ENGLISH NAME: Blackberry
LATIN NAME: Rubus fruticosus
LOCAL NAMES:
Czechia: Ostružiník křovitý
Turkey: Böğürtlen
Bulgaria: Къпина (Kǎpina)
Georgia: მაყვალი (Makvali)
COUNTRY: Bulgaria, Czechia, Turkey, Georgia
WHERE TO FIND IT:
Region: Vysočina and South Moravia (Czechia), Black Sea region and Marmara (Turkey), Rhodope and Balkan ranges (Bulgaria), Racha, Guria, and Imereti (Georgia)
Elevation: 100–1600 meters
Terrain: Forest edges, thickets, hedgerows, scrublands, riverbanks, and abandoned fields
DESCRIPTION:
A robust, thorny perennial shrub that forms dense, arching brambles. It has compound leaves (typically with 3–5 leaflets), white to pale pink five-petaled flowers, and dark purple-black aggregate fruits. The plant spreads vigorously through creeping stems and root suckers.
USABLE PARTS: Leaves, berries, and roots
MEDICINAL PROPERTIES:
Leaves are astringent, anti-inflammatory, and antidiarrheal, used for sore throats, mouth ulcers, and gastrointestinal upset. Berries are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and flavonoids, promoting immune health and vascular integrity. Root decoctions have been used for diarrhea and urinary issues.
UNDESIRED EFFECTS:
Generally safe. Excessive use of tannin-rich leaf tea may cause constipation. Thorny stems may cause skin injury when harvesting.
COMBINING WITH OTHER MEDICINES:
Leaves are often blended with sage or raspberry leaf for throat and digestive teas. Berries can be combined with elderberry or rose hip in immune blends.
PREPARATION:
Leaves are dried and used as an infusion for internal and gargle use. Berries are eaten fresh, dried, or made into jams, syrups, and juices. Roots are decocted for traditional antidiarrheal remedies.
HARVEST TIME:
Leaves: Late spring to early summer
Berries: Midsummer to early autumn (July–September)
Roots: Late autumn or early spring
HARVEST METHOD:
Pick young, healthy leaves before flowering. Harvest ripe, dark-colored berries by hand. Dig roots in late autumn, clean, and slice for drying.
CONSERVATION (STORAGE):
Dry leaves in a shaded, ventilated place and store in airtight containers. Berries can be dried, frozen, or preserved. Roots should be dried thoroughly and stored in a cool, dry place.
✅ Note: Rubus fruticosus is not only a delicious wild fruit but also a valuable medicinal herb, especially for digestive and respiratory care, with centuries of traditional use across Europe and the Caucasus.