Cleavers, red clover and echinacea: uses and safety.
The short answer
These herbs are chosen for traditional use, and the human evidence behind them is thin: the NIH calls red clover’s results inconclusive and says there is no compelling evidence for dandelion12. Their cautions are clearer than their benefits. Echinacea can cause allergic reactions, red clover contains estrogen-like isoflavones, and several of the herbs are in the daisy family13.
Key takeaways
Cleavers
Cleavers (Galium aparine) is the sticky, climbing plant also called goosegrass, and it has a long history in Western herbal tradition as a ‘lymphatic’ herb. That reputation is traditional; we are not aware of clinical trials that tested it for lymph flow. In Thriviom’s drops it is the largest single extract, at 100 mg per 1 mL.
Red clover
Red clover (Trifolium pratense) contains isoflavones, plant compounds structurally similar to estrogen. The NIH says studies have not shown conclusive benefits, and that red clover supplements have been used in studies for up to two years with apparent safety, but may be unsafe during pregnancy or breastfeeding1. Its estrogen-like compounds are why products containing it carry cautions for hormone-sensitive conditions.
Echinacea
Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) is best known from research on colds. Its most common side effects are digestive, such as stomach pain or nausea, and some people have allergic reactions, which may be severe3. The NIH also notes conflicting evidence about interactions with some drugs processed by the liver3.
Dandelion, burdock and calendula
For dandelion, the NIH says there is no compelling scientific evidence for any health condition, and that it may theoretically interact with antidiabetes medicines, blood thinners and water pills2. Dandelion, burdock, calendula and echinacea are all members of the daisy family, which matters for anyone allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums or marigolds.
Elderberry and prickly ash
Raw or unripe elderberries, and the leaves and stems of the elder tree, contain substances that can produce cyanide; cooking and proper processing remove that toxin4. Supplement extracts are processed, but it is the reason never to make your own from raw berries. Prickly ash bark is a traditional warming herb and the smallest amount in the Thriviom blend, at 15 mg.
The cautions on Thriviom’s label
For adult use only. Do not use if pregnant or nursing. Consult your healthcare provider before use if you are taking medication (including blood thinners), have a medical condition, or have a hormone-sensitive or autoimmune condition. Not for use by people allergic to plants in the daisy family (ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds).
Common questions
What are the benefits of cleavers?
Cleavers is used traditionally as a ‘lymphatic’ herb. That use is traditional; there are no clinical trials showing it improves lymph flow.
What are the side effects of red clover?
Red clover appears well tolerated in studies, but it contains estrogen-like isoflavones and may be unsafe during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Ask a doctor first if you have a hormone-sensitive condition.
Who should avoid lymphatic drainage herbs?
Anyone pregnant or nursing, children, people allergic to plants in the daisy family, and anyone on blood thinners or with a hormone-sensitive or autoimmune condition unless their doctor agrees.
Where Thriviom fits
Lymphatic Drainage Herbal Drops
Coming soon, with every amount printed on the label. Join the list and we will email you once, on the day it launches.
Sources
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Red Clover: Usefulness and Safety. National Institutes of Health, accessed October 2026.
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Dandelion: Usefulness and Safety. National Institutes of Health, accessed October 2026.
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Echinacea: Usefulness and Safety. National Institutes of Health, accessed October 2026.
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health European Elder: Usefulness and Safety. National Institutes of Health, accessed October 2026.
This article is for general education and is not medical advice. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting a supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or take any medication. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Thriviom products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.