Blackthorn
Botanical Description / Habitat
Prunus spinosa (homeopathic)
Family
Rosaceae
Common Names
Blackthorn fruit
Sloe berry
Wild Plum
Habitat
It is most accessible as a common hedging material in Europe. It also grows in Asia.
Description
A bulky bush. The bark is black-brown. It has white flowers and a dark blue fruit.
Medicinal Parts
Berry
Flowers
Historical Properties & Uses
The berries have traditionally been used to make a country wine, often for medicinal purposes.
The syrup and wine are employed as purgative or diuretic and as marmalade for dyspepsia.
The flowers have approval status by the German Commission E for mild inflammatory conditions of the oral and pharyngeal mucosa.
References:
Blumenthal, M (Ed.): The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. American Botanical Council. Austin, TX. 1998.
Method of Action
This herb contains tannins that have an astringent action.
Drug Interactions & Precautions
There are no known interactions.
Safety Factors & Toxicity
There are no known contraindications or side effects.
The country wine is often taken for gastrointestinal complaints, in a small dosage. Larger doses of the wine could be expected to cause some gastrointestinal complaints.
Preparation & Administration
The fruit may be edible after several frosts, hence it is usually used for wine.
Preparations are usually in the form of teas or mouth rinses.
This herb has approval status by the German Commission E.
Recommended daily dosages in Germany are as follows:
2 - 4 g of the flowers.
References:
Blumenthal, M (Ed.): The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. American Botanical Council. Austin, TX. 1998.
Note: This Herbal Preparation information is a summary of data from books and articles by various authors. It is not intended to replace the advice or attention of health care professionals.
References
Blumenthal, M (Ed.): The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. American Botanical Council. Austin, TX. 1998.
Gruenwald, J, Brendler, T & Jaenicke, C (Eds.): PDR for Herbal Medicines. Medical Economics, NJ. 1998.
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