Cleavers for Spring cleansing - a cold infusion

Cleavers are a common hedgerow weed that seems to be everywhere at the moment, at least in our garden! The children love to pick it to stick on each other, but actually it can be used to create a wonderful cleansing remedy, cleaning toxins from the system and reducing heat and inflammation.

It also has a diuretic effect, aiding elimination of wastes and it also acts to enhance the lymphatic system, promoting the lymphatic draining of toxins and waste via the urinary system. Cleavers are therefore excellent for fluid retention, skin problems (including eczema, psoriasis, acne, boils and abscesses), urinary infections, arthritis and gout.

Cleavers cool heat and inflammation in the body, hence the benefit for arthritis, but also inflammatory skin problems and digestive problems. It’s bitter properties stimulate liver function and enhance digestion and absorption - a miracle plant really!

A cooling drink make of cleavers was traditionally given every spring to “clear the blood” and is something I have tried this last few days, and it feels good!

Here’s what you do you to make an infusion:

• Collect the cleavers and wash them. Pop in a good processor and finely chop.

• Place one or two tablespoons of the finely chopped and fresh leaves in a glass/jar of room temperature water.

• Allow the cleavers to infuse the water for 8-12 hours. Perhaps place in the fridge.

• Drain the cleavers and drink the water, enjoy!

xx