| Common Name: |
Wood Strawberry |
| Other Names: |
Earth Mulberry, Mountain Strawberry, Strawberry, Wild Strawberry |
| Botanical Name: |
Fragaria vesca, F. americana |
| Family: |
Rosaceae |
| Plant Facts: |
The wild strawberry is a member of the rose family and grows to be about 8 inches high. The fragrant red strawberries begin to develop in June. They are actually fleshy berries, with an outer skin that contains the plant's actual fruits—the hard yellow seeds. |
| History: |
One of the most beloved of fruits, strawberries—long associated with sensuality and desire—were first mentioned in the writings of Virgil (in the first century BCE)and of Pliny (in the first century CE). The common name, strawberry, was once erroneously believed to have originated with the practice of placing straw around the ripening plants. In fact, "straw" is derived from "to strew", and the fruits were originally called "strewberries" because they appear to be strewed among the plant's vines. |
| Origin: |
The plant grows in North America where both native plants and those from Europe may be found in lightly wooded forests and their edges, on slopes and in clear-cut areas. |
| Location: |
North America, Europe |
| Parts Used: |
The leaves, berries, and roots are used for therapeutic purposes. Always keep the dried plant parts protected from humidity. |
| Components: |
The leaves and roots of the wild strawberry plant contain tannin, which has an astringent action. The leaves are also composed of triterpene alcohols, flavonoids, citral (a lemony substance) and traces of essential oils. The berries contain a great deal of Vitamin C. (60 milligrams per 100 grams of fruit), as well as fruit acids and minerals—such as potassium, magnesium, zinc, manganese, calcium and iron. |
| Chemical Constituents: |
Catechins
Leucoanthocyanin
Minerals
Vitamin C
|
| Indications: |
The leaves of wild strawberry provide an astringent action. Therefore, the leaves can be used to make a tea that reduces inflamed mucous membranes in the mouth. Fresh strawberries, on the other hand, soothe gastritis and are also helpful in curing anemia. |
| Know Effects: |
Prevents scurvy
Inhibits production of histamines
Miscellaneous Information:
Wild strawberry is a member of the rose family.
|
| Medicinal Use: |
Wild strawberry has astringent, diuretic, and tonic properties. (The cultivated strawberries and strawberry plants sold in supermarkets and at fruit stands have far less therapeutic value than do the wild plants.) The herb is also rich in iron, potassium, and vitamin A. The herb is taken internally for acne, anemia, diarrhea, eczema, gout, indigestion, sore throats, and urinary tract ailments. Wild strawberry is applied externally, in tea or tincture form, to treat acne, burns, eczema, minor skin irritations, and sunburn. Strawberry juice is used to clean stained teeth. |
| Extra Tip: |
The gentle, astringent properties of strawberry leaves offer relief from diarrhea and other digestive upsets. Use fresh or dried leaves infused in a tea. |
| Direction: |
South, West |
| Preparation: |
Wild strawberry is available as fresh fruit and dried herb and in teas and tinctures. To make a tea, pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 teaspoon of dried herb and steep for 5 minutes. Strain, and drink up to 3 cups a day. |
| Methods of Administration: |
- Fresh Root Decoction:
Add 1 gram strawberry root parts to about ½ cup of cold water; heat, and allow to steep for about 30 min. Drink 2 cups daily before meals for diarrhea relief.
- Infusion for Gargling:
Add about ¼ cup of chopped wild strawberry leaves to ½ cup of boiling hot water; steep for 30 min. Rinse and gargle several times a day to reduce inflammation of oral mucous membranes.
- Infusion:
Add about 1/8 oz. of chopped leaves to ½ cup boiling water; steep for approximately 15 min. Three to four cups daily will strengthen the blood.
- Soothing Bath:
Add 2 handfuls fresh or 1 cup of dried leaves to your bathwater. You'll find dried leaves at your local natural-food stores.
- Poultice:
Apply crushed berries to sunburned areas—or other skin inflammations—and cover with a damp cloth. Allow the poultice to work for 10-20 min., and then gently wash off the berries with warm water.
|
| Warnings and Precautions: |
Don't take if you:
Are allergic to strawberries.
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
Pregnancy:
Pregnant women should experience no problems taking usual amounts as part of a balanced diet. Other products extracted from this herb have not been proved to cause problems.
Breastfeeding:
Breastfeeding infants of lactating mothers should experience no problems when mother takes usual amounts as part of a balanced diet. Other products extracted from this herb have not been proved to cause problems
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.
|
| Toxicity: |
Generally regarded as safe when taken in appropriate quantities for short periods of time. |
| Bibliography: |
The Complete Guide to Natural Healing Group 1 Card 4
The Cherokee Herbal by J.T. Garret. Copyright ©2003 J.T. Garret. pps. 144, 197, 256, 266, 267, 269.
The Modern Herbal Primer by Nancy Burke Copyright©2000 Yankee Publishing Inc. pg. 103
Vitamins, Herbs, Minerals & Supplements The Complete Guide by H. Winter Griffith, MD Copyright©1998 Fisher Books pp. 443-444 |
