Blackberry, Rubus Fruticosus

Blackberry

Rubus fruticosus & villosus

cool, dry, tonifying

Taste: astringent, sour

Family: Rosaceae

Medicinal parts: root bark, leaves, berries

Actions: astringent, diuretic, antispasmodic, antioxidant, alterative, hypoglycemic

Affinities: lower digestive and urinary systems

Notable constituents: acids (ascorbic, chlorogenic, ferulic, malic, oxalic, ursolic),

arbutin, stigmasterol, tannins

Medicinal applications

• Root 

  • Blackberry is a well known astringent in herbal medicine, with the root being the most astringent part. Tannin rich, astringent blackberry root is a suitable choice for treating acute diarrhea, it has an affinity for the intestines and it tones and tightens lax tissue states. Consider working with blackberry root that has been tinctured in wine, the astringent nature of red wine complements blackberry root. 

  • Topically, blackberry root infusion can stop minor bleeding and can be helpful applied to cuts and scrapes. The root has antimicrobial properties and making a wound wash can help prevent topical infections. 

• Leaf 

  • Although raspberry leaf is better known for working with the uterus and bladder, blackberry leaf has similar properties and can be a suitable replacement for raspberry leaf. Blackberry leaves' toning and tightening action is beneficial in pregnancy and can be helpful for preparing for birth as well as toning the muscles of the pelvic floor after birth. Consider working with an exercise plan to help bladder control if you are someone that often urinates unexpectedly. It would also be helpful to combine blackberry leaf with other toning herbs such as uva-ursi. 

  • Blackberry leaf is a suitable herbal ally for those that run damp and stagnant, or are considered to be kapha. Its diuretic action is not as simple as making you urinate more, but to consolidate excess fluids throughout the tissues of the body, bring them into the lymphatic system and then release them through the bladder. It is also supportive for those that urinate frequently and in small amounts, blackberry leaf can help produce larger and less frequent urination. 

  • Blackberry leaf also has applications for oral health, it helps tone the gums, tightening tissues that might be too lax and supports conditions of receding gums. Consider making blackberry leaf tea and holding or swishing it in your mouth daily to help maintain gum health. 

  • Blackberry leaf is also helpful for those regulating blood sugar, the leaf contains a constituent called chlorogenic acid which helps keep blood sugars in check. It is helpful to pair with herbs that help liver function, such as st.john's wort because the liver plays a large role in regulating blood sugar. 

  • Astringent blackberries leaf is suitable for working with gut health, supporting those with leaky gut, promoting healthy digestion and increasing absorption of nutrients.

  • The leaf is a nutritive herb containing an abundance of vitamin C, calcium and iron.

• Berries 

  • Considered a sour fruit, blackberries are cooling and can be helpful for those that are prone to overheating.

  • Blackberries are helpful for folks that have problems regulating blood sugar, having hypoglycemic effects. Whether you are pre-dibetic or diabetic, blackberries are also a good low sugar option to help stop sugar cravings. 

  • Blackberries are also a good source for antioxidants. 

In practice:

• Blackberry leaf is considered a gentle astringent and can be worked with daily. While blackberry root is a strong astringent and should only be worked with for short periods of time or in low doses. 

• Raspberry can be a good substitute for blackberry if it is not available.

• Blackberry root tincture is helpful for acute diarrhea, making it a good choice to keep in a herbal first aid kit. Consider bringing some with you if you are traveling.

• Blackberry leaf is not only safe to drink during pregnancy but supports the health of uterus tissues. 

• Blackberries are a suitable choice of those with blood sugar regulation problems. Try making a fancy bowl with blackberries, cocoa nibs, nuts and perhaps coconut cream to make a health indulgent bowl that doesn’t harm your body. 

Cautions

Due to blackberry root’s high tannin content, be cautious when taking with pharmaceuticals. Blackberry root in large doses can lead to stomach upset. 

Friends: sumac, marshmallow, uva-ursi, blueberry, bilberry, raspberry

This is for research purposes and should not be taken as medical advice.

Cited works

Edwards, Gail Faith. “Blackberry.” Blessed Maine Herb Farm, 2022, blessedmaineherbs.com/en-ca/pages/blackberry. 

Groves, Maria Noël. Body into Balance: An Herbal Guide to Holistic Self-Care. Storey Publishing, 2016.

Swift, Katja, and Ryn Midura. “Blackberry Recipes” Accessed 12 July. 2025.

Swift, Katja, and Ryn Midura. “ Blackberry- Materia Medica.” Accessed 12 July. 2025.

Swift, Katja, and Ryn Midura. “Blackberry - Rubus fruticosus.” Family Herbalist Course. https://online.commonwealthherbs.com/courses/take/materia-medica/lessons/2374787-blackberry-rubus-fruticosus Accessed 12 July. 2025. 

Wood, Matthew. Practice of Traditional Western Herbalism: Basic Doctrine, Energetics, and Classification. North Atlantic Books, 2013.