Blackberry
is also known by the common names Bramble, Dewberry, and Cloudberry. Blackberry
is the name Americans give to a berry that grows on small bushy vines, each
berry being a cluster of tiny black knobs. In England, they are often referred
to as Brambleberries because of the prickly thorns, or brambles. Blackberries
are often consumed as or with a desert or made into jelly or jam. Once they are
black all over, they are fully ripe, and can be eaten right off the vine.
Medicinally, the leaf of the Blackberry is most often used. Blackberry Leaf has
been made into a tea to ease the discomfort of sore throat. It has also been
determined to effective in treating diarrhea.
The primary constituents of this herb
include tannins, gallic acid, villosin, and iron. The fruit portion contains
Vitamin C, niacin, pectin, sugars, anthocyanins, and flavonoids (kaempferol,
quercitin). The tannin
content of Blackberry Leaf makes it an effective astringent. It also has
diuretic properties. The
tannins in Blackberry also contribute to the plant's ability to treat diarrhea
and dysentery, as well as to constrict blood vessels, which inhibits bleeding.
The leaves of Blackberry were
chewed to treat bleeding gums and mouth sores. Blackberry Leaf was also used as
a poultice for wounds and insect bites, and as a wash for oily skin.
The common name Blackberry also
includes the species Rubus villosus, Rubis lacinniatus, Rubus
procerus, and other Rubus species, which are used interchangeably with
Rubus fructicosus.
