Blackberry tea has proven beneficial as a remedy for diarrhea, a gargle for throat inflammations and a compress for wounds and rashes. This delicious herbal tea also helps regulate both heavy and light menstrual flow and is a gastrointestinal soother.
Since ancient times the leaves of the blackberry plant have been used curatively, especially throughout Europe and Asia. For example, two thousand years ago, the Roman army doctor Galenos had his soldiers chew blackberry leaves to strengthen gums and build up physical resistance; today we know it was the vitamin C and tannins in the leaves that he was counting on to boost immunity and heal wounds.
Do You Know; Because of its acidity and high tannin content, blackberry tea is useful for alleviating skin rashes, mouth or throat inflammations and diarrhea. In addition, the leaves' vitamin C strengthens the immune system and promotes tissue repair.
Even though Blackberry tea is medicinal it's extremely safe to drink daily, it has no known side effects. You can sweeten its bitter taste with honey, or mix the leaves with other herbs like sage for exceptional healing benefits. You can also use the blackberry fruit to sweeten and add flavour to this medicinal tea.
For a mild tea, pour 1 cup of boiling water over 2 teaspoons of dried tea leaves. Cover and let steep for 10 minutes, strain. Enjoy as much of this tea as you desire, there are no known side effects.
For a greater medicinal effect, make a decoction: Gently boil a handful of dried blackberry leaves in 1 quart of water until about half of the water has boiled off. Drink 2-3 cups of the medicinal tea daily.
Boiling down the leaves to make a decoction releases many more tannins than when the tea is made by infusion. This means that boiling the blackberry leaves produces a much more medicinally effective tea. Drink it to combat diarrhea, decrease heavy menstrual flow and treat inflammations of the mouth and throat.
Chewing fresh blackberry leaves can help canker sores and inflamed gums. The action releases the astringent tannins, which heal and soothe, and vitamin C, which is essential for gum health.
Medicinal Uses for Sore Throat Pain
Blackberry-leaf tea is suitable as a gargle and mouthwash for inflammation of the mouth and throat when you have a cold. When you first notice a sore throat, you can help keep it from worsening by gargling with blackberry tea right away. To supplement the effect, drink 2-3 cups of tea daily.
Medicinal Use for Diarrhea
For gastrointestinal flu with diarrhea and cramping, a decoction of blackberry-leaf tea can prove to be very effective. Drink 2-3 small cups sweetened with a little honey over the course of a day. The astringent tannins in the leaves will reduce both the intestinal inflammation and the excess flow of secretions. For an even more effective tea, blend 2 ounces of blackberry leaves with 1 ounce of peppermint leaves. Caution: Never give children tea that includes peppermint. The menthol in the peppermint can have an adverse reaction in children.
Medicinal Uses for Skin Rashes
To treat inflamed or oozing rashes, make a decoction by gently boiling the blackberry leaves. Soak a cotton cloth in the liquid. Wring out the cloth and place it on the affected area; cover with plastic wrap. Leave on for 30 minutes. Repeat several times a day.
