Cleavers (Galium aparine) and sweet woodruff (Galium odoratum) are definitely plants although they are closely related, both galiums. Cleavers at my place grow in sun and shade but seems to prefer the shadier, cooler locations like its cousin sweet woodfruff. Northern Bedstraw (Galium boreale) grows wild at my place and that plant prefers full sun. It is so much more friendly than cleavers - no "cleaving" seeds to pick from pet fur or clothes.

Good luck with the ointments. I've got some calendula and plantain salves in the works. As part of a "pioneer day" event, I recently taught 4th-graders about wild medicine and food plants. The calendula salve I brought in was a HUGE hit and they all got to try it. Calendula isn't a wild plant here but it was a homemade salve. I also took in some jars of oil that were infusing with herbs for salve. It is great fun to share with young people how truly wonderful and powerful neighbors plants are - If you ever get the chance to share with young people I recommend it!

I only use herb-infused olive oil, & beeeswax for my salves but I'm sure there are many ways to make salves and creams so depending upon your recipe, you may use other ingredients.

Have fun on your trip and best wishes for your garden!

FataMorgana