Blackberry – Health Benefits, Uses, Research, Preparation, Precautions

The leaves and roots of blackberry have traditionally been employed to relieve stomach ulcers and stomach pain. Current studies support these uses.

The nutrient-rich leaves and berries have traditionally been included in tonics for women.

Current research

Steven Foster and James Duke are among the world’s foremost herbal experts. They report that compounds called anthocyanins from blackberries possess the potential to be beneficial for the prevention and treatment of cancers of the colon, mouth, and throat.

How to Prepare Blackberry for Medicinal Use

To prepare blackberry leaves as an infusion, place one teaspoonful of dried leaves, or one tablespoonful of fresh leaves in a cup. Pour one cupful of boiling water over the leaves. Cover the cup. Let it infuse for twenty minutes. Strain out the solids. Drink 1/2 cup of the infusion 1-3 times each day. If using to reduce loose stools, drink one-fourth of a cupful of the infusion after each loose stool.

To prepare blackberry root or fruit as a decoction, place one teaspoonful of dried roots or berries, or one tablespoonful of fresh berries or roots in a pot with one cupful of water. Let the mixture simmer for twenty minutes. Keep it covered. After twenty minutes, strain out the solids. Drink 1/2 cup of the decoction 1-3 times each day. If using to reduce loose stools, drink one-fourth of a cupful of the decoction after each loose stool.

If you use an extract or tincture, take 2-5 milliliters after each loose stool.

Precautions

Blackberry is generally recognized as safe. Use the tea for infants and small children.

References

Duke, J.A, and Foster, S. Peterson Field Guide to Medicinal Plants and Herbs of Eastern and Central North America. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. New York, USA. 2014

Gladstar, R. Rosemary Gladstar’s Family Herbal. Storey Publications.USA.2001

Author

This article was written for Insights-on-Health.com in 2015 by Patricia Bratianu RN PhD RH-AHG. Patricia has been a Registered Nurse for almost forty years in a wide variety of settings. As a Registered Nurse, she realized that conventional healthcare was not meeting the needs of all patients. She became an herbalist and obtained a PhD in Natural Health. Patricia is a professional member of the American Herbalist’s Guild, passing the stringent peer reviewed process to become a Registered Herbalist.

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