Healing With BlackBerry Leaf
It has long been known that Red Raspberry leaf (Rufus Idaeus) is the mother of healing the ailments of women and the discomforts of womanhood. It has been revered for its abilities of supporting fertility in both women and men alike, supplying strong minerals and vitamins to the body and the womb. However I often wondered why the leaf of the wild BlackBerry wasn’t given its place next to its cousin at this plant too, has it’s own forte of strong medicinal properties as well as being more common to find.
M E D I C I N E
Wild blackberry leaves, both the host of immense and dazzling medicinal effects on the human body. Anti-microbial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer activities are just some of the multiple biological effects attributed to flavonoids and other phenolic compounds. These compounds that host an attack on free radicals are also responsible for helping to reverse the signs of aging.
A N T I A G I N G
According to a 2007 study published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science, blackberry leaf extract suppresses certain matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) which cause wrinkles. In addition, the researchers noted that the leaf contained an antioxidant comparable to vitamin E. Blackberried are noted for high nutritional content of dietary fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, and manganese. The roots contain saponins and tannins whereas the leaves contain tannins, flavonoids and fruit acids.
O R A L H E A L T H
Traditionally, in ancient medicine, mouth washes were created to treat thrush, gum disease and inflammation and other types of oral sores however, with majority of pharmacological effects being traced back to phenolic compounds, which aid in the scavenging of free radicals that cause a variety of clinical and metabolic diseases, you can see how this common leaf would be an ideal staple on your shelving.
A S T R I N G E N T
The leave of this accused invasive species is also extremely astringent, being able to be applied topically with salve or decoction to help with things like hemorrhoids. This would also be ideal for applying to various types of wounds. Soaking cotton cloths in boiled water of blackberry leaf and wrapping rashes + any oozing skin multiple times a day, will give healing and comfort to the skin.
D I A R R A H E A
The tannins in blackberry leaves are responsible for some beneficial effects for diarrhea treatment and similar enteric disorders and as an astringent. However, tannins can cause liver damage if ingested in large amounts over long periods, so be intelligent in your consumption. 1-2 tsp 2ce daily. Tannins does also have a negative wrap that can easily be studied online. Many studies in the 70s have linked Tannins to various types of cancers and was claimed as a carcinogen but, conversely it seemed to reduce the risk and be a treatment for certain types of breast cancer.
Julia Morton, an economic botanist and then the director of the Morton Collectanea at the University of Miami, was interviewed by the Ocala Star Banner in 1987 about the toxicity of tannins in red wines and teas.
She studied the effects of tannin in red wine, teas, sorghum, and alcohol for over twenty years. She indicated that the British have a lower incident of esophageal cancer due to adding milk to their tea. Milk binds the tannins and rendered them insoluble.
If your family has no history of cancer, and you have no genetic predisposition, I would hardly worry and even I, with my Lynch syndrome partake in my occasional cups (with milk and honey)
