Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus)

The blackberry bush belongs to the rose family. Nowadays we mainly use the tasty fruits, which are also known regionally as “scratch berries”.

The medicinal use of blackberry leaves has been somewhat forgotten in recent decades. Their valuable constituents are tannins and flavonoids. Blackberry leaves are considered a classic tanning drug with astringent effects. Used as a tea or decoction, it is used for non-specific, acute diarrhoea and mild inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat.

In folk medicine, blackberry leaves are valued for their haemostatic, blood-cleansing and diuretic effect. In the past, they were also used to loosen mucus in respiratory diseases.