|
Blackberry
Rubus villosus
Rosaceae
Citations
Part Used : The bark of the the root and rhizome
Collection :
Constituents : 20% Tannin, gallic acid, saponins including villosin.
Actions : Astringent
Indications : An excellent, safe and gentle astringent remedy that can
be used in all situations that call for this action. It may be used in
diarrhoea, dysentary and other problems associated with 'loose bowels'.
It was traditionally used in Britain externally as wash in a whole range
of skin eruptions and burns. It will staunch bleeding and may be used in
leucorrhoea.
Ellingwood considered it specific for diarrhoeas of infancy.
Kings Dispensatory describes it thus: These plants are useful as
astringents. An infusion or decoction of the leaves of raspberry or the
bark of the roots of the other two (species of Rubus), has been found an
excellent remedy in diarrhoea, dysentery (chronic), cholera infantum,
relaxed conditions of the intestines of children, passive haemorrhage
from the stomach, bowels or uterus and in coliquative diarrhoea. The
decoction, used as an injection, is useful in gonorrhoea, gleet,
leucorrhoea and prolapsus uteri and ani. In prolapsus uteri, it may be
used wither alone or combined with the internal use of a decoction of
equal parts of Black Cohosh and Blackberry roots, taken freely. Rubus
villosus is especially adapted to childrens diarrhoeas, the stools being
copious, watery and clay-colored. Such children are pale, fretful,
without appetite, there is deficient glandular activity and the
gastro-intestinal tract shows evidence of enfeeblement and relaxation.
The leaves of Raspberry in decoction with cream, will allay nausea and
vomiting and combined with aromatics, have been found useful in
diarrhoea, cholera morbus, and cholera infantum. It is said that
raspberry will during labor, increase the activity of the uterine
contractions when these are feeble, even in instances where ergot has
failed and that it has been found serviceable in after-pains. The fruit,
especially that of the blackberry, makes an excellent syrup, which is of
much service in dysentery, being pleasant to the taste, mitigating the
accompanying tenesmus and sufferings of the patient, and ultimately
effecting a cure. The fruit of the raspberry contains very little
nourishment, but is an agreeable acidulous article, rarely disturbing
the stomach and when eaten freely, promotes the action of the bowels.
Raspberry syrup, added to water, forms a refreshing and beneficial
beverage for fever patients and during convalescence. The jelly or jam
may likewise be used in similar cases; that of the blackberry being more
astringent, is better adapted to cases of diarrhoea, dysentery and
cholera infantum. Dose of the decoction of these plants, from 1 to 4
fluid ounces, several times a day; of the pulverized root-bark, 20 to 30
grains. Specific Indications and Uses ~ Gastro-intestinal atony with
copious, water and pale alvine discharges.
Dosage : 1-2 g of the bark in a decoction three times a day. 2-5ml of
tincture 3 times a day
The herbalist by David Hoffman, (c)1993 David Hoffman, Hopkins
Technology
|
