, cleavers share the same characteristics of a herbaceous plant that grows in damp and shady places. Its stem and foliage possess hooked hairs that cling to other surfaces, earning it the nickname of velcro plant.
Medicinal And Health Benefits Of Cleavers In Juicing
Incorporating cleavers in your juice can provide several health benefits, such as:
- Detoxifying and cleansing the lymphatic system that helps remove toxins from the body.
- Reducing fluid retention and bloating due to its diuretic properties.
- Providing relief from skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis due to its anti-inflammatory effects.
- Reducing the risk of urinary tract infections due to its antibacterial properties.
- Strengthening the immune system due to its high vitamin C content.
- Promoting healthier skin, nails, and hair due to its high silica content.
Incorporating cleavers into your diet is an excellent way to experience its benefits. Juicing is also an easy way to consume the herb and combine it with other fruits and vegetables to create delicious and nutritious drinks.
However, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your healthcare provider before using cleavers.
Preparing For Juicing Cleavers
Choosing Fresh Cleavers: What to Look For and Where to Find Them?
Before juicing cleavers, it’s essential to select fresh ones. Here’s what you need to know when choosing cleavers:
- Look for cleavers that are deep green in color and free of yellow or brown spots.
- Ensure that the leaves are firm, not wilted, and free of any damage.
- Choose cleavers that are thick and sturdy, as opposed to limp or flimsy.
- You can find fresh cleavers at farmers’ markets or specialty Asian grocery stores.
Cleaning And Washing: Removing Dirt And Debris
Cleavers grow in the wild and can accumulate dirt and debris. Follow these steps to clean and wash cleavers before juicing:
- Remove the leaves from the stems and discard any damaged or wilted leaves.
- Rinse the leaves under cold water to remove dirt and debris.
- Fill a large bowl or sink with cold water and add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar.
- Soak the cleavers in the water for 10-15 minutes.
- Rinse the cleavers under cold water and pat dry with a paper towel.
Proper Storage: How to Keep Cleavers Fresh and Ready for Juicing?
Cleavers are delicate and can wilt quickly if not stored correctly. Follow these tips to keep cleavers fresh and ready for juicing:
- Store cleavers in a plastic bag with a damp paper towel to keep the leaves moist.
- Place the bag in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator.
- Use the cleavers within a few days of purchase for optimal freshness.
- Avoid storing cleavers near fruits or vegetables that give off ethylene gas, such as tomatoes or apples, as this can cause premature wilting.
By adhering to these simple steps, you’ll be able to select fresh cleavers, clean them thoroughly, and store them correctly to ensure they’re fresh and ready for juicing. Happy juicing!
The Juicing Process
Required Equipment:
Juicing cleavers requires a few essential tools that you should have on hand before starting the process. Here’s what you need:
- A juicer machine
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cup
- Clean towels or paper towels
- Glass jars with lids
Step-By-Step Process:
Juicing cleavers involves several steps, but with a little patience, even beginners can manage to get it right. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Start by washing the cleaver’s leaves and stems in cold water.
- Using the chef’s knife and cutting board, chop the cleavers into small pieces.
- Place the chopped cleavers into the juicer machine.
- Use the measuring cup to collect the juice that comes out of the machine.
- Place the collected juice into the glass jars with lids.
- Clean the juicer machine and other equipment with clean towels or paper towels.
Adding Other Ingredients:
Cleavers juice tastes great on its own, but adding other ingredients can enhance its flavor and nutritional value. Here are some ideas for complementary ingredients you can add to your cleavers juice:
- Apple slices
- Carrot juice
- Ginger
- Lemon juice
- Mint leaves
When adding other ingredients, make sure to add small amounts at first to avoid overpowering the taste of the cleavers. Also, be sure to experiment with different combinations to find the one that you like best.
That’s it! Enjoy your freshly squeezed cleavers juice.
Recipes And Variation
Basic Cleavers Juice Recipe: A Simple Recipe With Suggested Variations
Looking to add a refreshing drink to your daily routine? Look no further than Cleaver’s Juice! Here’s a basic recipe to get you started, followed by some delicious variations:
- Cut one cup of cleavers and add to a juicer
- Add one peeled lemon
- Add one inch piece of ginger
- Add one peeled cucumber
Mix the ingredients well and pour into a glass. Enjoy your homemade cleavers juice!
Variations:
- Mix in a handful of kale leaves to add a boost of nutrients to your juice
- Replace the cucumber with an apple for a sweeter taste
- Add a few mint leaves for a refreshing twist
- Mix in a few spinach leaves to boost the iron content
Mixing With Other Vegetables and Fruits:
Complementary Fruits And Vegetables To Mix With Cleavers For A More Complex Juice Mix
One of the best things about juicing is that you can easily mix and match different fruits and vegetables to create delicious and healthy juice recipes. Here are some complementary fruits and vegetables to mix with cleavers:
- Carrots: Adding carrots to cleavers juice can help improve digestion and support your immune system
- Beets: Beets and cleavers are a perfect match for a delicious and nutrient-rich juice. Beets can help lower blood pressure and improve circulation.
- Pineapple: Pineapple can add a tangy and sweet flavor to your cleaver juice while also containing enzymes that help with digestion.
- Oranges: Adding oranges to your cleavers juice can give it an extra nutritional boost because they are a great source of vitamin C.
Best Time To Drink Cleavers Juice For Optimal Health Benefits
While there’s no specific time of day that’s best to drink cleavers juice, there are a few things to keep in mind when incorporating it into your daily routine.
- Drinking cleavers juice in the morning can help jump-start your digestive system and provide a burst of energy to start your day.
- Drinking cleavers juice before or after a workout can help hydrate and nourish your body. Plus, the natural sugars can help replenish your energy levels.
- Drinking cleavers juice before bed can help improve digestion and promote relaxation.
Remember to listen to your body and figure out what works best for you. Whether you prefer to drink it in the morning or before bed, cleavers juice can provide a variety of health benefits to support your overall wellbeing.
How to Prepare Cleavers for Lymphatic Drainage?
To support lymphatic drainage with cleavers, you can use it as a tea, juice, or tincture. For tea, steep 1–2 teaspoons of dried or a handful of fresh cleavers in hot water for 10–15 minutes and drink 1–2 times daily.
To make juice, blend fresh cleavers with a little water, strain, and take 1–2 tablespoons daily for short-term use.
For a tincture, chop fresh cleavers, cover with alcohol in a jar, and let it sit for 2–4 weeks, shaking daily. Strain and take 1–2 ml (20–40 drops) up to three times a day. Always consult a healthcare professional before use.
How to Make Cleaver Tea?
To make cleavers tea:
- Gather fresh cleavers – Rinse a handful (about 1–2 tablespoons chopped).
- Boil water – Bring 1 cup (240 ml) of water to a boil.
- Steep – Pour the hot water over the cleavers and let it steep for 10–15 minutes.
- Strain and serve – Remove the herbs and enjoy warm or cool.
Tip: Use dried cleavers if fresh aren’t available (1 teaspoon dried = 1 tablespoon fresh). Always consult a healthcare professional before regular use.
How to Prepare Cleavers for Medicine?
To prepare cleavers for medicinal use:
- Harvest fresh – Pick young, healthy cleavers before flowering.
- Rinse and chop – Wash thoroughly and chop into smaller pieces.
- Use fresh – Juice them (for internal use), make a tea, or apply as a poultice for skin.
- Dry for later – Air-dry in a shaded, ventilated area. Store in a sealed jar for teas or tinctures.
- Make a tincture – Soak chopped fresh cleavers in alcohol (like vodka) for 2–4 weeks, then strain.
Always consult a healthcare professional before using medicinally.
What Vitamins are in Cleavers Juice?
Cleavers juice contains several key vitamins, including:
- Vitamin C – Supports immune function, boosts collagen production, and acts as an antioxidant.
- Vitamin A – Promotes healthy skin, vision, and immune health.
- B Vitamins (especially B1, B2, B3) – Aid in energy production, nervous system support, and skin health.
- Vitamin K – plays a vital role in blood clotting and supports bone health.
Additionally, cleavers contain flavonoids, iridoids, and anthraquinones, which have anti-inflammatory, detoxifying, and antioxidant properties.
The plant’s roots are known to contain saponins, which may aid in cleansing the lymphatic system and improving circulation. Together, these compounds make cleavers juice a natural choice for supporting immunity, detoxification, and skin health.
What Are the Side Effects of Cleavers?
Cleavers juice (from the plant Galium aparine) is often used in herbal medicine for its diuretic and lymphatic properties. However, it can cause some side effects, especially when taken in large amounts or over extended periods. Briefly, possible side effects include:
- Skin irritation – when applied topically in sensitive individuals.
- Upset stomach – nausea or mild gastrointestinal discomfort.
- Diuretic effect – increased urination, which may lead to dehydration or electrolyte imbalance if not monitored.
- Allergic reactions – rare, but may include rash, itching, or swelling.
- Hypotension – in very high doses, it might lower blood pressure too much.
Always consult a healthcare provider before using cleavers juice, especially if you have kidney issues, are pregnant, or take medications.
FAQs On How To Juice Cleavers
What Is Cleavers and Why Juice It?
Cleavers are a wild plant with a plethora of health benefits. Juicing them can provide anti-inflammatory and detoxifying effects to the body, assisting in liver and kidney function.
How to Pick the Best Cleavers for Juicing?
Pick young, tender cleavers from early spring to early summer. Look for bright green leaves and stems, free from any yellowing or signs of pests or disease.
What are the Benefits of Juicing Cleavers?
Juicing cleavers can help flush out toxins and reduce inflammation, improving skin health and digestion.
What are the Best Recipes for Cleavers Juice?
Cleavers can be combined with other fruits and veggies to enhance the taste and nutritional benefits. Try adding cucumbers, celery, and green apple to create a refreshing and healthy juice.
Conclusion
The potential health benefits of cleavers juice cannot be overstated. It is packed with essential vitamins and minerals that can promote better overall health. If you are looking for a natural way to boost your immunity, cleavers juice can help.
Its anti-inflammatory properties can also help alleviate symptoms of various conditions, including bloating and menstrual pain. Now that you know how to make cleavers juice, it is time to start reaping its benefits. Remember to source your cleavers from a trusted supplier and follow the steps carefully to ensure maximum freshness and nutrient retention.
Incorporate cleavers juice into your daily routine and enjoy the numerous health benefits that it offers!