Information about the herb Blackberry

Rubus canandensis, also known as Brambleberry is part of the Rosaceae plant family.Although it grows everywhere, it grows more wildly in Australia.

General Information

There are more than 40 species of the Rubi family.

Botanical Name: Rubus canandensis, Rubus fructicosus, Rubus trivialis

Common Name: Bramble, Brambleberry, Bramble Kite, Brameberry, Brummel, Bumble Kite, Cloudberry, Dewberry, Goutberry

Plant Family: Rosaceae

History: The name of the bush comes from brambel or brymbl meaning 'prickly'. It is mentioned in the Old Testament and the ancient Greeks used it for gout.

Back to the Top

Plant Constituents of Blackberry

Contains:

Roots:

• tannin

Berries:

• albumen
• citric acid
• malic acid
• pectin

Action:

• alterative [an agent capable of favorably altering or changing unhealthy conditions of the body and tending to restore normal bodily function, usually by improving nutrition]
• antispasmodic [an agent which relieves or eases muscular spasms, cramps or convulsions]
• astringent [a binding agent that contracts organic tissue, reducing secretions or discharges of mucous and fluid from the body]
• cardiac stimulant [an agent that stimulates or otherwise affects the heart]
• diuretic [an agent that increases the volume and flow of urine which cleanses the urinary system]
• emetic [an agent that causes vomiting]
• emmenagogue [an agent that promotes menstrual flow]
• expectorant [an agent that promotes the discharge of mucous and secretions from the respiratory passages]
• sedative [a soothing agent that reduces nervousness, distress or irritation]
• slightly narcotic [a drug which relieves pain and induces sleep when used in medicinal doses; large doses of narcotics produce convulsions, stupor, insensibility, coma or death]

Back to the Top

Usage of Blackberry

Medicinal Parts Used: Roots, Leaves, Berries

Creeping under a Bramble Bush was thought to protect you from:

• blackheads
• boils
• rheumatism

Blackberry is commonly used for:

Cardiovascular Conditions

• weak circulation

Female Conditions

• leucorrhea

Gastrointestinal Conditions

• diarrhea, especially summer diarrhea
• dysentery
• enteritis

Genitourinary Conditions

• dropsy

Respiratory Conditions

• whooping cough in the spasm stage

Other

• chronic appendicitis
• fever

Other Uses:

• as a substitute for tea

Externally the leaves were applied to:

• burns
• scalds

or chewed for:

• bleeding gums

Back to the Top

Precautions

Drug Interactions:

Do not use Blackberry without first talking to your practitioner or healthcare provider if your taking any of the following medications:

• None known

Research

Articles

Information given by our website  is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by a physician or other medical professionals. You should not use the information given for diagnosing a health problem or disease. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider. The above information is just a guide to general circumstances and in no way should it contradict the advice that you have been given by your naturopath, medical doctor or specialist.