BLACKBERRY

BLACKBERRY

(Rubus villosus)

Other Names

Bramble, Cloudberry, Dewberry, Goutberry, Thimbleberry.

Description

The Blackberry is a perennial plant native to the United States and Canada.   It is also widely cultivated elsewhere.   The long tangled thorny stems with lavish foliage produce five petal white flowers that bloom from June through September, then producing a juicy purplish blue-black berry, thus its name Blackberry.

Classification

Taste

Balance Yin/Yang

Humor

Uses/Applications

Blackberry leaves are excellent for diarrhea.   Prolonged use is beneficial for enteritis, chronic appendicitis, and leucorrhea.   Chew the leaves for bleeding gums and they also have expectorant properties.

Combinations

Raspberry.

Constituents

Unknown.

Action

Expectorant, Astringent, Tonic.

Food Values

Vitamin C.

Part Used

Roots, Leaves, Berries.

Collection

Harvest leaves and roots anytime.   Harvest the berries when ripe.

Preparation

Decoction

Use 1 Tsp. powdered root per cup of water.   Boil for 30 minutes.   Take once per day.

Infusion

Used 3 Tsp. dried leaves per cup of boiling water.   Steep for 20 minutes, then add a bit of milk.   Take three times per day. You can also use crushed berries or bark.

Tincture

Take 15 - 40 drops in water as needed.

Growing Directions

Blackberries grow wild and in abundance in most of North America.   Blackberries grow easily from ½ inch root cuttings taken in autumn and stored through the winter in cool sand around 2^o C.   Plant the cuttings vertically 3 feet apart in 4 inches of soil in the early spring.   Blackberries adapt to many conditions but grow best in loose, moist, rich soil prepared with manure.   Make sure your Blackberries get at a depth of one inch of water per week.   Mulching will reduce the frequency of watering.

History

During the middle ages Blackberry leaves were applied externally to soothe burns.   Culpepper, a 17^th  century English Herbalist, called the herb “very binding and good for fevers.”   During the 19^th  century American herbalist’s recommended a preparation made from the berries for various ailments. 

Additional Information

1.   The Chinese call the Blackberry “Piao” and use it for dysentery and diarrhea.

2.   The high tannin content makes Blackberry quite astringent, thus supporting its traditional use for diarrhea and dysentery.   It also help constrict blood vessels and stop minor bleeding making it good for wounds

3.   One animal study shows a strong infusion of Blackberry leaves will reduce blood sugar levels.

4.   The Journal of the National Cancer Institute published that the Blackberry tannins produce malignant tumors in laboratory animals but they also had anti-cancer effects against some animal tumors.

Cautions

1.   In large amounts tannins may cause stomach upset.

2.   Do not give medicinal doses to children under 2.

3.   With the elderly start with small doses an slowly increase.

Magick Information

Gender:

 Feminine

Planet:

 Venus

Element:

 Water

Deity:

 Brigit

Powers:

 Healing, Money, Protection

Magickal Uses:

 Blackberry leaves are used in spells and incense of wealth, protection, and healing.   The growing vines are protective.