Blackberry
Rubus fruticosus
Rubus villosus
“Blackberry leaf consists of the dried leaf, fermented or unfermented, gathered during the flowering period... contains tannins... [uses for] nonspecific, acute diarrhea, mild inflammation of the mucosa of the oral cavity and throat.”
- Commission E
“Because of their similarities, the leaves of three plants may be considered as a group:
“Blackberry Leaves the dried leaves of Rubus fruticosus L. (family Rosaceae);
“Blueberry Leaves the dried leaves of Vaccinium corymbosum L. or V. myrtillus L. (family Ericaceae); and
“Raspberry Leaves the dried leaves of Rubus idaeus L. or of R. strigosus Michx. (family Rosaceae).
“All of the leaves contain appreciable amounts of tannin; quantities up to 6.7 percent have been reported for blueberry leaves and a range of 8 percent to possibly 14 percent for blackberry leaves. All three are consumed in the form of teas, usually prepared by pouring a cup of boiling water over one to two teaspoons of the finely cut leaves and steeping for ten to fifteen minutes. Alternatively, the plant material may be macerated in cold water for about two hours and then strained to yield the beverage. A cup of the tea may be drunk up to six times a day as necessary to control the diarrhea... The teas from all three berry leaves may also be used effectively as a mouthwash or gargle for sore mouth and inflammation of the mucous membranes of the throat.”
- Tyler’s Herbs of Choice
a.k.a.
bramble, brameberry, dewberry, goutberry
