The Artistic Farmer

Rubus fruticosus. Rosaceae                                                                       

Found in hedgerows, woodlands, and by stream sides, blackberry or bramble is well known and widespread.

It is distinguished by its prickly foliage and stems, white, rose –form flowers and big, juice black fruits.

 A plant rich in medicinal properties. Other species Rubus (such as raspberry, loganberry, and dewberry) share the same properties.

Use internal: To cool the body, tonify the nerves, relieve anemia, ease general debility, clear blood and skin disorders. A pregnancy tonic. An effective remedy for prolonged diarrhea.

  Use external: The brew, drunk daily and applied as a lotion, is a famed cure for eczema. Fresh leaves are warmed over a fire and applied by Gypsies to heal and soothe sores.

Dose: Eat as many of the raw, ripe berries as desired. For infants, make a juice from the berries. Or use a Standard Brew of the leaves, one cupful sweeten with honey.