Blackberry

(Rubus fruticosus agg., Rosaceae)

Also Called: Bramble.

Description: In many forms, usually scrambling plants.
Biennial, the spiny branches bearing only leaves in the first year, bearing flowers and the well-known fruits in the second year on lateral branches.
Leaves pinnate, of 3 or 5 leaflets and bearing spines on the petioles; leaflets hairy and rough on both surfaces, the lower surface not silvery, margin dentate.
Taste of leaf: astringent.
Part Used: Dried, leaves.

Habitat and Collection: Widespread in hedges and woods throughout Britain and Europe generally.
Leaves are usually collected in JuneAugust and are dried either in the shade or in sunlight.

Constituents and Action: The leaves contain tannin and possibly traces of volatile oil.
They are used as an antidiarroealand to soothe inflamed mucosa.
This action is often overrated and the supposed sedative or soporific action is either very feeble or nil.

Usage: As a tisane (1 litre (1 •75pt) of cold water with a handful of leaves, boil for 2-3 minutes) for diarrhoea or as a gargle or mouthwash for inflammation of the throat or mouth (not very effective) and also as an application to wounds.
At times used domestically to replace tea.
Leaves intended for this latter use are left in heaps for several days after collection and are then dried, thus developing a greenish-brown colour and a more aromatic taste.