Herb of the Week: Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus)

Blackberries, also known as brambles or wild blackberries, are perennial shrubs prized for their sweet, dark berries and thorny canes. They grow abundantly in temperate regions and have been cherished for centuries for both their culinary and medicinal uses. Beyond their delicious flavor, blackberries have a rich history in folklore, magick and traditional medicine, making them a fascinating herb to explore this week.

Folklore & Magic of Blackberry

In folklore, blackberries were often considered protective and sacred. Celtic traditions held that blackberry bushes guarded against evil spirits and were a symbol of resilience due to their hardy thorns.

In magickal practice, blackberries are associated with:

• Protection: Planted near homes to ward off negative energy

• Prosperity & Abundance: Used in spells for wealth and good fortune

• Love & Passion: Their deep color symbolizes attraction and emotional depth

Harvesting blackberries before Michaelmas (September 29th) was traditionally avoided, as folklore suggested that the Devil or other spirits could curse the fruit. Symbolism

Blackberries carry dual symbolism, reflecting both their darker folklore associations and their empowering qualities:

• Envy & Remorse: The dark, thorny berries sometimes represent bitterness, jealousy, or regret, reminding us to be mindful of hidden emotions.

• Protection & Boundaries: Their thorny canes symbolize safeguarding oneself and establishing healthy boundaries.

• Abundance & Fertility: Despite the thorns, blackberry bushes produce plentiful fruit, representing growth, nourishment, and life cycles.

• Endurance & Resilience: Thriving even in harsh conditions, blackberries remind us of perseverance and the ability to flourish in difficult circumstances.

This dual nature makes blackberries a powerful herb for reflection, self-awareness, and protection in magickal practice.

Blackberry in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

In TCM, blackberries are considered a nourishing and tonic herb. Key properties include:

• Energetics:

  • Sweet and slightly sour in taste

  • Warm in nature

• Meridians:

  • Kidney

  • Liver

• Actions:

  • Tonifies kidney and liver yin

  • Strengthens essence

  • Improves vision

  • Supports healthy aging and vitality

Medicinal Benefits of Blackberry

Blackberries have a long history of use in herbal medicine for their therapeutic properties:

• Supports digestion and gut health

• Reduces inflammation and oxidative stress

• Helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels

• Boosts immune system function

• Promotes healthy skin and may aid in wound healing

Nutritional Benefits of Blackberry

Blackberries are also a nutritional powerhouse, offering essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants:

• High in Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and Vitamin A

• Rich in dietary fiber, manganese, and folate

• Contains potent antioxidants, including anthocyanins, which help protect against cellular damage

• Low in calories while providing natural energy and hydration

Lesson: Embracing Resilience

Blackberries teach us the value of resilience and protection. Just like the thorny canes defend the sweet fruit, we too can cultivate boundaries that safeguard our well-being. Their growth in wild, often challenging areas reminds us that even in difficult conditions, nourishment and abundance are possible. Integrating blackberry wisdom encourages patience, self-reflection and appreciation for life’s natural cycles.

⚠️ Disclaimer & Safety

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Consult a healthcare provider before using blackberries for medicinal purposes.

Potential Allergies or Medical Issues:

• May cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals

• Caution for those with kidney or digestive disorders if consumed in excess

• Always wash thoroughly before use to avoid contamination

✨ Want to dive deeper into the healing power of herbs? Explore more in our Herb of the Week series, featuring wisdom from the Healing Plants Oracle Deck, illustrated by pioneering herbalist Elizabeth Blackwell.