BLACKBERRY Rubus villosus, A. t.
Common Names: Dewberry, Bramble Berry, Gout Berry. Features: There are numerous species of Rubus( Blackberry), two types are recognized. The trailing blackberries or dewberries and the erect blackberries. However, both in the wild and under cultivation there are many intermediate forms. This particular variety is native to the northern United States of America and Canada, other centres being central and western Europe.
The Blackberry has a root that lives for many years and a top that grows one year, fruits the next with juicy, black, delicious berries, which in contrast adheres to the core when ripe rather than separating from the receptacle as does the ripe raspberry. This trailing vine dies back to the ground when out of season. Spring finds new, prickly tips forming rootlets in sandy or dry soil. The flowers are white. Medicinal Parts: The root, leaves and berries. Solvents: Water, alcohol. Bodily Influence: Astringent, Tonic. Uses: As a remedial agent Blackberries are classed as astringents and are far more serviceable medicinally than most of our generation is aware of. The berries were used as food and medicine by our Indians, and today we know by their experience, and by scientific proof, that the plant is exceedingly valuable in chronic Diarrhoea, Dysentery, Cholera and summer complaints of children and is often the only thing which gets results.
A decoction of the root or leaves, or both( the root being more astringent than the leaves) may be used freely, four to five times a day. Being pleasing to the taste, this agent is useful in excessive menstruation, and very effective in fevers and hot distempers of the body, head, eyes and other parts.
The berries have cordial properties and can be made into jello, brandy, jam, jelly and also vinegar. Dose: 1 teaspoonful of the root or leaves to 1 cup of boiling water, steeped 15 min.; three or four cups a day depending on age and condition. Of the tincture ½ – 1 dram, three or four times a day. Externally: The leaves, bruised and applied outwardly, will act as an astringent to haemorrhoids. For sore mouth and inflamed throat, gargle the tea of the roots and leaves often; they can be used green or dried.
BLACK COHOSH Cimicifuga racemosa, L.( N. O.: Ranunculaceae)
Common Names: Rattleroot, Squawroot, Snakeroot, Black Snakeroot. Features: The plant is a genus of the Crowfoot Family, comprising about twenty species, native to North America, Asia and Europe.
The best-known American species, because of their medical properties, are the bugbane( Cimicifuga racemosa), Cimicifuga, from the Latin“ to drive away”, so named because certain species are used to drive away bugs and other insects. Can also be used as an antidote for the venom of serpents. Black cohosh can be seen in upland woods and hillsides. A perennial herb with a large knotty root, having a few short roots. The stem is simple, smooth and furrowed, from 3 – 9 ft. high, with irregular leaves. The small white flowers are numerous in wand-like racemes, flowering from May to August. The root contains a resin known as cimicifugin( macrotin), starch, gum, tannic acid, etc.