Hindberry


Hindberry

A cosmopolitan genus of about 250 species of deciduous, semi-evergreen, and evergreen shrubs, scramblers, climbers, and trailers, found worldwide in a variety of habitats, from woodland and scrub to coastal dunes and uplands. Most species produce edible fruits, though some are rather tasteless. Rubus idaeus (raspberry) has been cultivated in England since the mid-16th century. The western N American dewberry (R. ursinus) was cultivated in the early 19th century; many hybrids were developed using this species, notably the loganberry, which is a dewberry-raspberry cross. Blackberries (R. fruticosus) remained a wild-collected food until well in the 20th century, although hybridization began in the 19th century. Fossil evidence shows that raspberries (R. idaeus) and blackberries (R. fruticosus) have formed part of the human diet from very early times. The raspberry was mentioned by the Roman poet Propertius (c.50-16BCE), and the blackberry by Greek dramatist Aeschylus (c.525-456BCE) and physician Hippocrates (c.460-357BCE). The roots and foliage of most Rubus species contain tannins and flavonoids, while fruits are rich in vitamins A, B1, and C, organic acids, sugars, and pectin. Rubus fruticosus was used by the ancient Greeks to treat gout, and by the Romans for sore mouths and inflammation of the bowel. Various species were used by native N Americans to cure diarrhea and dysentery, including R. hispidus (Swamp Dewberry), R. laciniatus (Cut-leafed bramble), R. odoratus (purple-flowered raspberry, thimbleberry), R. parviflorus(thimbleberry), R. procumbens (creeping blackberry), and R. villosus (American blackberry), which entered the U.S. Pharmacopoeia in 1820 as an astringent tonic. Rubus idaeus was used by N American colonists, but it proved less successful than native species such as R. occidentalis (thimbleberry, black raspberry), with which it was crossed to give black-red or purple raspberries. Rubus coreanus was first mentioned in Chinese medical literature c.CE500. It is one of several Asian species known as "ghost brambles" or "white-washed brambles" because of their stems, which are coated in gray-white wax. It is used interchangeably with R. chingii. The red-fruited R. parvifolius (Japanese bramble) is also used; leaves and roots are decocted for skin problems, and unripe, dried fruits are regarded as tonic and aphrodisiac.

Native to North America, the raspberry bush is best known for its delicate, hollow, red berries, but its the leaves that are used in herbal medicine. Raspberry leaf tea, which contains tannins and vitamin C, has been traditionally used to ease the nausea associated with pregnancy and to ensure an easy labor, delivery, and postpartum recovery. It is also used to treat the common cold, control diarrhea, ease menstrual cramps, and regulate the menstrual cycle.

Suckering, deciduous shrub with bristly stems and pinnate leaves, divided into 3-7 ovate, toothed leaflets, which have white woolly undersides. White flowers, about 1cm (½in) across, are produced in drooping clusters in summer, followed by aromatic, juicy red fruits.


Common Name:
Hindberry
Other Names:
Bramble, Raspberry, Red Raspberry
Botanical Name:
Rubus idaeus
Genus:
Rubus
Family:
Rosaceae
Cultivation:
Moist, well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. Rubus fruiticosus may be trained on wires or solid surfaces to make harvesting easier. Remove old stems after fruiting. In spring, lightly prune plants grown for fruit. Plants may be damaged by aphids, plant bugs, raspberry beetle, crown gall, Rubus stunt, Botrytis, and virus disease. Rubus fruitcosus is subject to statuatory control as a weed in some countries, notably in parts of Australia.
Propagation:
By seed sown in spring (species only); by softwood cuttings in summer; by leaf-bud cuttings in late summer; by hardwood cuttings in winter; and by tip layering in summer (R. fruiticosus); by root cuttings and suckers during dormancy (R. idaeus); by division in early spring or autumn.
Harvest
Leaves are picked before flowering and dried for use in infusions, liquid extracts, and tablets. Roots are lifted in summer and dried for use in decoctions. Fruits are harvested when ripe and dried for use in decoctions (R. coreanus), or used fresh or frozen for juice, syrups, and culinary purposes.
Native Location:
Europe, temperate Asia, Naturalized in N America
Height:
1-1.7m (3-5½ft)
Width:
1-2m (3-6ft)
Variants:
Aureus
Has bright golden leaves. Makes good groundcover in semi-shade.
Height: 1-1.2m (3-4ft)
Width: 60-90cm (24-36in)
Autumn Bliss
Bears well-flavored berries from August to late September.
Glen Ample
Has smooth stems and produces very large crops of large berries in mid-season.
Hardiness
Z3-8
Parts Used:
Bark, Roots, Leaves, fruits.
Chemical Constituents:
  • Citric Acid
  • Tannins
    		•
    Properties
    An astringent herb that tones the uterine muscles during pregnancy.
    Known Effects:
  • Relaxes uterine spasms
  • Relaxes intestinal spasms
  • Gargle for sore throats

    • Miscellaneous Information:
  • Berries are delicious, nutritious and nontoxic.
  • When eaten as a common food, no problems are expected for anyone
    		•
    Possible Additional Effects:
  • May increase contractions of labor pains
  • May decrease excessive menstrual bleeding
  • May relieve morning sickness
  • May treat mouth ulcers
    		•
    Medicinal Uses:
    Internally for diarrhea and as a preparation for childbirth (leaves) Given to pregnant women in the last three months and during labor, but not in early pregnancy. Externally for tonsilitis, mouth inflammation, sores, conjuctivitis, minor wounds, burns, and varicose ulcers (leaves). Combines well with Agrimonia eupatoria (See, Agrimony) and Geum urbanum (See, Avens) for diarrhea; with Euphrasia officinalis (See, Eyebright) as an eye lotion; and with Salvia officinalis (See, Common Sage) as a mouthwash and gargle.
    To treat cough, urinary tract infections, and morning sickness.
    Typical Dose:
    A typical dose of raspberry leaf is approximately 1.5 gm mixed with 150 ml boiling water, steeped for 5 minutes, strained and taken as a tea.
    Adverse Reactions, Side Effects, or Overdose Symptoms:
    Raspberry leaf's side effects include allergic reactions.

    Signs and Symptoms What to Do
    Diarrhea Discontinue. Call doctor immediately.
    Nausea Discontinue. Call doctor immediately.
    Warnings and Precautions:
    		 Don't take if you:
    Are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or plan pregnancy in the near future.
    Consult your doctor if you:
  • Take this herb for any medical problem that doesn't improve in 2 weeks (There may be safer, more effective treatments.)
  • Take any medicinal drugs or herbs including aspirin, laxatives, cold and cough remedies, antacids, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, supplements, other prescription or non-prescription drugs
  • Are pregnant and want to use for morning sickness

    • Pregnancy:
    Don't use unless prescribed by your doctor
    Breastfeeding:
    Don't use unless prescribed by your doctor
    Infants and Children:
    Treating infants and children under 2 with any herbal preparation is hazardous.
    Others:
    None are expected if you are beyond childhood, under 45, not pregnant, basically healthy, take it only for a short time and do not exceed manufacturer's recommended dose.
    Storage:
  • Store in cool, dry area away from direct light, but don't freeze.
  • Store safely out of reach of children.
  • Don't store in bathroom medicine cabinet. Heat and moisture may change the action of the herb.

    • Safe Dosage:
    Consult your doctor for the appropriate dose for your condition.
    Drug Interactions:
    Taking raspberry leaf with these drugs may increase the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar):
    Acarbose, (Prandase, Precose)
    Acetohexamide, (Acetohexamide)
    Chlorpropamide, (Diabinese, Novo-Propamide)
    Gliclazide, (Diamicron, Novo-Gliclazide)
    Glimepiride, (Amaryl)
    Glipizide, (Glucotrol)
    Glipizide and Metformin, (Metaglip)
    Gliquidone, (Beglynor, Glurenorm)
    Glyburide, (DiaBeta, Micronase)
    Glyburide and Metformin, (Glucovance)
    Insulin, (Humulin, Novolin R)
    Metformin, (Glucophage, Riomet)
    Miglitol, (Glyset)
    Nateglinide, (Starlix)
    Pioglitazone, (Actos)
    Repaglinide, (GlucoNorm, Prandin)
    Rosiglitazone, (Avandia)
    Rosigliatazone and Metformin, (Avandamet)
    Tolazamide, (Tolinase)
    Tolbutamide, (Apo-Tolbutamide, Tol-Tab)
    Taking raspberry leaf (in the form of tea) with these drugs may interfere with the absorption of the drug:
    Ferric Gluconate, (Ferrlecit)
    Ferrous Fumarate, (Femiron, Feostat)
    Ferrous Gluconate, (Fergon, Novo-Ferrogluc)
    Ferrous Sulfate, (Feratab, Fer-Iron)
    Ferrous Sulfate and Ascorbic Acid, (FeroGrad 500, Vitelle Irospan)
    Glipizide and Metformin, (Metaglip)
    Glyburide and Metformin, (Glucovance)
    Iron-Dextran Complex, (Dexferrum, INFeD)
    Metformin, (Glucophage, Riomet)
    Polysaccharide-Iron Complex, (Hytinic, Niferex)
    Rosiglitazone and Metformin, (Avandamet)
    Disease Effects:
    This herb may have estrogen-like effects and should not be used by women with estrogen-sensitive breast cancer or other hormone-sensitive conditions.
    Supplement Interactions:
    • May decrease absorption of minerals due to its high tannin content.
    • The tannins in raspberry leaf may cause the alkaloids in certain other herbs to separate and settle, increasing the risk of toxic reactions.
    Culinary Uses:
    Fruits are eaten raw, cooked, or made into jam, jelly, juice, syrup, compote, coulis, wine, and liqueur; also to flavor vinegar and beer. Leaves are used to make tea.
    Economic Uses:
    Raspberry products and flavors are important in the food, drink, and candy industries; extracts are used to flavor medicines; essence is added to shampoos and bath products.
    Bibliography:
    Encyclopedia or Herbs ~ Deni Brown ~ copyright ©2005 Dorling Kimbersley Limited. ~ pp 350-351.
    The Essential Herb-Drug-Vitamin Interaction Guide by Geo. T. Grossberg,MD and Barry Fox,PhD Copyright©2007 Barry Fox,PhD. Pp.386-387
    Vitamins, Herbs, Minerals & Supplements The Complete Guide by H. Winter Griffith, MD Copyright©1998 Fisher Books pp 426-427