Blackberry is one of the oldest medicinal plants. Several thousand species are distributed worldwide. As a garden plant, it is popular for its aromatic fruits.
Occurrence and cultivation of blackberry
The German name blackberry comes from the Old High German word “brämberi”, which means berry of the briar. The plant uses its thorns as a climbing aid as well as a grub guard. The botanical name of the blackberry is Rubus sectio Rubus. It belongs to the genus Rubus and the rose family or Rosaceae in Latin. The German name Brombeere comes from the Old High German word “brämberi”, which means berry of the thorn bush. The plant uses its thorns as a climbing aid as well as a feeding protection. However, thornless cultivars of the blackberry are also available for cultivation. The blackberry bush, which grows to a height of half a meter to three meters, is found in parts of Europe, North Africa, the Near East and North America. In Europe, more than 2000 species are already known, of which more than 300 occur in Germany. The blackberry blooms from May to August and bears mostly white, more rarely pink flowers. The fruits ripen between August and October. However, from a botanical point of view, the blackberry is not a berry, but a compound fruit. The ripe fruit can be recognized by its blue-black color, to which it matures from green to red. The blackberry prefers sunny to semi-shady places and often grows in sparse forests or at the edge of forests.
Effect and application
Blackberry contains tannins, such as gallotannins and ellagitannins, as well as flavonoids, fruit acids and fiber. In terms of minerals, it contains potassium, calcium, iron, phosphorus and magnesium. It is also rich in vitamins and contains vitamin C, various B vitamins, provitamin A and vitamin E. The blackberry has an astringent effect due to the tannins it contains. The tannins bind certain proteins in the body. This forms a protective layer over wounds, which is beneficial in healing. In addition, the plant has a blood purifying and hemostatic effect, diuretic, expectorant and tonic. The flavonoids contained can bind copper. From the blackberry, the leaves without the leaf stalks can be used as a tea or tincture, as well as the fruits or the juice of the fruits. The fruits are suitable for fresh consumption, but should not be stored for more than one or two days. Instead, they can be frozen and used at a later date. Since the fresh fruits lose too much flavor and juice when washed, they should only be dabbed gently. Ready-made teas are available in stores. Alternatively, one to two teaspoons of blackberry leaves can be poured over a cup of boiling water. For this purpose, leaves of the young shoots of the bush should be picked between May and September. If collecting the leaves is too time-consuming for you, you can also buy them at the pharmacy. The leaves can be used fresh or dried. By drying, the leaves can be stored and used for a tea at any time. After ten minutes of infusion, the tea is strained. It can be drunk hot or cold in small sips and tastes pleasantly aromatic. One to three cups daily are recommended. To make a tincture, the leaves of the plant are doused with spirit of wine or other alcohol. In addition to the leaves, the berries can also be added. After several weeks, the liquid is filtered off and stored in dark bottles. In addition, ready tinctures are commercially available. Blackberry juice can be purchased or made by pressing the fruit itself. The juice is drunk cold or slightly warmed or used for gargling. In addition to internal use, decoction or tincture from the plant are also suitable for external washing. As a homeopathic remedy, blackberry is also available.
Importance for health, treatment and prevention.
Blackberry is one of the oldest medicinal plants and has been used since ancient times for various ailments. Use a decoction of blackberry leaves when rinsing sores or inflammation of the mouth and throat. In case of tonsillitis, cough or hoarseness, the medicinal plant can be used for gargling. It also provides relief for chronic skin diseases. Due to the tannins it contains, blackberry is a good remedy for diarrhea, although a doctor should be consulted if diarrhea persists for a long time. The dietary fiber contained in the blackberry supports good digestion as a preventive measure.Due to the flavonoids and vitamins it contains, especially the high amounts of vitamin C, blackberry protects and strengthens the immune system. It can be taken both acutely and preventively against colds. It also strengthens connective tissue and vascular walls, helps with nervous restlessness and against urinary retention. It has an expectorant and diaphoretic effect and can be used in cases of mild fever. Chewing dried blackberry leaves helps against heartburn. Since blackberries protect the body from free radicals, they are said to have a positive effect against various cancers. For a tea with blackberry, various medicinal plants can be mixed and, for example, chamomile flowers and peppermint can be added, resulting in a good mixture for stomach problems. Blackberry tea can be drunk daily as a preventive measure. Since blackberry contains no fat and only small amounts of protein and carbohydrates, and also has a satiating effect, it is suitable as a food in diets. Side effects of blackberry are not known, but due to its oxalic acid content, it should be used with caution in metabolic diseases, kidney or gallstones. When gathering berries in the wild, contamination with fox tapeworm should be considered. Berries and leaves near the ground should therefore not be used or heated beforehand.
