The 2020 Herb of the Year is Blackberries and Raspberries!

Herb of the Year

Blackberry and Raspberry

  • Botanical Names: Rubus spp. (including R. allegheniensis, R. armeniacus, R. idaeus, R. occidentalis, R. ursinus, and many others)
  • Parts that can be used: Leaves, Berries, Roots Sour taste
  • Properties: Cooling and drying
  • Uses: Mouth sores, diabetes type 2, dysmenorrhea, preparation for labor

Chinese Medicine and Astringents

  • High in tannins
  • Astringent so tight and tone tissues – reduce excess discharges and hold moisture within the body
  • TCM: Most commonly excess discharge of body fluids is caused when there is not enough energy in a certain organ or in the whole body. One of the functions of Qi is to hold things in place. Chronic or severe Qi deficiency will manifest in body fluids leakage and also prolapse.
  • TCM: Deficient Yang: When the warming principle diminishes (due to long term sickness, old age, etc.) the organ becomes “cold” and lethargic and body fluids leakage starts. In Chinese medicine the Kidney governs the urinary system and the reproductive system. Thus Kidney Yang deficiency will manifest in excessive urination, loose stools, edema and clear vaginal discharge in women.
  • TCM: Too many purgatives

Recipes

Brambleberry Shrub

  • 1 cup blackberries or rasberries or a combo
  • 1 cup apple cider vinegar ½ cup mild honey or to taste
  • Crush berries lightly and pour vinegar over them
  • Cover jar with lid (if metal, place parchment paper in between)
  • Store for 1-2 weeks daily. In dark place
  • Strain vinegar, add honey. Transfer to a clean jar/bottle
  • Store in refrigerator for one year. Use 1 part of the mixture and 4 parts sparkling water and servie Forêt Rosalee de la, & Han, E. (2020). Wild remedies: how to forage healing foods and craft your own herbal medicine. Carlsbad, CA: Hay House, Inc.

Raspberry Leaf Infusion

  • ½ cup dried raspberry leaves
  • ½ cup dried rose petals
  • 1 tsp hibiscus
  • 1 tsp dried mint
  • 3 cups water
  • Bring 3 cups of water to a boil. Pour water over the herbs, stir, cover and Infuse

Forêt Rosalee de la, & Han, E. (2020). Wild remedies: how to forage healing foods and craft your own herbal medicine. Carlsbad, CA: Hay House, Inc.