Blackberry root, in combination with wild strawberry leaves has long been known as an
effective remedy of diarrhea. Blackberry root has also been used as a treatment for
dysentery, a disease characterized by extreme diarrhea and passage of mucus, blood, pus
and fluid.Kneeling upon soft mosses or standing at a bramble of thorny harvest; their quick fingers
dancing across bushes heavy with their succulent fruit, our grandmothers gathered berries
of many colors with joy and grateful recognition. They used the berry plant as a woman's
medicine throughout their reproductive years for a variety of purposes. Some berry plants
help to stimulate and promote normal menstrual function, others help to ease childbearing
and childbirth; still others alleviate menopausal symptoms or are useful in the treatment of
gynecologic complaints.Still today, Indian woman and children prize the various wild berries that grow in our
territories and we will travel long distances and make camp and harvest those berries
which aren't quite as near to home. We join our elders in their lament that gravel pits and
concrete are causing the berry and other plants to "turn their faces from the people and
disappear."Using the berry plants for both nutrition and medicine is one way that
traditionally-minded woman can continue to keep their strength and health within the
cycles of the creation. Begin by using those berries you were familiar with as a child, and
seek the guidance of someone who is knowledgeable about the berries in your area to find
the safest and most effective way to use them. If you are on your moon, or still bleeding
from childbirth, do not gather the berries or any other plants. Have your grandmother,
midwife or someone else you trust do it for you. If you are pregnant, there are some berry
plants you shouldn't use, like elderberry roots. Although its okay to eat the cooked berries,
the roots contain a toxic principle. Remember, too that although berry plants have much
nutritional value, they are only meant to supplement and enhance a well-balanced diet. Like
anything else, don't overdo it. More does not mean better.Above all, as whenever you harvest the Creation's gift, give thanks and acknowledgement
to the Creator and to the plant, and return something to the Earth so that her cycles may
continue.Native Foods -- Katsi Cook on Women's Uses of Berries
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