Ravenhawk's Herb of the Week

Herb of the Week: Blackberry

This week’s herb is Blackberry. I chose it because blackberries are in season at this time and, therefore, one of the correspondences for the month of August.

Blackberry [Rubus fruticosus] Also known as bramble, brameberry.

Gender: Feminine, Element: Water, Planet: Venus, Goddess:

Blackberry is the common name for a large number of species, all of which have similar magical and medicinal uses.

Herbal and Healing:

“Folk traditions of native peoples throughout the world have also applied Rubus for multiple medicinal uses. The ancients used the whole plant and its parts. Stems, branches, roots, leaves, and flowers were used in decoctions, infusions, plasters, oil or wine extractions, and condensates. Decoctions of branches were applied to stop diarrhea, dye hair, prevent vaginal discharge, and as antivenom for snakebites. Leaves were chewed to strengthen gums
and plastered to constrain shingles and hemorrhoids. Flowers triturated with oil reduced eye inflammations and cooled skin rashes; infusions with water or wine aided stomach ailments. . Medicinal properties of Rubus continue in Renaissance and modern herbals, sanctioning leaf infusions as a gargle for sore mouth, throat cankers, and as a wash for wounds; the
bark, containing tannin, was a tonic for diarrhea; and root extract, a cathartic and emetic. Recent research has measured high ellagic acid, anthocyanin, total phenolics, and total antioxidant content in Rubusfruits. Fruit extracts have been used as colorants and are now being tested as anticarcinogenic, antiviral, antiallergenic, and cosmetic moisturizing compounds.” [Rubus Pharmacology: Antiquity to the Present Kim E. Hummer]

MAGICAL PROPERTIES: Healing, Money, Protection,

Sacred to Brighid, the leaves and berries are used to attract wealth and healing. Blackberry brambles may be gathered and woven into pentagrams or wreaths hung in an auspicious location within the home to provide protection.

Recipes: Dry the fruit and powder it to make a pleasing infusion or tea for use in the ritual cup when working health and healing magick.