A free under-rated resource
One of the best tonic herbs available widely along riverbanks and waster areas. Early young spring leaf growth to be found at this time of the year (for free)- blackberry leaves and shoots are packed with vitamins, minerals, enzymes, anti-oxidants and make for a great green tea substitute that may be gently dried for later use or made into tincture, glycerite, infused oil or into a cider vinegar tincture along with rosehips, chickweed, plantain and/or garlic for a most health enhancing tonic for the whole family.
Leaves collected early in the season have no prickles that develop as they age and are much more alive with Vitamins and Minerals and they are certainly easy to harvest. A leaf tea not only tastes good and is beneficial health wise but the tea greatly assists with those suffering from mouth ulcers or gum disease due to its astringent tannin content. It strengthens gums and teeth and is helpful for soothing sore throats and fighting off colds/flu.
Packed with anti-oxidants, the leaf is beneficial for skincare as is the fruit later in the season. The leaf is best tinctured or infused into oil for skincare use. The leaf tea if made into a strong brew or tincture is most helpful for diarrhea as is the young root of the plant. Blackberry is truly a very generous plant as all parts of this wonderful herb give us great benefits. Leaves, flowers, fruit, bark and root are all used during its growth cycle for:
- Flower essence
- Tea
- Tinctures
- Tonics
- Oils
- Glycerites
- Pies
- Jam
- Jellies
- and Wine
NOTE: The leaf is more active when newly emerged so, collect early.
