Blackberry:

Rubus fruticous (European); R. Villosus (American)

Blackberry – Not just Jam and Jelly:  traditional used for anemia, bleeding, cholera, diarrhea, dysentery, fevers, hemorrhoids, infertility, mouth sores, sore throat, and wounds

·        Warning:

∞      Botanical name: Rubus fruticous (European); R. Villosus (American); and other species.

∞      Chinese Botanical name:

∞      This information clearly states that Blackberry does have benefit.

—Physiological Character— Alterative, astringent, blood tonic, diuretic, hemostatic, nutritive, refrigerant, tonic, uterine tonic, yin tonic

 —Description—    Diarrhea, dysentery, hemorrhoids, mouth sores, sore throat, wounds and intriguing possibilities.

—Cultivation— Blackberry is believed to be native to both Europe and North America.  This perennial plant is found most often growing in hedges and open woods.  Its woody stems have large hooks (thorns) and, erect or trailing, grow up to sixteen and a half feet in length.  The leaves are palmate with three to five rounded, toothed leaflets.  The five-petaled flowers can be white or pink.

In the garden, blackberry thrives in full sun but will tolerate partial shade.  A well-draining soil that retains some moisture is ideal.  To propagate blackberry plants, dig up the roots of well-established plants in early spring, cut them into three-inch lengths, and bury the root pieces in tranches two or three inches deep.  You can also purchase young plants at gardening stores.

—Family— Rosaceae; other members include rose, apple, almond, strawberry.

— Synonyms— Bramble, dewberry, gout berry. 

—Parts Used— Leaves, bark, roots, and fruit.

—Constituents—

Leaf and root: tannins. Gallic acid, villain, iron

Fruit: Vitamin C, niacin, pectin, sugars, anthocyanins, flavanoids (kaempferol, quercetin)

—Medicinal Action and Uses— Contrary to the claims of Nicholas Culpeper, blackberry in any form doesn't do much for the genitals, but it is a tasty remedy for several common ills. 

·         DIARRHEA – Blackberry's high tannin content makes it quite astringent and supports its traditional use as a treatment for diarrhea and dysentery.

·         WOUNDS – Tannin's astringent action helps constrict blood vessels and stop minor bleeding.  This action would tend to explain the traditional external use of the herb to treat wounds.  Black berry thorns often cause minor cuts, so it's nice to know first aid is close at hand.

·         MOUTH SORES, SORE THROAT – Enjoy some of the sweet, ripe berries.  Their astringent tannins might help.

·         HEMORRHOIDS – The astringent nature of blackberry may explain its traditional use in hemorrhoid treatment.

·         INTRIGUING POSSIBILITIES – One animal study shows that a strong infusion of blackberry leaves reduces blood sugar levels in diabetic rabbits, suggesting the possible value in the management of diabetes.  Research has shown that blackberry's close relative, raspberry relaxes the uterus.  Women might try blackberry for painful menstrual cramps.

All parts of blackberry help clear heat, reduce inflammation, cool fever, and dry dampness.

Topically, blackberry leaf tea is used as a wash for oily skin, to treat wounds, as a mouthwash for sores and weak gums, and as gargle for a sore throat.  The leaves can be applied as a compress to relieve the pain and itchiness of insect bites and to shrink hemorrhoids.

—Nutrient Source— Vitamins A, C, and K (in flowers and roots).

—Flavor— Blackberry leaf tea is pleasant and fragrant, with a flavor similar to that of black tea (like black tea, it is rich in tannins).  In fact, European peasants once brewed tea from blackberry leaves when Asian teas were prohibitively expensive.  The tea is more flavorful when it is made from dried, rather than the fresh, herb.  Its energy is cooling and drying.

Tea made from blackberry root bark has a stronger flavor and a cooling, drying energy.  Tea made from the fruit is sweet and tart (sour), with a neutral (neither warming nor cooling) energy.

—Contraindications— Blackberry is considered a very safe herb.

—Side Effects or Negative Effects—

Safety questions have been raised about tannins.  In various studies, they show both pro- and anti-cancer action.  Their cancer-promoting action received more publicity, notably from a study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, which showed that tannins produce malignant tumors in laboratory animals.  But tannins apparently also have an anti-cancer effect against some animal tumors.

Tannins' effects on human cancer remain unclear.  Small quantities have never been implicated in human tumors, but Asians who drink large quantities of tea, which is high in tannins, show unusually high rates of stomach cancer.  Adding milk neutralizes the tannins, which appears to be why the tea-loving British have a low rate of stomach cancer.  People with a history of cancer, particularly stomach or colon cancer, should exercise caution and not use medicinal quantities of this herb.  Other people should take no more than recommended amounts of infusions or decoctions, and for extra safety, add a bit of milk.

In large amounts, tannins may cause stomach distress, nausea, and vomiting.  Blackberry root bark contains the most tannins, followed by the leaves, and finally the fruit.  People with chronic gastrointestinal conditions, such as colitis for example, should probably not use the root.

For otherwise healthy non-pregnant, non-nursing adults, blackberry is safe in amounts typically recommended.  Blackberry should be used in medicinal amounts only in consultation with your doctor.  If blackberry causes minor discomforts such as nausea or vomiting, use less or stop using it.  Let your doctor know if you experience any unpleasant effects or if the symptoms do not improve significantly in two weeks.

—Deterrent—

—References— “The Healing Herbs – The Ultimate Guide to the Curative Power of Nature's Medicines” by – Michael Castleman;  Copyright 1991;  ISBN: 0-87857-934-6;  Page:  72 – 74

—References— “Nutritional Herbology” A Reference Guide to Herbs By – Mark Pedersen ISBN: 1-885653-07-7 Copyright 2008

—References— “Healing Herbal Teas” A Complete Guide to Making Delicious, Healthful Beverages.  By – Brigitte Mars, A.H.G. ISBN – 13: 978-59120-110-6 and ISBN – 10: 1-59120-110-1 Copyright 2006

—References—  “Herbal Medicine” The Natural Way to Get Well and Stay Well; By Dian Dincin Buchman, Ph.D ISBN – 0-517-147647-x; Copyright 1996

—References— 

Recipe:

Recipe:

∞      Definition –

Rubus fruticous (European)

Rubus Villosus (American)

Rubus fruticous (European)

Rubus Villosus (American)

Generated on June 24, 2007

Updated on November 24, 2008