Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus)

Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus) is a member of the Rosaceae family, native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. Traditionally, its fruits, leaves, and stems have been used for decoctions, infusions, 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, mediterranean herbal traditions, and native american herbal medicine.

Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Blackberry
Scientific Name	Rubus fruticosus
Plant Family	Rosaceae
Genus	Rubus
Species	fruticosus
Native Range	Europe, Asia, North Africa
Plant Parts Used	Fruits, Leaves, Stems
Primary Medicinal Actions	Anti-Inflammatory, Diuretic, Astringent
Primary Traditional Systems	European Herbal Medicine, Mediterranean Herbal Traditions, Native American Herbal Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Decoction, Infusion, Poultice

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Rubus fruticosus
Common Name: Blackberry
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Wild Blackberry, Blackberry Bush, Thorny Bramble
Plant Family: Rosaceae
Genus: Rubus

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 1 to 2 meters.
Leaves: Lateral veins form a dense reticulum on the upper surface, while the lower surface exhibits a smooth, glabrous texture with prominent stomatal bands.
Flowers: Inflorescences consisting of clusters of small actinomorphic flowers with five white petals and five yellow stamens arranged in a cyme, each flower having five stigmatic lobes and a superior ovary with two carpels
Stems: Woody, thorny, erect, branched, with alternate, simple, hairy, angular, and slightly pubescent stems.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

European Herbal Medicine
Mediterranean Herbal Traditions
Native American Herbal Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Decoction
Infusion
Poultice
Powder

Medicinal Actions

Anti-inflammatory: Commonly referenced as a calming anti-inflammatory, for irritation-related applications.
Diuretic: Historically regarded as a mild diuretic, in fluid-regulation contexts.
Astringent: In herbal literature, noted as a warming astringent, for surface-level applications.
Tonic: Traditionally described as a cooling tonic, for long-term use contexts.

Active Compounds

Flavonoid: A group of naturally occurring compounds commonly present in many flowering plants.
Tannin: Plant-derived compounds known for their ability to bind proteins.
Phenolic Acid: Simple phenolic molecules widely distributed across plant tissues.
Coumarin: A group of secondary metabolites present in seeds, roots, and leaves.

Modern Research Overview

This section is reserved for future summaries of scientific research related to this plant. As additional verified sources are reviewed, relevant study information will be added here.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: General precautions have been noted regarding the use of this herb.
Contraindications: Specific contraindications associated with this herb have not been well documented.
Allergies: Reports of allergic reactions to this herb are not well documented in available sources.
Drug Interactions: Interactions between this herb and prescription medications are not clearly established.
Toxicity: The use of this herb has been linked to reported toxic effects.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Information addressing pregnancy and breastfeeding-related safety for this herb is limited.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Plant material is steeped in hot water to extract water-soluble compounds.
Decoction: This method uses sustained heat to extract compounds from firm plant structures.
Poultice: Poultices involve external application of prepared plant matter.
Culinary Use: Plant material is incorporated into food or beverages for flavor or aroma.
Powder: A preparation created by pulverizing dried plant material.

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 seasonally moist soils. Tolerates periodic dry conditions.