25/02/2026
I’m a Registered Nutritional Therapist - trained to support my clients with diet and lifestyle changes, but also supplements. And don’t get me wrong, I love a supplement, if it’s appropriate for the individual, not ludicrously expensive, but still quality, with targeted action. However… more recently, I feel like the ‘wellness’ industry has started taking supplementation a bit too far. Into the realms of endless protocols, injecting yourself with multiple peptides, and trying everything that Instagram targets you with. It’s actually pretty irresponsible as so many of these products are new to the market, contraindicated for many, contaminated, etc.
Instead, how many of us are actually using the medicinal plants that are growing all around us in the UK? Spending nothing, connecting with nature, and using something that has been consumed safely for centuries? Yes, I think we should all be doing a bit more of that.
One of my favourite plants to safely for is the cleaver. Its a lymphatic tonic, a diuretic, anti-inflammatory, with antioxidant properties. I love using cleavers practically daily at this time of the year as they improve the movement and flow in the lymphatic system, reducing stagnation in the tissues. And I for one, have definitely felt a bit STAGNANT this winter. This action allows for better removal of toxins and mucous, therefore, it also helps to reduce inflammation and restores balance in the tissues.
From a TCM perspective, the removal of toxins and congestion produces a systemic cooling action. For this reason, using a cleaver cold brew can be particularly useful for managing inflamed or chronic inflammatory disorders where a cooling and decongestant action would be beneficial — such as fluid retention, excess phlegm, acne and rheumatic conditions.
Cleavers are literally everywhere right now - SO abundant. If you have access to countryside hedgerows or a garden where they are growing, you can make a cold brew daily to help get everything flowing again and help you feel a bit more revitalised for spring.
What’s your favourite medicinal plant to forage right now?