Cleavers are my favorite! In celtic folkwore, it is associated with various symbolic uses as well as binding magic! They're so fun & always makes me feel child-like when sticking them on me (or others)
Yep! You can dry cleavers easily using either a dehydrator or your oven. If you have a dehydrator, simply spread the cleavers evenly on the trays, set it to a low temperature—around 95°F to 105°F (35°C–40°C)—and let them dry for about 4 to 8 hours, or until they're crisp and brittle. I typically will use the dehydrator!
Alternatively, you can use your oven by spreading cleavers in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Set your oven to its lowest temperature setting (usually around 140°F–170°F or 60°C–75°C), and prop the door slightly open to help moisture escape. Gently turn the herbs every 30–45 minutes and keep checking them until they become fully dry and crispy, typically within 2 to 4 hours. This method is kinda risky, you don't want to forget about them. Both methods work well, but using a dehydrator is generally preferred because the lower heat helps retain more of the herb's beneficial properties.
Absolutely! Cleavers are indeed part of the coffee family (Rubiaceae). To make coffee from cleavers, you'd want to use the mature seeds, which actually contain caffeine! While I haven't had the chance to try this myself yet, I'd love to hear about your experience if you decide to give it a go.
This was such a fascinating read, thank you. I have a question. You said long term use to get the benefits, how long would one drink a tea to start seeing a difference? A month? Three months? Longer? Thank you.
I'm so glad you found this interesting! The length of time needed to see benefits from cleavers can vary quite a bit from person to person, as everyone's body responds uniquely to herbs. Because cleavers are gentle and mild, their benefits typically accumulate gradually over time rather than creating immediate, noticeable effects. For most people, drinking cleavers tea consistently each day may start showing subtle benefits after about a month of regular use, but more noticeable or sustained results could become apparent after two to three months. The good news is that cleavers are safe and gentle enough to be taken daily as a supportive tonic. Regular, consistent use is key—it's the cumulative, gentle support that really makes cleavers shine!
I just noticed my first patch of spring cleavers today! I've been waiting for them to emerge, and I love that today is the day you posted about the plant!
One question: I had been told that the dried herb is pretty useless, but now I can't remember why. have you seen data related to this?
How exciting that your cleavers emerged just in time! That's wonderful timing.
Regarding dried cleavers: While fresh cleavers are often preferred because they’re juicy, vibrant, and particularly effective for lymphatic support, dried cleavers aren't "useless." It's true that drying reduces some of the plant’s potency—especially because certain active constituents are best captured when fresh—but dried cleavers still retain beneficial compounds and can be used effectively, particularly as gentle lymphatic support or in blends with other herbs.
I haven't come across extensive clinical data *comparing* fresh versus dried cleavers specifically, but herbal tradition and clinical herbalists often favor fresh preparations for immediate lymphatic or diuretic effects, noting that the fresh plant tends to provide a stronger action. However, dried cleavers can still be supportive, especially when fresh herb isn’t available.
The studies summarized in this article did not explicitly state whether they used fresh or dried plant material. However, based on the methods and extraction processes described, it’s likely that the first study used fresh plant material, while the other two—given their solvent-based and hydroalcoholic extractions—were most likely conducted with dried material.
In short: dried cleavers might not pack quite the same punch as fresh, but they’re still a useful and safe addition to your herbal toolkit. Thank you for this great question!
wonderful info, I love Cleavers and luckily am able to source a lovely fresh herb liquid extract here, as it unfortunately doesn't grow where I live, apart from the odd plant here & there.
I've used cleavers with porridge oats sealed in a napkin and dropped in the bath to infuse then used as a ‘sponge’ to wash when I've had sore or itchy skin. They're magical!
Such fascinating information about this lovingly-clingy plant! Is it only the dried plant that can be used for tea, or can fresh leaves and stem be steeped for tea?
Cleavers are my favorite! In celtic folkwore, it is associated with various symbolic uses as well as binding magic! They're so fun & always makes me feel child-like when sticking them on me (or others)
Also, how do I dry the herb? A dehydrator? The oven?
Yep! You can dry cleavers easily using either a dehydrator or your oven. If you have a dehydrator, simply spread the cleavers evenly on the trays, set it to a low temperature—around 95°F to 105°F (35°C–40°C)—and let them dry for about 4 to 8 hours, or until they're crisp and brittle. I typically will use the dehydrator!
Alternatively, you can use your oven by spreading cleavers in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Set your oven to its lowest temperature setting (usually around 140°F–170°F or 60°C–75°C), and prop the door slightly open to help moisture escape. Gently turn the herbs every 30–45 minutes and keep checking them until they become fully dry and crispy, typically within 2 to 4 hours. This method is kinda risky, you don't want to forget about them. Both methods work well, but using a dehydrator is generally preferred because the lower heat helps retain more of the herb's beneficial properties.
Wonderful! Thank you so much! Do I dry the whole plant? Or just the leaves?
I heard you can use cleavers as a coffee alternative? And are there any other plants that mimic cleavers? I have a BUNCH in my yard!
Absolutely! Cleavers are indeed part of the coffee family (Rubiaceae). To make coffee from cleavers, you'd want to use the mature seeds, which actually contain caffeine! While I haven't had the chance to try this myself yet, I'd love to hear about your experience if you decide to give it a go.
Amazing! Thank you 🙏🏻
This was such a fascinating read, thank you. I have a question. You said long term use to get the benefits, how long would one drink a tea to start seeing a difference? A month? Three months? Longer? Thank you.
I'm so glad you found this interesting! The length of time needed to see benefits from cleavers can vary quite a bit from person to person, as everyone's body responds uniquely to herbs. Because cleavers are gentle and mild, their benefits typically accumulate gradually over time rather than creating immediate, noticeable effects. For most people, drinking cleavers tea consistently each day may start showing subtle benefits after about a month of regular use, but more noticeable or sustained results could become apparent after two to three months. The good news is that cleavers are safe and gentle enough to be taken daily as a supportive tonic. Regular, consistent use is key—it's the cumulative, gentle support that really makes cleavers shine!
I just noticed my first patch of spring cleavers today! I've been waiting for them to emerge, and I love that today is the day you posted about the plant!
One question: I had been told that the dried herb is pretty useless, but now I can't remember why. have you seen data related to this?
How exciting that your cleavers emerged just in time! That's wonderful timing.
Regarding dried cleavers: While fresh cleavers are often preferred because they’re juicy, vibrant, and particularly effective for lymphatic support, dried cleavers aren't "useless." It's true that drying reduces some of the plant’s potency—especially because certain active constituents are best captured when fresh—but dried cleavers still retain beneficial compounds and can be used effectively, particularly as gentle lymphatic support or in blends with other herbs.
I haven't come across extensive clinical data *comparing* fresh versus dried cleavers specifically, but herbal tradition and clinical herbalists often favor fresh preparations for immediate lymphatic or diuretic effects, noting that the fresh plant tends to provide a stronger action. However, dried cleavers can still be supportive, especially when fresh herb isn’t available.
The studies summarized in this article did not explicitly state whether they used fresh or dried plant material. However, based on the methods and extraction processes described, it’s likely that the first study used fresh plant material, while the other two—given their solvent-based and hydroalcoholic extractions—were most likely conducted with dried material.
In short: dried cleavers might not pack quite the same punch as fresh, but they’re still a useful and safe addition to your herbal toolkit. Thank you for this great question!
Thank you so much for this thorough and helpful reply!
You’re welcome!!☺️🦋
wonderful info, I love Cleavers and luckily am able to source a lovely fresh herb liquid extract here, as it unfortunately doesn't grow where I live, apart from the odd plant here & there.
I've used cleavers with porridge oats sealed in a napkin and dropped in the bath to infuse then used as a ‘sponge’ to wash when I've had sore or itchy skin. They're magical!
Such fascinating information about this lovingly-clingy plant! Is it only the dried plant that can be used for tea, or can fresh leaves and stem be steeped for tea?