Clivers (Galium aparine)

Clivers is also known by the names bedstraw, cleavers, goosegrass or catch-weed. This European herb can be found growing in many hedgerows and fields and is collected and gently dried before the flowering and fruiting period.

Clivers and dandelion have traditionally been used as a ‘spring tonic’ for animals after a long winter to help cleanse and re-energise their systems.

Clivers and dandelion roots and leaves are a good combination and can be fed long term.

Traditionally, clivers have been used internally as a tonic for the lymphatic and urinary systems, it is specific for urinary infections and also can be useful for horses prone to tying-up (developing tight muscles while in work).

It is considered to have diuretic and astringent actions when eaten, so can be helpful for fluid retention such as with wind-galls or stocked-up (filled legs) legs, particularly when stabled.

It is also rich in silica, so can help strengthen the coat and hair. Clivers can also be helpful as an astringent tonic to promote healthy skin.

Promotes Healthy Skin, by cleansing the blood so is useful in treating skin complaints such as eczema and mud-fever(scratches or greasy heel).

Clivers can be used externally on irritated dry skin as a poultice or an infusion.

Jasper absolutely adores clivers, during the growing season I would pick armfuls from the hedge rows while walking my dogs and take it back to Jasper, who would fall on it like it was the best thing going, while he had fresh herb available he rarely touched the dried herb when it was offered, now the season has changed and there’s no more fresh available he’s back to the dried herb which he eats almost everyday. My local farmer thought I was mad, but was quite happy as they find the plant a real pest in their cereal crops, so the more Jasper & I got through the better!!!

Clivers (Galium aparine)

Clivers is also known by the names bedstraw, cleavers, goosegrass or catch-weed. This European herb can be found growing in many hedgerows and fields and is collected and gently dried before the flowering and fruiting period.

Clivers and dandelion have traditionally been used as a ‘spring tonic’ for animals after a long winter to help cleanse and re-energise their systems. Clivers and dandelion roots and leaves are a good combination and can be fed long term.

Traditionally, clivers have been used internally as a tonic for the lymphatic and urinary systems, it is specific for urinary infections and also can be useful for horses prone to tying-up (developing tight muscles while in work).

It is considered to have diuretic and astringent actions when eaten, so can be helpful for fluid retention such as with wind-galls or stocked-up (filled legs) legs, particularly when stabled.

Clivers are rich in silica, so can help strengthen the coat and hair. Clivers can also be helpful as an astringent tonic to promote healthy skin, by cleansing the blood so it is useful in treating skin complaints such as eczema and mud-fever(scratches or greasy heel).

Clivers can be used externally on irritated dry skin as a poultice or an infusion.

Hope you find this useful, until next time.

Love Fiona & Jasper