Powers of the Humble Blackberry Root

The blackberry is a perennial thorny shrub or vine that is native to Eastern area of North America, with much of its medicinal power in the root.  Blackberry Root (Rubus fruticosus) is a reliable, old remedy for diarrhea, hemorrhaging, and vomiting, among other uses. The root of the Blackberry contains high quantities of tannins which have a desirable astringent effect on the intestinal lining, particularly on harmful mucous accumulation.  It is said to be astringent, purifying, diuretic, tonic, and restorative.

Gastrointestinal

Because your body uses diarrhea to flush out toxins from food and intestinal invaders such as viral or bacterial infections and parasites, it is not always a good idea to stop this process. You can, however, use herbs that not only safely flush diarrhea from your system, but also help treat the problem that caused it to begin with.

Blackberry Root tones and temporarily tightens the intestinal lining while soothing the membranes of the digestive tract. This action helps prevent the irritating and toxic substances, that caused the problem, from being absorbed back into the bloodstream. When mixed with syrup, it is also useful for children with weak stomachs and no appetite. Some gastrointestinal conditions are serious, and you should always consult your health provider prior to using any herbal remedy.

Healing Properties

Blackberry Root manifests pharmacological activities as an anticancer, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antidysentery, antidiabetic, and antidiarrheal agent.  The entire plant was once believed to possess significant power, both medicinally and as a charm. And because of its high astringency, it has also proved very valuable in the treatment of internal and external bleeding, dysentery, hemorrhoids, cystitis, loose bowels, excessive menstrual flow, and excess water retention.

Astringent Properties

Today Herbalists regard Blackberry Root as a powerful astringent as well, which, when applied to the skin, cleanses wounds and relieves the pain of insect bites. The tincture can be included in a poultice for the relief of wounds, and used externally for insect bites, scalds, as a skin toner and to reduce the blistering of burns. It is a wonderful skin cleanser for oily skin and is thought to treat acne, as well as boils, skin eruptions, and burns.

Decrease Bleeding

The tannins of the Blackberry Root extract constrict blood vessels and decrease bleeding. For this reason, this herb has also been effective in cases of hemophilia, bleeding from the rectum or mouth, uterine hemorrhage, and for excessive menstrual discharge.

Oral Health

Finally, Blackberry Root tincture is also thought to help ease a sore throat, mouth ulcers and gum inflammations.  It can be used in a rinse solution for weak gums and mouth sores and thrush and makes a good general mouthwash. An herbal syrup can also be made from Blackberry, using the fruit and root bark, along with local honey, as a cough remedy.

This is a tincture that should be included in everyone’s medicine chest as a go to for so many common applications, the humble blackberry.