Cleavers – Living Water

Spring: March-May

Cleavers is a common wild herb often used in herbal traditions as a gentle spring tonic. A cold-water infusion is a popular preparation method with fresh cleavers. This involves steeping chopped or bruised fresh aerial parts (stems and leaves) in room-temperature water for several hours or overnight, then straining and drinking the resulting flavoured water.

Many herbalists prefer cold infusions for cleavers over hot tea because heat may degrade some of its delicate beneficial compounds (like certain volatile elements or bitters), preserving more of its cooling, refreshing qualities. The infusion often has a mild, cucumber-like flavour and is refreshing to drink.

Key Benefits of Cleavers Cold Water Infusion

These benefits are based on traditional herbal uses and folk medicine practices. Scientific research on cleavers is limited, and it’s not a substitute for medical treatment—consult a healthcare professional before using it, especially if you have health conditions or are pregnant.

• Lymphatic system support — Cleavers is widely regarded as a lymphatic tonic. It helps improve lymph flow, reduce stagnation or congestion in tissues, and support the removal of metabolic waste and toxins. This makes it a classic spring “cleanser” to address buildup after winter, potentially aiding immune function indirectly through better lymphatic drainage.
• Diuretic and kidney/urinary tract support — It promotes gentle fluid elimination, helping flush the kidneys, reduce water retention and swelling, and soothe mild urinary issues like inflammation or minor infections (e.g., bladder discomfort).
• Cooling and anti-inflammatory effects — Energetically “cooling” and demulcent (soothing/moistening), it may help with hot, inflamed conditions such as swollen glands, respiratory congestion, rheumatic issues, or excess heat in the body.
• Skin health — By supporting detoxification and reducing internal inflammation/congestion, it’s traditionally used for conditions like acne, eczema, psoriasis, or minor skin irritations. It may also provide nutritional perks, being rich in vitamin C and minerals like silica (beneficial for skin, hair, nails, and connective tissues).
• General detox and spring tonic — As a mild detoxifier, it supports overall cleansing, immune balance, and vitality during seasonal transitions.

Cold infusions are often highlighted for their refreshing nature and suitability for daily consumption (e.g., sipping throughout the day). Typical preparation: Fill a jar with fresh cleavers (a handful or more), cover with cold water, let sit 8–12+ hours, strain, and drink 1–3 cups daily. Start using cleavers in early spring while the leaves are still young, as the season continues the plants get bigger and stronger and you will naturally become acclimatised to their medicine. You can drink cleavers water for 3-4 weeks.

Cleavers is generally considered safe in moderate amounts when foraged or sourced properly but avoid if you have known allergies or kidney issues without guidance.

Energetic Benefits

Spring clean your environment

Drinking cleavers can feel like a fresh spring shower to your energy system. Often followed by a strong urge to declutter and clear your living area. The plant seems to make space for new energy to circulate where stagnant energy has been accumulating over winter. Emotional and mental clutter can be unstuck and released through cleavers.

I love that nature provides for us what we need at the time when we need it. I find drinking the cold infusion of cleavers to be refreshing and energising, bringing in more clarity and space. It feels so good to let go of clutter and simplify life, mentally and physically. Cleavers is a little drying in nature, but I find myself feeling hydrated by this practice.

Please don’t just take my word for it, why not play with cleavers and see how this living water impacts you directly.