Cleavers is so named because it has tiny hooked bristles that cleave to other plants, animals and people. Cleavers is a gentle purifying herb that is often used as a tonic.* A relative of the coffee plant, Galium aparine has many colorful names besides Cleaver's Herb, which include goosegrass, robin-run the hedge, stickywilly and catchweed. The last two names are significant when you consider that fresh cleaver's herb are fuzzy and have a tendency to stick to fabric.

In traditional folk medicine, Cleaver's Herb was used for rashes and other dermal disorders and injuries.* In addition, organic Galium aparine appears to act as a relaxant.* When boiled, the root of the Galium aparine plant produces a harmless red dye that is used in the manufacture of clothing made from organic fabrics.

Cleavers herb contains high levels of Vitamin C. Some of the identified constituents include iridoid glycosides (including monotropein, aucubin), flavonoids (such as hesperidun, luteolin), tannins and phenolic acids (caffeic acid, gallic acid).