Blackberry is also known by the common names Bramble, Dewberry, and
Cloudberry. Blackberry is the name Americans give to a berry that grows on
small bushy vines, each berry being a cluster of tiny black knobs. In
England, they are often referred to as Brambleberries because of the
prickly thorns, or brambles. Blackberries are often consumed as or with a
desert or made into jelly or jam. Once they are black all over, they are
fully ripe, and can be eaten right off the vine. Medicinally, the leaf of
the Blackberry is most often used. Blackberry Leaf has been made into a
tea to ease the discomfort of sore throat. It has also been determined to
effective in treating diarrhea. The primary constituents of this herb
include tannins, gallic acid, villosin, and iron. The fruit portion
contains Vitamin C, niacin, pectin, sugars, anthocyanins, and flavonoids
(kaempferol, quercitin). The tannin content of Blackberry Leaf makes it an
effective astringent. It also has diuretic properties. The tannins in
Blackberry also contribute to the plant's ability to treat diarrhea and
dysentery, as well as to constrict blood vessels, which inhibits bleeding.
The leaves of Blackberry were chewed to treat bleeding gums and mouth
sores. Blackberry Leaf was also used as a poultice for wounds and insect
bites, and as a wash for oily skin. The common name Blackberry also
includes the species Rubus villosus, Rubis lacinniatus, Rubus procerus,
and other Rubus species, which are used interchangeably with Rubus
fructicosus.
Since ancient Greek physicians prescribed blackberry for gout, the leaves, roots, and even berries have been used as herbal medicines. The most common uses were for treating diarrhea, sore throats, and wounds. These are similar to the uses of its close cousin, the red raspberry (Rubus idaeus), and a somewhat more distant relative, the blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum).
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor.
