Blackberry Medicinal Plant

Did you know blackberries have useful healing properties? Of course they're loaded in antioxidants and vitamins. The leaves and roots have value too. Native Americans have long used the stems and leaves for healing, while enjoying the young shoots peeled as a vegetable of sorts and the berries, either raw or in jams. The leaves and root can be used as an effective treatment against dysentery and diarrhea as well as serving usefulness as an anti-inflammatory and astringent. Ideal for treating cuts and inflammation in the mouth.

Like other berries, blackberries are commonly eaten out of hand. You can also use these versatile fruits in baked goods, add them to fruit or vegetable salads or turn them into jellies or sauces. Mix blackberries with apples, kiwi and strawberries to make a delicious fruit salsa you can eat with chips, use to top ice cream or other desserts or use as a condiment with meat or seafood. Blackberries are a good source of fiber and essential vitamins and minerals and have a number of potential health benefits.

  

• Cancer: Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry." Blackberry extract and other berry extracts inhibited the growth of cancer cells in laboratory tests, with increasing amounts of berry extracts further increasing the degree of inhibition.

• Heart Disease: As per Nutrition Reviews Potential mechanisms for this decreased risk include limiting inflammation and oxidative stress through an increase in antioxidants in the blood and limiting the buildup of cholesterol in the arteries because of the anthocyanin content of the berries.
• Cognitive Function: Blackberry consumption may also limit a decline in cognitive function as you age