Blackberry (Rubus fructicosus L, Rubus villosus L)

Rosaceae Rose family

Common names: Dewberry, European blackberry

Parts used and where grown: Blackberry leaf is more commonly used, but blackberry root also has medicinal value. Blackberries grow in wet areas across the United States and Europe. There are several species of blackberry, some of which are native to the Americas and others that are native to Europe. Rubus fructicosus is the most common European species, and Rubus canadensis is a common North American species.

In what conditions might blackberry be supportive?

Â¥ common cold/sore throat

Â¥ diarrhea

Parts Usually Used

Roots, leaves, fruit

Medicinal Properties: Astringent (leaves and roots), hemostatic, nutritive, refrigerant, tonic

Historical or traditional use: Since ancient Greek physicians prescribed blackberry for gout, the leaves, roots, and even berries have been employed as herbal medicines.1 The most common uses were for treating diarrhea, sore throats, and wounds. These are similar to the uses of its close cousin, the raspberry (Rubus idaeus), and a somewhat more distant relative, the blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum).

Biochemical Information: Isocitric, and malic acids; sugars, pectin, monoglycoside of cyanidin, tannin (high in root bark and leaves), iron, carbohydrates, sodium, magnesium, and vitamin A and C

Active constituents: The presence of large amounts of tannins give blackberry roots and leaves an astringent effect that is useful for treating diarrhea.2 These same constituents are also helpful for soothing sore throats.

Uses: Blackberry leaves and roots are a long-standing home remedy for cholera, anemia, regulates menses, diarrhea and dysentery. Prolonged use of the tea is also beneficial for enteritis, chronic appendicitis, stomach upset, and leukorrhea. It is said to have expectorant properties as well. A tea made from the dried root can be used for dropsy. The chewing of the leaves for bleeding gums goes back to the time of Christ. The fruit and juice are taken for anemia. A standard infusion is made, which can also be applied externally as a lotion, reported to cure psoriasis and scaly conditions of the skin.

Blackberries also make wine, brandy; and flavor liqueurs and cordials.

How much should I take? Blackberry tea is prepared by adding 10&endash;15 ml of leaves or powdered root to 250 ml of boiling water and allowing it to steep for ten to fifteen minutes. Three or more cups per day should be drunk. Use 3&endash;4 ml of tincture three times each day or more if there is an acute problem.

Are there any side effects or interactions? Tannins can cause nausea and even vomiting in people with sensitive stomachs. Individuals with chronic gastrointestinal problems might be particularly at risk for such reactions.

Bibliography

The Herb Book, by John Lust, pgs., 123-124, 459, 472, 487, 490, 499, 502, 503, 504, 506, 507, 525, 528, 529, 552, 573.
Back to Eden, by Jethro Kloss, pgs., 94-95.
The Herbalist Almanac, by Clarence Meyer, pg. 85.
Chinese Medicinal Herbs, compiled by Li Shih-Chen, pgs., 383.
Eastern/Central Medicinal Plants, by Steven Foster and James A. Duke, Plate 31, pg., 234.
The Nature Doctor, by Dr. H.C.A. Vogel; pgs., 178, 249, 420, 422, 503, 505.
The Magic of Herbs, by David Conway, pgs., 87-88.
Secrets of the Chinese Herbalists, by Richard Lucas, pgs., 165-166.
Planetary Herbology, by Michael Tierra, C.A., N.D., O.M.D., pgs., 315-316, 332, 338.
Indian Herbalogy of North America, by Alma R. Hutchens, pgs., 44, 115.
American Folk Medicine, by Clarence Meyer, pg., 284.
How Indians Use Wild Plants for Food, Medicine & Crafts, by Frances Densmore, pg., 295.
Prescription for Nutritional Healing, by James F. Balch, M.D. and Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C., pg.,
Webster’s New World Dictionary, Third College Edition, Victoria Neufeldt, Editor in Chief, pg., 144.
An Instant Guide to Medicinal Plants, by Pamela Forey and Ruth Lindsay, pg., 105.
The Rodale Herb Book, edited by William H. Hylton, pgs., 68, 85-86, 96.
The Yoga of Herbs, by Dr. David Frawley & Dr. Vasant Lad, pgs., 53, 194.
Healing Plants, by Mannfried Pahlow, pgs., 147-148.

References:

1. Castleman M. The Healing Herbs. New York: Bantam Books, 1991, 106&endash;10. 2. Tyler V. Herbs of Choice: The Therapeutic Use of Phytomedicinals. New York: Pharmaceutical Products Press, 1994, 53.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.