BlackBerry | A Gentle Boundskeeper

Blackberry ~ Rubus subg. Rubus

COMMON Species: Rubus allegheniensis, Rubus ursinus, Rubus canadensis, Rubus flagellari, Rubus hispidus, and hybrids.

FAMILY: Rosaceae(rose family)

GENUS: Primarily Rubus

**Who is this bramble?**

It’s always a little wild where blackberry grows. You’ll find it climbing fences, reclaiming roadside ditches, threading through hedgerows, and around the edges and borders. Think fierce boundary keeper that appears cloaked in thorns and crowned with a bitter sweetness. It teaches us that not all nourishment comes easily and it isn’t always neat and clean. Once called “bramble-kiss” in old folklore, it was planted at thresholds to guard homes.
Early spring is the best time to forage the leaves before they start sending the energy to the berries. It is actually beneficial to pick off some young leaves to encourage growth! You will notice the divided leaf clusters of 3 to 5 with serrated and ovate leaflets. In the late spring is when they will start producing the 5 petal white flowers that bear our seedy and slightly hairy fruits. They are considered aggregate fruits. They are small single seeded druplets that form outside of a core. For raspberries they form around a rasp, the fruit will slip off and leave it behind vs. breaking off and staying with the fruit like for our Blackberry. Blackberry is not to be confused with Black Raspberry (Rubus Occidentalis) a close relative.
Blackberry’s value isn’t just found in the delicious fruit. It’s in it’s thorny boundaries. What it teaches us about when to close, when to firm, and when to draw back, a lesson I personally have really needed recently.

HISTORY & tradition

Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus) is native to temperate Europe and has become naturalized in North America and Australia. Today it sprawls along roadsides and hedges, but its roots (hehe see what I did there) in medicine go back for centuries. In the 1st century, Dioscorides recommended blackberry leaf as a gargle for sore throats (5). Around the same time, Hippocrates described utilizing the stems and leaves soaked in white wine to ease labor pains (7). Early Greek physicians turned to blackberry for its drying and astringent qualities that made it useful in conditions of excess fluid, heat, or bleeding. This aligns to how we use blackberry today in modern times for hot and damp conditions that could benefit from some drying action. [Click here to learn more about Astringency]

Blackberry has traveled through time and place, it’s been carried into folk traditions and used not just for illness but also for protection. In North America, the Chippewa, Ojibwa, Menominee, and Iroquois made decoctions of the leaf to treat diarrhea, lung complaints, and hemorrhoids. Sometimes the root was used in a topical wash when tissue needed firming or there is bleeding to stop. These uses also echo European applications, where blackberry was often turned to in cases of gout, dysentery, or inflammation.

Beyond the body, blackberry has also had it’s place in the household and the textile community. It’s deep pigment was used to color cloth, especially in rural communities where access to expensive dyes was limited. Still, not everyone spoke kindly of it and it did experience some “backlash.” In 16th-century gastronomy books, blackberry was sometimes written off as rough or harmful food for the rural poor, not the refined. This did NOT make our lovely bramble disappear. It kept growing in those in-between or abandoned spaces, offering its medicine without needing the praise.

What does it do?

That deep purple color isn’t just gorgeous, it’s also medicinal. The pigment comes from anthocyanins - a group of compounds known for their antioxidant, cardiovascular, and even neuroprotective effects (Kaume et al., 2012).

These are the kind of compounds that help keep blood vessels toned, inflammation in check, and brain fog at bay. And this isn’t just herbalist lore—a 2023 analysis of blackberry and mulberry species confirmed how rich these berries are in phenolics and how well they support immune and nervous system function (Martins et al., 2023). We should also talk fiber, because most people aren’t getting nearly enough. One cup of berries gives you almost 8 grams which is an incredible contribution to your gut health, blood sugar balance, and hormone metabolism (Ben-Asher, 2025). Fiber feeds your microbiome (with good stuff vs. refined sugar, fat, or grease) and if you watch my videos you should know that a well-fed microbiome is a more balanced hormonal system. That’s especially relevant for anyone dealing with irregular cycles or moving through perimenopause.

Now, the leaves don’t get quite as much attention but they really should. They’re rich in tannins and drying, toning compounds that help to pull things together when the body feels too loosey goosey. I shared a story on YouTube where and how the leaves couldv’e come in handy on one of our recent vacations [seen here]. In traditional herbal medicine, the leaf was steeped into tea's or used in rinses and washes for diarrhea, bleeding gums, sore throats, and even hemorrhoids (Hoffmann, 2003; Wood, 2008). It was (and still can be) the go-to for situations where you need to firm things up, slow them down, or bring a little structure.

That’s not just physical either. Astringents like blackberry are often helpful when the emotional body feels overrun. It’s not uncommon for people to feel more stable and more “contained,” when taking herbs like this. Especially during intense hormonal shifts. In fact, berries are now being explored for their ability to support postmenopausal brain function and even lower blood pressure. Clinical guidelines are starting to include them as part of a foundational diet for women in this stage of life (Fitness in Menopause, 2025; Laguipo, 2020). The science is catching up to what traditional & ancestral medicine already knew: this plant supports the whole system: vascular, emotional, digestive, and hormonal without demanding much in return.

Cooking & culinary Tips

The same wonderful pigments that give these berries their inky hue (anthocyanins) are also some of the most powerful antioxidants we can eat. But there is a small catch: high heat can degrade those compounds by anywhere from 16% to 40%, depending on how you cook them (Nile & Park, 2014). So how do we keep the medicine intact while still making something delicious?

The good news is, gentle heat can actually improve the bioavailability of some antioxidant metabolites, like protocatechuic acid. This just means that warm doesn’t necessarily mean worse but more so just about how much and how long.

If you want to preserve the most medicinal & nutritional value:
• Stick to lightly cooked recipes like warm compotes, gently stewed fruit, or quick-simmer sauces.
• Save the juice! Those poaching liquids or syrupy leftovers also contain our dissolved anthocyanins. Don’t toss them, try reusing in your delicious baked goods.

Want to try something fun? Make a blackberry fruit leather, or a small batch pie using less sugar and more lemon to really let the flavor shine.
Try a steel-cut oat breakfast topped with warmed berries, a dollop of yogurt, and some flaxseed. It’s a gut-friendly, low-GI, hormone-supportive meal that works all year round.
Savory Pairing Idea:
1. Toss fresh berries into a salad with goat cheese, apple, walnut, and arugula.
2. Simmer berries with balsamic vinegar into a rich compote that will deliciously compliment roasted meat, veggies, or even grilled mushrooms yummm.
3. Stir a spoonful of blackberry sauce over these cinnamon CBD oats by SofreshSoGreen, alternatively try it as a glaze for grilled salmon, or even swirl it into creamy yogurt with maybe a pinch of cardamom.
Here’s a quick & easy prep idea:
> Gently simmer 2 cups of blackberries with 1–2 teaspoons of lemon juice over low heat for about 5 minutes. You’ll end up with softened fruit, a tangy syrup, and almost no waste. Drizzle it warm over yogurt or spoon it into your freezer pops.
You don’t need to overthink it. Just keep the heat low, the sugar minimal, and let the plant do what it does best—> nourish.

Bridging Kitchen & Apothecary

Blackberry Leaf Tea
A simple tea made from dried blackberry leaves is one of the easiest home remedies to keep on hand. Steep 1–2 tsp of dried leaf per cup of hot water, covered, for 10–15 minutes. Strain and drink warm or cool. Especially helpful for diarrhea, loose digestion, or as a gentle rinse for inflamed gums.

Berry Syrup or Shrub
Blackberries combine well with vinegar and honey for a simple shrub or syrup. Macerate fresh berries with raw apple cider vinegar and honey (1:1:1 ratio), let sit in the fridge for a week, then strain. Take by the spoonful, or mix with water for a cooling, astringent drink. I find an infused simply syrup is fun to have on hand and try different combinations.

Wound Wash or Mouth Rinse
Prepare a strong infusion of dried leaves, then strain and cool. Use topically as a compress or rinse for minor wounds, bites, sore gums, or sore throats.

Dense Root Decoction

Either with leaves and roots, or one or the other. As mentioned, the roots were traditionally used for diarrhea or to soothe the stomach. The leaves are dense in calcium, phosphorus, Zinc, Potassium, and Vitamins making them lovely for a nutrient dense decoction. Try pairing with nettle, oatstraw, and red clover for a very nutritional drink to enjoy throughout the day or in the morning. If that seems too earhty Lisa suggest adding aspen, birch, or tulip to adjust the flavor. The roots could be blended with cocoa or chai (Midwest) for a lovely warming drink almost like a fruity hot cocoa with maybe a touch of honey.

>”Practitioner” notes<

Blackberry is a multipurpose ally with applications across several systems. Often overshadowed by more popular herbs yet having reliable astringency, antioxidant activity, and hormonal support potential make it a strong addition to any apothecary.

Digestive system
The leaf is one of our classic gentle astringents. It can help relieve diarrhea, reduce intestinal inflammation, and soothe mild spasms in the GI tract. Consider it in cases of loose stools with signs of damp heat or when the system needs toning such as post-infection or antibiotic use (Braun & Cohen, 2015).

Cardiovascular system
Rich in flavonoids and anthocyanins, blackberry fruit has been shown to support endothelial health and capillary regeneration, especially in the presence of oxidative stress (Martins et al., 2023; Kaume et al., 2012). Include it in protocols targeting early vascular aging, venous insufficiency, or elevated postmenopausal blood pressure.

Metabolic & Reproductive systems
Emerging evidence supports blackberry’s role in improving insulin sensitivity and regulating progesterone through its fiber and poly-phenol content (Ben-Asher, 2025; Fitness in Menopause, 2025). While raspberry leaf is more commonly used in pregnancy, some midwives and herbalists recommend blackberry leaf as a gentler third-trimester uterine tonic, especially for those who experience dryness or irritation from raspberry (Wood, 2008; Braun & Cohen, 2015).

Practical Tips

1.) Keep dried leaf on hand for acute use. Prepare as a strong tea or infusion for diarrhea, sore throats, mouth rinses, or inflamed gums. Its toning action is especially helpful in the summer or during highly emotional times when the body feels “loose” or flooded.

2.) For cardiovascular and cognitive support, work with the whole fruit. Add to food or use as a decoction. Blend with other berries, hawthorn, or green tea for synergistic effects.

3.) Use in hormonal protocols by pairing with flaxseed or oats in food based delivery. Blackberry helps modulate blood sugar spikes and may support progesterone gently over time, especially useful in perimenopausal plans.

4.) Label by function, not just form. For example: “Blackberry Leaf – Mucosal Astringent + Diarrhea Support,” or “Blackberry Fruit – Vascular + Hormonal Resilience.” It helps clarify intent when clients revisit their herbal toolkit.

5.) Make it food-first. Freeze berries into cubes with lemon balm, elderflower, or mint to use in teas, tonics, and smoothies. Or keep a small jar of low-heat blackberry syrup for both medicinal and culinary use.

Dosage & safety

Inspired by Braun & Cohen (2015):

Dried leaf (tea): 1.5–2 grams per cup of hot water, steeped 10–15 minutes, up to 3 times daily
Liquid extract (1:1): 2–4 mL, up to 3 times daily
Tincture (1:5 in 140% ratio in 40% ethanol): 2–4 mL, taken 2–3 times daily

These doses are typically used for diarrhea, sore throats, mouth ulcers, or inflammation of mucous membranes. For a more “food as medicine” approach, aim for 1–2 cups of whole berries per day, fresh or frozen, to maintain consistent antioxidant intake.

Pregnancy & breastfeeding: The leaf is classified as Category B2 (there is no observed increase in fetal harm in limited human data). It’s traditionally used in late pregnancy as a uterine tonic, though always with practitioner guidance. I would not recommend extensive usage (or more than typically consumed) during early pregnancy.

Children: Suitable in small (or typically consumed) doses, especially as tea or gargle for sore throats.

Drug interactions: None that are well-documented, the tannin’s may interfere with iron or certain alkaloid medication absorption if taken simultaneously. Separate medication by 2 hours if needed.

Side effects: High doses of tannin-rich tea may cause nausea or stomach discomfort in sensitive individuals (yes, too much of anything is just not good). Dilute or take with food to reduce those effects.

> Harvest the berries when fully ripe (deep black), soft to the touch, and easily removed from the stem. Avoid roadsides or sprayed areas and get permission. Leaves are best gathered before the plant flowers, usually in late spring to early summer. Dry flat (I like to use a basket and leave it in a dark space without drafts) or in a paper bag. Always forage responsibly and check the risk rating daily. Blackberry is abundant in many areas, but it’s still part of a larger ecosystem. Take only what you’ll use, and leave plenty for birds and wildlife.

Conclusion

Blackberry is a gentle yet tough protector that we might be neglecting. Next time you eat a Blackberry/Raspberry I invite you to examine each of the parts mentioned. It is a spring and summer time ally that helps when you feel loose in the bowels. These writings are meant to be educational only and is not intended to be medical advice. This is simply to explore the beautiful power in God’s creation: The Blackberry.

I may receive a small commission if you use any of the links above, to no extra cost to you!

References

Avicenna. The Canon of Medicine. 1025 CE.
Ben-Asher, L. (2025). What fruits to eat weekly, according to a dietitian. EatingWell. https://www.eatingwell.com/fruits-to-eat-every-week-11757821
Braun, L., & Cohen, M. (2015). Herbs and Natural Supplements: An Evidence-Based Guide (Vol. 2, 4th Ed.). Elsevier.
Culpeper, N. (1653). The Complete Herbal.
Dioscorides. De Materia Medica. 1st century CE.
Fitness in Menopause. (2025). Berries and the brain: Menopause menu. https://www.fitnessinmenopause.com/blog/menopause-menu-berries-and-the-brain
Hippocrates. Corpus Hippocraticum. 5th century BCE.
Hoffmann, D. (2003). Medical Herbalism. Healing Arts Press.
Kaume, L., Howard, L. R., & Devareddy, L. (2012). Anthocyanins and inflammatory markers. Advances in Nutrition, 3(5), 597–610.
Laguipo, A. (2020). What should I eat during menopause? News-Medical. https://www.news-medical.net/health/What-Should-I-Eat-During-Menopause.aspx
Martins, D., et al. (2023). Review of Rubus species: Nutritional value and bioactivity. Journal of Food Bioactives.
Nile, S. H., & Park, S. W. (2014). Edible berries and their bioactive compounds. Food and Function, 5(8), 1723–1735.
Pliny the Elder. Naturalis Historia. 77 CE.
Wood, M. (2008). The Earthwise Herbal: A Complete Guide to Old World Medicinal Plants. North Atlantic Books.
Herbal Reality. (n.d.). Tannins and Astringency. https://www.herbalreality.com