Rubus plicatus, syn. R. fruticosus – European blackberry
Rosaceae – Rose family
The parts used in medicine include the blackberry leaf – Rubi fruticosi folium and fruit – Rubi fruticosi fructus. The leaves are harvested before blooming and dried in natural conditions. The fruit are harvested when ripe and black together with the receptacle and dried in drying rooms in 40-60° C.
Blackberry – appearance and origin:
The blackberry is found in Asia and Europe; in Poland across the lowlands (in the wild: in plains, clearcuts, bushes) and in lower mountains. It is a bramble and grows up to 1.5 m. The shoots are sterile, angular and covered with thorns. The thorns are of medium size, acute, a bit crooked. The leaves are odd-pinnate. The leaflets (usually 5) have soft hairs on the bottom, sharply and unevenly serrate. The tip leaflet is usually heart-shaped, the bottom pair of leaflets is sessile or almost sessile. The flowers are rays with white or light pink petals, forming a short cluster. During bloomings, the stamens are as long as the pistil. The fruit are black-brown, edible. It blooms in June and July.
Blackberry – effects and use:
The leaves contain tannins (10%), flavonoids, triterpenes, vitamin C, citric acid and mineral salts. The fruit contain anthocyanins, vitamin C, citric acid, pectins, sugars, mucus compounds and mineral salts.
Blackberry has the following effects:
– Astringent and anti-inflammatory – in treating dermatitis, such as lichen, eczema, purulent wounds which are not healing;
externally, it is used for throat gargles and mouthwashes, and also for baths in acne and eczema.
– Antidiarrheal;
– Bactericidal;
– Diuretic;
– Improves metabolism.
The blackberry leaves are recommended in case of excess growth of the microbiome in the gastrointestinal tract and subsequent proneness to diarrhea and flatulence; also for stomach and intestinal diseases, chronic mucosa inflammation.
– Expectorant (fresh fruit syrup);
– Sedative.
The blackberry leaves are used to treat anemia, as they contain micronutrients needed for the creation of red blood cells, i.a. iron and copper. Thanks to their provitamin A content, the leaves can be recommended for nyctalopia symptoms and prolonged dark adaptation.
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