Blackberries are known to many as a delicious, often self-picked fruit. A healthy and slightly sweet-tasting tea can also be prepared from the leaves of the thorny bushes. FITBOOK reveals which active ingredients the tea contains and how to prepare it.
Almost everyone has eaten blackberries as a fruit. It probably occurred to very few people that the bushes or leaves of the popular fruit are also healthy and edible. The health-promoting effect of blackberry leaf tea should not be underestimated.
What ailments should blackberry leaf tea help with?
The effect of blackberry leaf tea can help with minor illnesses such as diarrhea and mild inflammation in the throat and pharynx. To relieve inflammation of the mucous membranes, it is recommended to do a rinse with blackberry leaves. With its antipyretic effect, blackberry leaf tea can help treat diseases such as colds and flu. The tea is also known as a remedy for skin diseases.
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What are the active ingredients in blackberry leaf tea?
The tea made from blackberry leaves contains a variety of healthy active ingredients. These include flavonoids. These are vegetable dyes, such as beta-carotene, which is found in carrots, among other things, and has an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect. In addition, blackberry leaves contain fruit acids such as citric acid and many important vitamins, such as vitamin C, which the body needs for the immune system. The tannins contained in the blackberry leaves strengthen the body’s own defense system and can have a healing and health-promoting effect on certain skin complaints.
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Is the effect of blackberry leaf tea scientifically proven?
There are currently not enough scientific studies to be able to assume that blackberry leaf tea has a health-promoting effect. Many of the alleged health-promoting effects of tea are based on centuries of experience in alternative and healing medicine. However, there are isolated studies that provide information on the effect of the medicinal plant.
A study from 2007 came to the conclusion that blackbee leaf tea is said to have an anti-aging effect. According to the study results, blueberry leaf extract suppresses the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), specifically the expression of MMP-1, -2 and -9. This is a group of related enzymes that catalyze the cleavage of peptide bonds and thus play a key role in wrinkle formation. The appearance of the metalloproteinases is intensified by UV radiation. In the study, the effect of the extract was tested on non-irradiated and UV-irradiated human skin cells. Blueberry leaf extract has been shown to reduce MMP protein levels in both irradiated and non-irradiated skin.1
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Are there any possible risks or side effects?
Blackberry leaf tea is very well tolerated by most people. To date, there are no known risks or side effects from consuming the tea.
Where can you get blackberry leaf tea and how is it prepared?
You can buy blackberry leaf tea in any pharmacy, in some supermarkets and in online shops. You can also prepare the tea yourself by collecting blackberry leaves yourself. However, they should be washed thoroughly before preparation. For the blackberry leaf tea you need 3-4 heaped teaspoons of blackberry leaves. Pour about 150 ml of boiling water over this and then let it steep in the cup for ten minutes before straining the tea through a sieve.
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How does blackberry leaf tea taste?
The blackberry leaf tea has a slightly sweet taste with a sour note. Depending on the type of blackberry bush, the taste can vary slightly. Especially with sour leaves, it is advisable to sweeten the tea with a little honey. According to your own preferences, the blackberry leaves can also be combined with other herbs.