Parts Used: Leaves, Bark from the root and rhizome, Fruit
Active Compounds: Tannins (20%); Gallic Acid; Saponins, including Villosin, Flavonoids, Anthocyanins, pectin, vitamin C, fruit acids.
Background: Blackberry has been used historically by many cultures to treat a variety of conditions. The ancient Romans used blackberry leaves to treat bleeding gums as well as diarrhea. Greeks used blackberry to treat gout and the Chinese used it to treat kidney problems, incontinence and impotence. Ancients even thought that crawling under a blackberry bush would work as a charm against a variety of afflictions.
Applications: Astringent
Astringent – teas containing tannins from the leaves or bark have gentle astringent properties, which are useful in treating diarrhea, hemorrhoids, burns and scalds. The leaves may be chewed to treat bleeding gums. Wines and vinegars made from the fruit are thought to work against edema caused by poor circulation
Description: Blackberry is a creeping, perennial bush that grows in dry and sandy soil in the Northeastern and Midwestern United States. It is also successfully cultivated elsewhere, such as Europe and Australia. The plant features slender, thorny branches and hairy, oval, serrated leaves which appear in groups of 3 or 5. The plant produces white flowers in the summer months along with juicy berries which ripen from red to purplish black.
Blackberry Dosage:
Decoction – Use 1 tsp. root or leaves to 1 cup of water. Drink 1 – 2 cups per day, cold.
Tincture (root) – Take 15 – 40 drops in water, as needed.
Safety: Although blackberry is thought of as a gentle astringent, it is believed that consuming large quantities of tannins can result in stomach distress, nausea and vomiting, and in the extreme, cancer. Blackberry root bark is highest in tannins followed by the leaves and finally the fruit. Refrain from using blackberry root if you suffer from gastrointestinal diseases such as colitis.
For educational purposes only This Blackberry information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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Monterey Bay Spice Company
719 Swift Street Suite 62
Santa Cruz, CA 95060