rubus fruticosus

Blackberry leaves are used to tone tissues in the digestive and reproductive systems. They are rich in antioxidants and have also more recently been found to have potent antibacterial actions.

Blackberry leaves can be used to treat mild to moderate menstrual pains and heavy menstruation. They work via a combined action of their antispasmodic actions whilst also acting as an astringent uterine relaxant.

Their astringent qualities have been applied for the treatment of inflammatory conditions in the digestive system. A strong infusion of blackberry leaf tea is used to treat inflammations and abbesses in the mouth. Further down the digestive system, they are also used for the symptomatic treatment of diarrhoea or dysentery. It is important however that if any of the above symptoms persist for longer than three days to seek medical advice (1,2).

Blackberry leaves help to restore the health of the lining of the gastrointestinal tract whilst also bringing down inflammation after a bout of gastric illness.

Blackberry leaf is also an excellent agent used to restore tone in the digestive system and can be used in the treatment of haemorrhoids. This can be applied both using an infusion of blackberry leaf tea and with a lotion, cream or ointment applied topically on the affected area up to three times a day (2,3).

Chewing the leaves of blackberry or using an infusion as a mouthwash helps to maintain gum health. A mild infusion filtered well (using a coffee filter) may also be useful for the treatment of conjunctivitis and eye inflammations (3).