Blackberry is a fruit that comes from the wild blackberry tree or bramble, considered a medicinal plant with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In addition to the fruit, its leaves can be used as a home remedy for treating osteoporosis and menstrual cramps. Its scientific name is Rubus fruticosus1.
Where to Find Blackberry
Blackberry can be found in supermarkets, street markets, and health food stores, or often on bushes growing in backyards and along neighborhood streets, as it is well adapted to the tropical climate. It can be eaten fresh, used to prepare desserts or juices, and is especially helpful in treating gastroenteritis and throat inflammation.
What Is Wild Blackberry Good For?
Blackberry has a multitude of therapeutic uses2. It has refreshing, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and emollient action, and is used for treating inflammation of the mucous membranes throughout the gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth and throat to the intestines. It also helps in the treatment of several other problems such as:
- Ulcers;
- Urinary tract infection in the bladder;
- Skin inflammations;
- Inflammation of the gums and vocal cords;
- Genital infections;
- Osteoarthritis.
Benefits During Menopause
Blackberry extract, which has a higher concentration of phytohormones present in the leaves, acts in a similar way to estrogen hormones in women. Therefore, it has proved to be an effective alternative treatment for menopause when experiencing symptoms of the climacteric phase3.
Main symptoms include night sweats, sleep disturbances, hot flashes, irritability, headache, palpitations, and vaginal dryness. For women of childbearing age, it is used to relieve menstrual cramps.
Glucose Control
The extract from the leaves of the wild blackberry tree can also be used to control blood glucose, helping to prevent diabetes as well as control high blood pressure. And blackberry leaves may have 22 times more calcium than milk! Additionally, the leaf is rich in minerals and nutrients such as potassium, magnesium, iron, protein, fiber, and zinc.
Bone Density
Another benefit of blackberry is that it helps increase bone density due to its high content of vitamin C, vitamin E, which are antioxidants, and potassium. Its extract is used to make blackberry tea, which can be consumed by children and helps in the development of memory. When infused, its medicinal properties are enhanced.
Skin Treatment
Another use for blackberry is treating acne and skin eruptions, or in gargles to treat throat inflammation. Its effects on the skin eliminate free radicals, hydrate and nourish the skin, and prevent dryness.
Properties of Blackberry
Blackberry has a good amount of the following compounds and nutrients that benefit the body:
- Fiber
- Yeasts
- Flavonoids
- Antioxidants
- Potassium
- Manganese
Also magnesium, iron, vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin E, and B complex vitamins. The combination of these helps control weight, protect bones, prevent anemia and fight inflammation. See the concentration of these components in the standard nutritional information for the fruit:
| Components | 100 g of blackberry |
| Calories | 61 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 12.6 g |
| Proteins | 1.20 g |
| Fats | 0.6 g |
| Retinol (Vitamin A) | 10 mcg |
| Vitamin C | 18 mg |
| Calcium | 36 mg |
| Phosphorus | 48 mg |
| Iron | 1.57 mg |
Blackberry Tea or Juice?
Blackberry, besides being a very sweet fruit that can be enjoyed on its own, is often used to make drinks such as juice and tea. Blackberry tea is commonly made with bramble leaves, but the fruit can also be used to prepare it.
The main medicinal use of blackberry tea is by women in menopause with hormonal deficiency, as it can relieve their symptoms. It is also used for weight loss, though its properties for this purpose are still being studied and are not yet proven. Since it is rich in antioxidants and soothes the stomach, it is also used in treating people with gastritis inflammation.
How to Make the Tea
To prepare the tea, just use 1 small spoonful of dried wild blackberry leaves for each cup of boiling water. After boiling the water, add the leaves and let steep, covered, for 10 minutes.
It is important not to boil the leaves or the fruit, to avoid destroying their properties; just add them once the water has boiled. Then, strain and it is recommended to drink 2 cups a day for various treatments.
Recommended Quantity
There is no standard recommendation for the maximum amount to ingest, but it is best not to overdo it or add sugar to the tea in order to fully benefit from its therapeutic properties. The tea can be stored for only one day in the refrigerator or in a thermos bottle.
The juice is made with fresh fruit, at a typical ratio of 100 g of blackberry for every glass of water. After washing the fruit, simply blend it with water in a blender. It doesn’t need to be strained before drinking.
Blackberry juice is recommended to help treat osteoporosis, and when heated and sweetened with honey, it is also useful against tonsillitis, hoarseness, or any inflammation of the throat and vocal cords.
Contraindications and Side Effects of Blackberry
There are no known contraindications or side effects from blackberry tea, juice, or extract, and the fruit can be consumed by people of any age. Even so, it is always best to eat any fruit in moderation and pay attention to hygiene before eating, to avoid feeling unwell, or overdoing it and having the sugar present in fructose be harmful to the body. For pregnant women, it is always best to consult a doctor before making any changes to the diet, including blackberry.
See Also: What are the Benefits of Tribulus Terrestris?
Photo: byrev
