Wild Strawberry (Fragaria vesca)

Wild Strawberry (Fragaria vesca) is a member of the Rosaceae family, native to Northern Hemisphere, Temperate Regions, Asia, Europe, and North America. Traditionally, its fruits, leaves, and roots have been used for infusions, decoctions, and poultices.

This herb is particularly valued for its anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and astringent actions, and has a long history of use in european herbal medicine, native american herbal medicine, and mediterranean herbal traditions.

Wild Strawberry (Fragaria vesca) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Wild Strawberry (Fragaria vesca) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Wild Strawberry
Scientific Name	Fragaria vesca
Plant Family	Rosaceae
Genus	Fragaria
Species	vesca
Native Range	Northern Hemisphere, Temperate Regions, Asia, Europe, North America
Plant Parts Used	Fruits, Leaves, Roots
Primary Medicinal Actions	Anti-Inflammatory, Diuretic, Astringent
Primary Traditional Systems	European Herbal Medicine, Native American Herbal Medicine, Mediterranean Herbal Traditions
Historical Preparation Methods	Infusion, Decoction, Poultice

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Fragaria vesca
Common Name: Wild Strawberry
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Cherry Strawberry, French Strawberry, Wood Strawberry
Plant Family: Rosaceae
Genus: Fragaria

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: Typical height ranges from 10 to 30 centimeters.
Leaves: Simple leaves with upper surface pale green and lower surface white to pale green, bearing marginal stomatal bands.
Flowers: Flowers are white with five sepals and five petals arranged in a single cluster, exhibit actinomorphic symmetry, and have five stamens with distinct anthers and a superior ovary with two carpels.
Stems: Woody, ascending growth habit with opposite branching, smooth surface, and presence of persistent stipules.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

European Herbal Medicine
Native American Herbal Medicine
Mediterranean Herbal Traditions
Japanese Kampo Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Infusion
Decoction
Poultice
Herbal Bath

Medicinal Actions

Anti-inflammatory: In herbal literature, noted as a warming anti-inflammatory, for general calming applications.
Diuretic: As described in traditional systems, a gentle diuretic, in cleansing-oriented uses.
Astringent: Traditionally described as a cooling astringent, in drying-focused uses.
Carminative: Commonly referenced as a mild carminative, in relation to gastrointestinal comfort.

Active Compounds

Flavonoid: Plant-based polyphenolic compounds frequently distributed throughout aerial plant parts.
Phenolic Acid: A class of aromatic plant compounds commonly found in leaves, seeds, and stems.
Tannin: Naturally occurring polyphenols widely distributed in woody and leafy plant parts.
Coumarin: Plant-derived compounds often associated with fragrance-related chemistry.

Modern Research Overview

Scientific research related to this plant is ongoing. This section will be expanded in the future to include summaries of phytochemical studies, laboratory research, and other relevant scientific literature as it becomes available.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: Some general precautions have been associated with the use of this herb.
Contraindications: Specific contraindications associated with this herb have not been well documented.
Allergies: There is insufficient evidence to determine whether this herb commonly causes allergic reactions.
Drug Interactions: There is insufficient evidence to determine whether this herb interacts with pharmaceutical drugs.
Toxicity: Available information regarding the toxicity of this herb is limited.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: There is insufficient evidence to determine the safety of this herb during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Infusions are commonly prepared using hot water to release aromatic and soluble components.
Decoction: Plant parts are gently boiled in water to release soluble constituents.
Poultice: A topical preparation made by applying softened plant material externally.
Culinary Use: This method integrates plant material into edible preparations.
Tincture: Alcohol is used as a solvent to extract plant constituents over time.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in full sun. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers moist soils. Tolerates variable moisture levels.