Blackberry is valued for both its fruit and its leaves. Blackberry leaf tea has such a long history of use that German health authorities list it in their herbal register as a traditional remedy for mild cases of diarrhea.
In addition, this tea is traditionally used as a gargle for a sore throat and as a wash for minor skin irritations. In folk tradition, women also drank it in the last weeks of pregnancy. If you are pregnant, ask your doctor first before drinking any herbal tea.
In addition, compresses soaked in cooled blackberry leaf tea are used to reduce puffiness around the eyes.
Blackberry Leaf Tea Preparation
- Take two teaspoons of dried blackberry leaves and pour about 250 ml of boiling water over them.
- Leave the mixture for 15 minutes and strain it carefully after that.
- Drink the tea, or use it as a gargle when you have a sore throat, irritated tonsils, mouth sores, or sensitive gums.
Health Benefits of Blackberries
Blackberries are rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, fiber and antioxidants. As part of a balanced diet, they are traditionally valued for the following:
- May support concentration and memory
- Provide vitamin C, which supports the immune system
- Traditionally used by people with respiratory tract discomfort
- Contain antioxidants that may support the heart and blood vessels
- Contain antioxidants that help protect cells from everyday damage
- Provide fiber, which aids the work of the digestive system and supports weight management
- Provide some iron and vitamin C, which are useful in a diet for people with anemia
- Help keep the skin looking fresh
- Are a nutritious fruit for pregnant women as well as for nursing moms
- Provide vitamin K and manganese, which are important for the bones.
Picking Organic Blackberries
The flower tops and the young green leaves of blackberries are picked in early spring. Blackberry leaves should be dried in a thin layer in order to keep their properties. The ripe fruits are harvested in August and September, while the root is best obtained in February and March.
How Is Blackberry Used?
It doesn’t really matter in which form you use blackberries, because these fruits are always a nutritious choice. The only thing that matters is to enjoy them on a regular basis.
Blackberries are often used to make jams, juice, wine, ice cream, tea, liquor, and a few other things. You can freeze, bake, cook and dry these fruits. It is best to eat them raw, because this is the form in which they have the most nutrients.
Homemade Blackberry Wine
In folk tradition, this homemade wine was taken in small amounts by adults who were recovering their strength. It contains alcohol, so it is not suitable for children, pregnant women, or anyone who should avoid alcohol.
Take a large glass jar and place two kilos of ripe blackberries in it. In addition, you should add half a kilo of brown sugar or another natural sweetener. Mix the ingredients well and leave them in a relatively warm place for 20 days. Don’t forget to shake the mixture every second day. Once the time has passed, strain the blackberry wine, transfer it to clean glass bottles (0.5 liters each) and seal them with corks.
Blackberry Wine With Rosemary
This is a traditional recipe that was used by people with low blood pressure. Take a clean glass bottle and pour one liter of blackberry wine in it. Next, add two tablespoons of rosemary leaves (finely chopped). Seal the mixture and leave it like that for ten days. After that, use cheesecloth to strain the mixture. Adults traditionally take a small glass of it after a meal. If you have low blood pressure, talk to your doctor about it.
Blackberry and Smoking
If you are really interested in quitting this harmful habit, here is an old folk tip: some people chew young blackberry branches and buds like chewing gum, and say that cigarettes and tobacco taste unpleasant afterwards. Your doctor can also suggest proven ways to help you stop smoking.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always talk to your doctor about any health concern.