Blackberry
Blackberry
Blackberry is an edible fruit with enormous medicinal, cosmetic and nutritive benefits. It is also used as an ingredient in cooking dishes, salads and bakery products like jams, snacks and desserts. It also has antiobesity, antidiabetic, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties and has protective effects on age-related CNS disorders[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
Modern Science View
Not enough scientific evidence is available to support the role of Blackberry in Fluid retention.
Modern Science View
Due to its antimicrobial and anti-diarrheal property, Blackberry might be beneficial in managing diarrhea[2][3].
Ayurvedic View
Diarrhea is known as Atisar in Ayurveda. It is due to improper food, impure water, toxins, mental stress and Agnimandya (weak digestive fire). All these factors are responsible for aggravating Vata. This aggravated Vata brings fluid in the intestine from various tissues from the body and m ixes with the stool. This leads to loose, watery motions or diarrhea. Taking Blackberry leaves kadha helps to control Vata and retain fluid in the intestine. This is due to its Kashaya (astringent) property and controls watery motions or diarrhea.
Tips:
1. Blackberry Tea (Kada)
a. Put 1/2 teaspoon of dried Blackberry leaves into a cup of boiling water.
b. Leave it to infuse for 10 minutes and strain.
c. Take 3 cups a day between meals to control diarrhea.
Tips:
1. Blackberry Tea (Kada)
a. Put 1/2 teaspoon of dried Blackberry leaves into a cup of boiling water.
b. Leave it to infuse for 10 minutes and strain.
c. Take 3 cups a day between meals to control diarrhea.
How effective is Blackberry?
Insufficient evidence
Diarrhoea, Fluid retention
Precautions when using Blackberry
Breastfeeding
Modern Science View
Consult your doctor while taking Blackberry during Breastfeeding[3].
Pregnancy
Modern Science View
Consult your doctor while taking Blackberry during Pregnancy[3].
How to use Blackberry
1. Blackberry Raw Fruit
a. Mix 1 tablespoon Blackberry with juice or as per your requirement.
b. Take it preferably with breakfast.
2. Blackberry Tea (Kadha)
a. Tea can be made from 1 to 2 tablespoons of dried blackberry leaves in one cup of boiling water.
b. Steep for about 10 to 15 minutes before it’s strained.
c. The tea can be drunk 1-2 times a day, preferably between meals.
a. Mix 1 tablespoon Blackberry with juice or as per your requirement.
b. Take it preferably with breakfast.
2. Blackberry Tea (Kadha)
a. Tea can be made from 1 to 2 tablespoons of dried blackberry leaves in one cup of boiling water.
b. Steep for about 10 to 15 minutes before it’s strained.
c. The tea can be drunk 1-2 times a day, preferably between meals.
Benefits of Blackberry
FAQs about Blackberry benefits
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.
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Blackberry is safe in diabetes as has good antidiabetic properties and helps in lowering blood glucose level in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It might also be helpful in controlling increased glucose levels after meals[5].
Modern Science View
Yes, Blackberry has a role in managing anxiety. Blackberry acts as a CNS depressant and relieves the symptoms of anxiety[5].
Modern Science View
Yes, Blackberry has a good role in skin aging. Skin aging is associated with increase in the number of free radicals. Blackberry being a rich source of antioxidants, helps to fight against these free radicals. This reduces the formation of wrinkles and helps to keep the skin healthy[5].
Modern Science View
Yes, Blackberry has a role in skin disorders. Due to its antioxidant property, Blackberry helps to maintain healthy skin. This antioxidant property makes Blackberry a part of skin and hair care products. Blackberry is also used to manage skin problems like acne, boils, burns and skin eruptions[5].
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.
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.