Have a herbal Detox this spring

Have a herbal detox this spring. 

Feel like a deep spring clean of your body?

Cleavers (Galium aparine) could really help you. You might know this innocent looking plant as sticky-back, goosegrass or catchweed. All of these names are fitting, as it sticks to your clothes when you walk through long grass. Remember it now?

Cleavers helps the body to eliminate uric acid and it cleanses the lymph glands, reducing inflammation and detoxing as it goes, and in this way it has many knock-on benefits for the body. This amazing little plant may even be growing in your back garden.

Why not try a bit of DIY cleansing this spring? This is one of the few plants that does not need to be infused in hot water or extracted in alcohol. Clean (filtered or distilled), cold water is all you need.

1. Source this plant growing in a clean environment away from roads and free from any sprays (April-May is the best time, before it has begun to flower)
2. Pick a generous amount of leaves and stem
3. Macerate it so that the outer layer has been broken
4. Put it in a pot and cover with water, and put the lid on
5. Leave in the fridge or cool place overnight
6. Strain it the next day
7. Drink a glass of this liquid three times a day for five days every few weeks in  spring to give your body a boost