The many common names of Gallium aparine (cleavers, clivers, catchweed, sticky willy) refer to the plant’s ability to cling to other plants, animals, and people. A tenacious climber, cleaver has hollow square stems, whorls of narrow leaves and round fruits — all of which are covered with bristly hooks that catch on fur and clothing. The plant is common throughout Europe and North America and grows prolifically in wet pastures and roadsides.

Cleaver herb is made from the plant’s chlorophyll-rich stems and leaves. Prepared as a tea or infusion, the dried herb is a diuretic and an herbal remedy often prescribed for swollen lymph glands, post-injury swelling, and premenstrual water retention.

Topically, a wash or poultice of cleaver herb can also cleanse skin, calm rashes, and soothe sunburns and blisters.