Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus & villosus)

Beyond the Briars and Bramble Patch

Blackberry brambles

In the Pacific Northwest and beyond, blackberries seem to grow everywhere—along roadsides, in bramble patches, and even in your backyard. These thorny plants produce luscious, deep-purple fruit that’s a delight to eat, but their healing potential extends far beyond their culinary appeal. With a rich history and a treasure trove of medicinal properties, blackberries—encompassing their fruit, leaves, and roots—offer a versatile remedy for a range of ailments.

Botanical Profile

• Genus & Species: Rubus fruticosus & Rubus villosus

• Family: Rosaceae (Rose family)

• Native Regions: North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and Africa (notably absent from South America)

• Taste: Tart, sour, and sweet (fruit); astringent (leaves and roots)

  
  

Safety Considerations

Blackberry leaves and roots are high in tannins, which may interact with supplements or medications. High doses or chronic use can cause stomach upset or excessive drying.

fruit infused water

A Tasty Tradition

For centuries, blackberries have served a variety of purposes—Native Americans wove ropes from their stems and used them as natural barriers, while their fruit provided vibrant dyes for fabrics and hair. The London Pharmacopoeia of 1696 documented blackberry-based wines and cordials, and by 1771, teas made from leaves, stems, and bark were recognized for soothing stomach ulcers.

In the UK and Ireland, folklore warns against picking blackberries after Old Michaelmas Day (October 11th), as it was believed the devil spoiled them—a superstition rooted in the reality that autumn mold often makes late-season berries unpalatable. Some traditions even link blackberries to Jesus’ crown of thorns due to their thorny nature and deep red juice.

Beyond human use, blackberry brambles provide essential shelter and food for wildlife, making them an invaluable part of the ecosystem.

How to Identify Blackberry

Foraging blackberries is a rewarding pursuit if you know what to look for.

• Growth Habit: Arching, thorny canes forming dense patches, typically 3-10 feet long

• Leaves: Compound, with 3-5 oval, toothed leaflets

• Flowers: White to pink, blooming from late spring to early fall

• Fruit: Juicy, dark purple-black, ripening unevenly—ripe berries are deep-colored and slightly soft when pressed

Harvest leaves and roots in spring or early fall from clean, pesticide-free areas.

blackberries

Blackberry for Everyday Wellness

Skin and Wound Care

Blackberry leaves and roots shine as astringent and antiseptic remedies for skin issues. Their tannin-rich nature makes a cooled leaf tea an excellent wash for sunburns, eczema, or psoriasis, while a poultice of crushed leaves soothes bug bites, blisters, or mildly bleeding wounds. The styptic properties help stop minor bleeding, promoting faster healing when combined with herbs like yarrow.

Digestive Support

Blackberry’s astringent leaves and roots tone the digestive tract, offering relief for leaky gut, Crohn’s disease, colitis, and diarrhea-dominant IBS. A warm leaf tea is a go-to for diarrhea, halting fluid loss during stomach flu or fever-induced sweating, while also providing nutritive support for recovery. The fruit, with its mild laxative effect, balances constipation when eaten fresh.

Respiratory Relief

Traditionally, blackberry leaf tea has eased sore throats and dry coughs, its astringent action soothing inflamed gums and oral sores. Sip it warm to coat an irritated throat, especially during colds, and enjoy its gentle antispasmodic benefits.

Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health

Blackberries’ anthocyanins and flavonoids offer powerful antioxidant effects, reducing inflammation and free radical damage. Studies suggest regular fruit consumption improves blood pressure, cholesterol, and arterial flexibility, supporting heart health and metabolic syndrome. For prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, blackberries enhance insulin sensitivity and fat oxidation, potentially aiding blood sugar control.

Urinary and Kidney Support

The fruit’s mild diuretic properties support urinary health, helping flush toxins and reduce water retention. Paired with its nutritive content, blackberry can be a gentle ally for kidney function, especially when consumed as a tea or fresh fruit.

Immune and Antioxidant Boost

Rich in vitamin C, K, manganese, and polyphenols, blackberries bolster immunity and combat oxidative stress. The leaves and roots, high in phytonutrients, are particularly valuable during convalescence, while the fruit’s antioxidants may slow aging-related diseases.

frozen blackberries

Simple Ways to Use Blackberry

• Tea: Steep 1-2 tsp dried leaves in hot water for 10-15 minutes to soothe digestion or sore throats

• Poultice: Crush fresh leaves and apply to wounds, bites, or inflamation for healing

• Decoction: Simmer 2 tsp dried roots in 1 cup water for 20-30 minutes for stronger astringent effects

• Tincture: Infuse the leaves and/or root into 80 proof (40%) grain alcohol for an on-the-go-astringent

• Infused Vinegar (Shrub): Infuse fruit with vinegar and honey; dilute with water for a refreshing tonic

• Fruit: Eat fresh or use in jams, pies, or smoothies for nutrition and laxative support

berries

Blackberry Recipes

Blackberry Chamomile Tea

• 1 cup of water

• 1 tsp dried blackberry leaf

• 1/2 tsp dried chamomile

• pinch of dried rose hips

Place herbs into the tea caddy of your preference and place into your favorite mug. Pour just boiled water over the tea caddy and cover the mug and allow to steep for about 15 minutes. This tea is delightful with a touch of honey added. Soothes sore throats and supports digestion.

Heart Tea

• 1 tsp dried blackberry leaf

• 1/2 tsp organic dried rose petals

• 1/2 tsp dried linden leaves

• pinch of dried lemon or orange peel

Place herbs into the tea caddy of your preference and place into your favorite mug. Pour just boiled water over the tea caddy and cover the mug and allow to steep for about 15 minutes. Supports cardiovascular health with a gentle, toning effect.

Liniment for Bruises

• 1 part wilted yarrow or self-heal (flowers and leaves)

• 1/2 part wilted blackberry leaves

• pinch of dried ginger

• Apple cider vinegar

Fill a clean jar about half-ful with the herbs, submerge the herbs with apple cider vinegar and cover with a plastic lid. Allow to infuse for 2-3 weeks, gently shaking the jar periodically. Strain, bottle and label. Gently massage this liniment on bruises or varicose veins, alternatively, it can be used as a soak or compress.

Blackberry Shrub

• ~2 cups of blackberries or blend of blackberries and your favorite berries

• ~2 cups of raw apple cider vinegar

• 1 cup of honey

• Bubbly water

• pinch or two cinnamon, fennel, or ginger (optional)

A refreshing tonic to boost immunity and digestion. Mash berries and optional spices in a quart jar. Add honey, then fill with vinegar. Seal with a plastic lid, swirl gently, and infuse in the refrigerator for 2 weeks, shaking daily. Strain, reserving fruit for desserts. Store vinegar in the fridge for up to a year. Mix 1 part vinegar with 4 parts bubbly water.

fresh blackberries

A Bramble of Blessings

Blackberries offer so much more than a tasty summer treat. Whether you are sipping a nourishing tea, foraging wild fruit, or using its leaves for skin care, this plant is full of benefits. So next time you pass a bramble patch, consider stopping for a taste—and maybe a few leaves for tea!

References

Young, Devon. The Backyard Herbal Apothecary: Effective Medicinal Remedies Using Commonly Found Herbs & Plants. Page Street, 2019.

Easley, Thomas; Horne, Steven. The Modern Herbal Dispensatory: A Medicine-Making Guide. North Atlantic Books, 2016.

Blackberry. (2023, August 2). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blackberry

Villegas, Heidi. Healing Harvest Homestead: Blackberry and Raspberry (Rubus spp.).

Solverson, P., et al. (2018). Blackberry feeding increases fat oxidation and improves insulin sensitivity in overweight and obese males. Nutrients, 10(8), 1048. doi:10.3390/nu10081048

Gu, I., et al. (2022). Volatiles in berries: biosynthesis, composition, bioavailability, and health benefits. Applied Sciences, 12(20), 10238. doi:10.3390/app122010238

Zhu, Y., et al. (2013). Anti-inflammatory effect of purified dietary anthocyanin in adults with hypercholesterolemia. Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases, 23(9), 843-9. doi:10.1016/j.numecd.2012.06.005