BLACKBERRY
Rubus villosus
COMMON NAMES: Dewberry, bramble berry, gout berry.
FEATURES: There are numerous species of Rubus (blackberry); two types are recognized—the trailing
blackberries or dewberries and the erect blackberries. However, both in the wild and under cultivation
there are many intermediate forms. This particular variety is native to the northern United States and
Canada, other areas being central and western Europe.
The blackberry has a root that lives for many years and a top that grows one year and fruits the next
with juicy, black, delicious berries. The berries adhere to the core when ripe rather than separating from
the receptacle as does the ripe raspberry. This trailing vine dies back to the ground when out of season.
Spring finds new, prickly tips forming rootlets in sandy or dry soil. The flowers are white.
MEDICINAL PARTS: Root, leaves, berries.
SOLVENTS: Water, alcohol.
BODILY INFLUENCE: Astringent, tonic.
USES: As a remedial agent blackberries are classed as astringents and are far more serviceable
medicinally than most of our generation is aware of. The berries were used as food and medicince by
Native Americans, and today we know by their experience, and by scientific proof, that the plant is
exceedingly valuable in chronic diarrhea, dysentery, cholera, and summer complaints of children and is
often the only thing that gets results.
A decoction of the root or leaves or both (the root being more astringent than the leaves) may be used
freely, four to five times a day.
Being pleasing to the taste, this agent is useful in excessive menstruation and very effective in fevers
and hot distempers of the body, head, eyes, and other parts.
The berries have cordial properties and can be made into aspics, brandy, jam, jelly, and also vinegar.
DOSE: 1 teaspoonful of the root or leaves to 1 cup of boiling water, steeped 15 minutes; 3–4 cups a day
depending on age and condition. Of the tincture ½–1 dram, three or four times a day.
EXTERNALLY: The leaves, bruised and applied outwardly, will act as an astringent to hemorrhoids. For
sore mouth and inflamed throat, gargle the tea of the roots and leaves often; they can be used green or
dried.