Blackberry
Blackberry
Blackberry is an edible fruit with enormous medicinal, cosmetic and nutritive benefits. It is used as an ingredient in cooking dishes, salads and bakery products like jams, snacks and desserts.
Blackberry is packed with essential nutrients and powerful antioxidants such as vitamin C which help improve the immune system. Regular intake of Blackberry is beneficial for skin problems due to its anti-ageing property. In Ayurveda, a kadha prepared from the leaves of Blackberry can be taken in between meals to help control diarrhea due to its antimicrobial property. The kadha can also be used to reduce throat irritation by rinsing the mouth with it. Blackberry helps reduces inflammation and pain in the affected area due to its anti-inflammatory activity. Consuming Blackberry on a daily basis reduces the level of blood glucose due to its anti-diabetic property.
Applying Blackberry leaf powder face pack reduces the formation of wrinkles, acne, boils and helps keep healthy skin. Blackberry leaves help in the fast healing of mouth ulcers due to its astringent property[1][2].
Blackberry is packed with essential nutrients and powerful antioxidants such as vitamin C which help improve the immune system. Regular intake of Blackberry is beneficial for skin problems due to its anti-ageing property. In Ayurveda, a kadha prepared from the leaves of Blackberry can be taken in between meals to help control diarrhea due to its antimicrobial property. The kadha can also be used to reduce throat irritation by rinsing the mouth with it. Blackberry helps reduces inflammation and pain in the affected area due to its anti-inflammatory activity. Consuming Blackberry on a daily basis reduces the level of blood glucose due to its anti-diabetic property.
Applying Blackberry leaf powder face pack reduces the formation of wrinkles, acne, boils and helps keep healthy skin. Blackberry leaves help in the fast healing of mouth ulcers due to its astringent property[1][2].
What are the synonyms of Blackberry?
Rubus fruticosus, True blackberry, Western blackberry, Western dewberry, Drupelet, Berry
What is the source of Blackberry?
Plant Based
Benefits of Blackberry
1. Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a common, chronic, autoimmune disease that causes dry, red, scaly patches and flakes on the skin. Blackberry helps to manage the symptoms of psoriasis when applied externally. Applying Blackberry leaves paste helps to reduce red scaly patches due to its Ropan (healing) nature.
Tips:
a. Take 1/2 - 1 teaspoon of Blackberry leaf powder or paste.
b. Add coconut oil to it.
c. Apply evenly on the affected area.
d. Let it sit for 4-5 hours.
e. Wash thoroughly with fresh water.
2. Mouth Ulcer
Mouth ulcers are also known as Mukh Pak in Ayurveda and they usually appear on the tongue, lips, inside the cheeks, inside the bottom lip or on the gums. Blackberry helps in quick healing of mouth ulcers due to its Kashaya (astringent) and Ropan (healing) properties.
Tips:
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon of dried Blackberry leaves powder.
b. Put 1-2 cup water and boil it for at least 15 minutes.
c. Wait till it comes to room temperature.
d. Strain and add honey to enhance the taste.
e. Use as a mouthwash or gargle twice a day.
Psoriasis is a common, chronic, autoimmune disease that causes dry, red, scaly patches and flakes on the skin. Blackberry helps to manage the symptoms of psoriasis when applied externally. Applying Blackberry leaves paste helps to reduce red scaly patches due to its Ropan (healing) nature.
Tips:
a. Take 1/2 - 1 teaspoon of Blackberry leaf powder or paste.
b. Add coconut oil to it.
c. Apply evenly on the affected area.
d. Let it sit for 4-5 hours.
e. Wash thoroughly with fresh water.
2. Mouth Ulcer
Mouth ulcers are also known as Mukh Pak in Ayurveda and they usually appear on the tongue, lips, inside the cheeks, inside the bottom lip or on the gums. Blackberry helps in quick healing of mouth ulcers due to its Kashaya (astringent) and Ropan (healing) properties.
Tips:
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon of dried Blackberry leaves powder.
b. Put 1-2 cup water and boil it for at least 15 minutes.
c. Wait till it comes to room temperature.
d. Strain and add honey to enhance the taste.
e. Use as a mouthwash or gargle twice a day.
Precautions when using Blackberry
Allergy
Ayurvedic View
Blackberry powder should be used with honey or milk if someone skin is too dry or hypersensitive.
How to use Blackberry
1. Blackberry Fruit Powder Face Pack
a. Take ½ - 1 Blackberry fruit powder.
b. Add honey to it and make a paste.
c. Apply evenly on the face and neck.
d. Let it sit for 2-3 hours.
e. Wash thoroughly with fresh water.
f. Use this remedy 2-3 times a week for refreshed and glowing.
2. Blackberry Leaf Powder Face Pack
a. Take ½ - 1 Blackberry leaf powder.
b. Add rose water to it and make a paste.
c. Apply evenly on the face and neck.
d. Let it sit for 2-3 hours.
e. Wash thoroughly with fresh water.
f. Use this remedy 2-3 times a week for clear hyperpigmentation free skin.
3. Blackberry Seed Powder Face Scrub
a. Take ½ - 1 teaspoon of Blackberry seed powder.
b. Add honey to it.
c. Gently massage on the face and neck for 5-7 minutes.
d. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
e. Use this remedy 2-3 times a week for healthy and glowing skin.
a. Take ½ - 1 Blackberry fruit powder.
b. Add honey to it and make a paste.
c. Apply evenly on the face and neck.
d. Let it sit for 2-3 hours.
e. Wash thoroughly with fresh water.
f. Use this remedy 2-3 times a week for refreshed and glowing.
2. Blackberry Leaf Powder Face Pack
a. Take ½ - 1 Blackberry leaf powder.
b. Add rose water to it and make a paste.
c. Apply evenly on the face and neck.
d. Let it sit for 2-3 hours.
e. Wash thoroughly with fresh water.
f. Use this remedy 2-3 times a week for clear hyperpigmentation free skin.
3. Blackberry Seed Powder Face Scrub
a. Take ½ - 1 teaspoon of Blackberry seed powder.
b. Add honey to it.
c. Gently massage on the face and neck for 5-7 minutes.
d. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
e. Use this remedy 2-3 times a week for healthy and glowing skin.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
Fruit of this plant contains high levels of anthocyanins and other phenolic compounds, mainly flavonols and ellagitannins, which contribute to its high antioxidant capacity and other biological activities. Blackberry phenolic composition and concentrations are known to be influenced by genetics, growing conditions, and maturation[1].
Modern Science View
Blackberry is present in the market in the form of fruit. Consuming it in the form of fruit is the best way to obtain its maximum benefits. Blackberry is also available in the form of Capsules, Tablets, Powder etc. under various brands.
Modern Science View
Selecting the proper berries is always a tricky task and require an expertise as there is no indication of colour unlike others in berries. The best way to select the proper blackberries is to check its tenderness by your fingertips.
Modern Science View
Store the Blackberries in a close lid container in a cool place preferably in the refrigerator. Consume the blackberries within 2-3 days as it has a lesser shelf life.
Modern Science View
Yes, young Blackberry leaves can be eaten raw, as they also contain certain constituents (flavonoids) which have antioxidant properties. These antioxidants help fight free radicals and protect the cells from damage, thereby improving immunity. Blackberry leaves are chewed to reduce headache. They can also be added to the salad, as they are helpful in managing loose teeth[2][9][10].
References
- Kaume L, Howard L, Devareddy L.The Blackberry Fruit: A Review on Its Composition and Chemistry, Metabolism and Bioavailability, and Health Benefits.J Agric Food Chem.2011:60(23):10-15.`
- Verma R, Gangrade T, Punasiya R.et.al.Rubus fruticosus (blackberry) use as an herbal medicine.Pharmacognosy Reviews.2014;8(16):101-4.
- WebMD.Blackberry: Uses, Side effects, Doses, Interactions [Internet].Atlanta [last updated in 2016].
- González OA, Escamilla C, Danaher RJ.et.al.Antibacterial Effects of Blackberry Extract Target Periodontopathogens.J Periodontal Res. 2013 Feb; 48(1): 80–86.
- Zia-Ul-Haq M, Riaz M, De Feo V, et al. Rubus Fruticosus L.: Constituents, biological activities and health related uses. Molecules. 2014;9:10998-11029.
- Keservani RK, Sharma AK, Kesharwani RK.Medicinal effect of Nutraceutical fruits for the cognition and brain health.Scientifica.2016;(2016):1-10.
- Solverson PM, Rumpler WV, Leger JL, et al.Blackberry Feeding Increases Fat Oxidation and Improves Insulin Sensitivity in Overweight and Obese Males.Nutrients.2018;10(8):1048.
- Miller MG,Shukitt B. Berry fruit enhances beneficial signalling in the brain.J Agric Food Chem.2012;60(23):5709-5715.
- Seal JB, Seal M. Backyard Medicine: Harvest and Make Your Own Herbal Remedies.Skyhorse.2009.
- Christenson K. The Blackberry Web: Tangled in the Vines of Child Abuse.Tate Publishing. 2008.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.