Cleavers Detox Water

cetiley
Mar 17
3 min read

Updated: Mar 19

Elderflower head with butterfly — Drawing of Cleavers plant, Otto Wilhem Thome, 1885

Springtime is here at last! You can practically hear the new growth as trees burst into a glorious mass of white and pastel blossoms; daffodils, primroses and hellebore raise their cheery heads; and 'weeds' such as nettle, dandelion and cleavers begin to erupt from the earth. The blossom and the flowers are a welcome return for most but the weeds...less so...that is, if you don't appreciate the incredible medicinal benefits they can offer. So, in this article, I am introducing you to the powerhouse that is cleavers, which is prolific throughout the UK countryside from March until the summer months.

You'll probably be familiar with cleavers or 'sticky weed' in its form as a childhood prank, where fistfuls were gathered and thrown at someone's back on the way to school. If left unnoticed, the unlucky child would go about their day with a green profusion of sticky plant debris on their blazer wondering why on earth they were suddenly so funny!

Medicinal Properties

It's only in recent years I came to know this fascinating plant and its healing benefits. I now incorporate it into my springtime routine as a useful detoxifier and spring tonic as, made into an infusion, cleavers is excellent for cleansing the lymphatic system, which helps to strengthen the immune system and fight infection. It is also a diuretic so is an effective flush for the kidneys and can help to clear up urinary tract infections. On a beautifying note it also does wonders for the skin from the inside out, giving you a fresh, healthy glow!

An old saying goes, ‘whoever drinks cleavers water for 9 weeks shall be so beautiful, everyone will fall in love with them.’

Identifying Cleavers

In the UK, you can find cleavers in woodlands, hedges, and cultivated grounds. You can forage cleavers from springtime through summer and even into autumn and winter; so your detox water supply can last most of the year! Here are some handy hints for identifying cleavers when out and about on your walks:

Cleaver leaves, which are narrow and pointed, grow in a circle of six to eight leaves around the central stem. The leaf circles are about one to two inches apart; however, this spacing increases towards the base of the stem
The leaves contain tiny hairs that make the plant 'sticky'
Cleavers produce tiny white flowers that are about 2mm across and star-shaped
Cleavers have a square stem

Tip: Cleavers are at their best when 'young'. Pick fresh, healthy tips of the plants and use straight away, although they will keep in the fridge for a few days if carefully stored (washed, dried thoroughly and lightly packed in kitchen roll).

Cleavers Detox Water: Ingredients

Wild Garlic and Walnut Pesto with pestle and mortar

Large handful of fresh cleavers
Half a lemon, sliced
8-10 slices cucumber
Freshly boiled water (enough to fill a large jug)

SERVING SUGGESTION: Once made up, allow to cool and then can be left in the fridge for a few days. Drink first thing in the morning (before eating) to use as a cleanse. You can substitute the cucumber for fresh ginger slices or other aromatics if preferred.

Cleavers Detox Water: Method

Carefully wash your foraged cleavers - making sure to get rid of any loose dirt or bugs. Dry thoroughly in a kitchen towel if not using straight away (see tip above).

Boil a kettle of water. Leave to cool for a few minutes and then pour into a heatproof jug. Add the cleavers and aromatics. Infuse for at least 15 minutes.