culinary, medicinal & skin care uses of blackberry
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Properties:
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culinary
Blackberries are a common ingredient in jams and jellies, and are a wonderful base for pies, crumbles and cakes. Blackberries creates a delicious syrup to pour over puddings, desserts and ice cream, a cordial to accompany sparkling water or champagne, and is often used to make homemade wine or flavoured gin or vodka
medicinal / remedies
Blackberries are very high in Vitamin C. Blackberry leaf or fruit tea is often taken to boost the immune system, and a tincture is beneficial as a daily tonic to help prevent and reduce cold symptoms. A syrup made from blackberries soothes coughs and sore throats. The berries are high in fiber, and are said to help maintain bowel health, control blood sugar, and lower cholesterol.
skin care
Blackberry has valuable antioxidant properties. Add blackberry leaves to facial steams, and in an oil or balm to soothe itchy, irritated skin conditions. A diluted blackberry vinegar is beneficial to cleanse and tone oily skin. Add a blackberry macerated carrier oil to facial masks and moisturisers to protect, hydrate and rejuvenate skin. Cooled blackberry tea works well as a hair rinse, and blackberry balm with coconut oil as a conditioner to strengthen hair and stimulate hair growth.
folklore
Traditionally, blackberries were never eaten after St Michaels' Day, Michaelmas, on 29 September,as they were thought to be cursed and inedible after that date. In some cultures, blackberry was thought to contain the properties of abundance and prosperity, so leaves were included in sachet blends to attract wealth, and were also included in sachet blends for protection of the home. More recently, blackberries have been included in incense blends to promote relaxation and meditation.
Important considerations & cautions:
Although botanicals (herbs, spices, plants) are considered safe for most people when used in cooking or in small amounts, inappropriate use of some of these botanicals could be dangerous. The content on this site shares our own personal use of botanical ingredients, is for information only, and should not be taken as medical advice. Prior to using any botanicals in recipes or remedies, you should always do your own research, and consult with a medical professional, your GP, or a qualified herbalist.
Although botanicals (herbs, spices, plants) are considered safe for most people when used in cooking or in small amounts, inappropriate use of some of these botanicals could be dangerous. The content on this site shares our own personal use of botanical ingredients, is for information only, and should not be taken as medical advice. Prior to using any botanicals in recipes or remedies, you should always do your own research, and consult with a medical professional, your GP, or a qualified herbalist.