Blackberry Leaf Tea Benefits (And Side Effects)

Teas
Top view of a tall glass filled with a red liquid and topped with fresh blackberries and a basil leaf. The glass sits on a wooden tray next to a sprig of basil.

You’re probably very familiar with blackberries, but did you know their leaves may also offer several benefits for your health? 

There’s a LOT more than meets the eye with this small plant, and we’re not just talking about their fresh taste…

In this blog, you’ll be learning what blackberry leaf tea is good for, 6 surprisingly easy recipes you can make, as well as potential side effects to watch out for (especially during pregnancy).

What is Blackberry Leaf Tea Good For?

If you’re wondering what it tastes like, tea made from blackberry leaves has a subtle, herbal flavour with a hint of earthiness. The leaves are also edible and offer a mild refreshing taste with a touch of bitterness.

Beyond the taste, blackberry leaves are also packed with antioxidants that may support your immune system and help with conditions like sore throat or digestive issues. 

Antioxidants act in your body by protecting your organs from oxidative stress, which helps slow down the aging process.

Which leads us to the next point…

Blackberry Leaf Tea Benefits

While more research is needed to confirm the health benefits of blackberry tea, this plant has been used since ancient Greece over 2,000 years ago, when soldiers used it to help treat wounds and support their health. But it doesn’t stop there.

May Support Digestive Health

Over a decade ago, a study by Pharmacognosy Review had already found a link between blackberry leaves and their potential ability to alleviate digestive discomfort, like diarrhea and bloating.

The research shows that the leaf of the plant has a high content of tannins & flavonoids, which may have anti-inflammatory properties in the digestive system.

Might Boost Immunity

Blackberry leaf is also high in iron, which is essential for keeping your immune system in top shape and fighting off infections. 

This means the tea could be used as a natural alternative to sore throat medicine. Traditionally, this is also what certain cultures in Asia have used this tea for since the dawn of history.

May Promote Heart Health

During the Renaissance in 1653, Nicholas Culpeper included blackberry in his Complete Herbal book, describing the plant as a useful remedy for treating general health issues. 

In recent history, some studies suggest that people who regularly drink blackberry leaves may have higher cardiovascular health and healthier skin. This is why blackberries are considered a superfood like cold-pressed oils.

And while research is still ongoing, it’s not a stretch to suggest that blackberry tea might help support healthy blood pressure, given its high antioxidant content.

Blackberry Leaf Tea Benefits: Digestive, Immunity, Heart Health. Green background with leaf illustrations.

You’re now familiar with some potential benefits of blackberry leaves.

But it’s not all that simple.

Like with all herbs, you shouldn’t overdo it. Too much of anything can be bad for you. So let’s see what side effects this tea may have…

Blackberry Leaf Tea Side Effects

While the leaves have been used for thousands of years, there are some adverse effects you should keep in mind if you plan on drinking it everyday.

If drank in large quantities, blackberry leaf tea may cause mild stomach discomfort, but this is pretty rare. Some people could also be sensitive or allergic, though it’s not very common. 

The takeaway:

You are unique – like all herbs or natural remedies, it’s always a good idea to start with small amounts to see how your body reacts. 

Is Blackberry Leaf Tea Safe During Pregnancy?

For women who are pregnant, it’s best to be cautious when drinking any herbal teas or supplements. While there’s no strong evidence to suggest that it’s harmful, the effects of some herbs on pregnancy aren’t always fully known. 

It’s always wise to consult with your healthcare provider before adding it to your routine to ensure it’s safe for you and your baby.

On the flip-side, blackberry leaf tea may offer some benefits for women going through menopause. 

The leaves are thought to have mild estrogen-like properties, which could help alleviate some common symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes or mood swings. That said, more research is needed to fully understand its effects in this context.

And if you’re looking to avoid post-menopause wrinkles before they show up, we’ve put together an easy guide on natural body scrubs just for you.

Blackberry leaf tea reminder: Enjoy in moderation, consult doctor if needed. Green background with leaves.

Did you know blackberry leaves are nature’s toothbrush?

Before the invention of toothbrushes, some people chewed blackberry leaves to clean their teeth and freshen their breath.

Here’s what you need to know:

Blackberry Leaf Tea Recipe (With Extras)

Thanks to their high vitamin C content, blackberry leaf tea may help reduce oral bacteria.

But it doesn’t stop there.

These leaves are super flexible, meaning that once you learn how to make some basic blackberry leaf tea, you have the option to add extra herbs to make your own unique tea combinations. And we’ll teach you all about it.

Ingredients:

• 1-2 teaspoons of dried blackberry leaves

• 1 cup of hot water (about 8 oz)

• Honey or sweetener to taste (optional)

Steps:

1. Place the dried blackberry leaves in a teapot or infuser.

2. Pour the boiling water over the leaves.

3. Let it steep for 5-10 minutes, depending on your taste preference.

Note: please avoid steeping the blackberry leaf tea for too long, as it may become bitter.

4. Strain the tea into a cup.

5. Add honey or sweetener if you want.

Extras:

Want to add a personal touch to your tea?

To make your tea completely unique, mix it up with these ideas:

Lemon Balm

Add 1-2 teaspoons of lemon balm for a nice citrus kick. 

It’ll make your tea feel super refreshing and help you relax. It’s very good after long, stressful days. And if you want to learn more, we have a blog on 5 Lemon Balm recipes for weight loss.

Meadowsweet 

Put in 1 teaspoon for an extra mild, floral taste.

This gives the tea a nice calming vibe, perfect for digestion and might help relieve mild pain. Traditionally, Meadowsweet was used to soothe headaches and migraines.

Lavender

Lavender tea on its own is already associated with relaxation. When you mix it with blackberry leaves, it may enhance its effects and provide an extra layer of calm. Add 1 – 2 teaspoons if you want.

Echinacea

Did you know echinacea was traditionally used to fight off colds? Add a tablespoon to your blend if you want a sweeter taste.

And if you’re looking to learn more about this unique herb, we have a special article on more echinacea recipes for immune support.

Thyme 

This herb can add a slightly minty flavor to your tea. Like echinacea, it was traditionally used for soothing sore throats and coughs. If you choose to add thyme to your blackberry tea, 1 – 2 teaspoons would suffice.

Top view of four white bowls with dried herbs: lavender, meadowsweet, thyme, and echinacea. Each bowl has a suggested amount and a potential benefit listed.

Note: if you were wondering, we recommend not adding all of these at once, as it may make the flavor too overpowering! Please just pick one extra.

How to Store it

To keep your ingredients fresh and full of flavor, be sure to store them right.

If you’re using dried leaves, just keep them in a cool and dry spot out of the sun, and store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh longer. Dried leaves can last a few good months if you store them properly.

FAQ About Blackberry Leaf Tea

Does blackberry leaf tea help with hot flashes?

While there’s no solid evidence, blackberry leaf tea could help with hot flashes, especially during menopause. This is thanks to its natural anti-inflammatory & antioxidant effects, making hot flashes less frequent or intense.

Does blackberry lower blood pressure?

Not directly, but blackberry leaves are rich in antioxidants, which may indirectly help with blood pressure by improving overall heart.

What does blackberry do to your body?

It mainly acts on the immune system. Your body absorbs flavonoids, which help support your natural defense systems. This could contribute to better overall health.

Can you drink blackberry leaf tea everyday?

It’s recommended to drink no more than 3 cups a day. Like all things, drinking too much in excess can lead to unwanted effects. It’s generally safe for most people, but if you have any concerns, it’s always a good idea to check with your doctor.

And if you love tea, you should check our free guide on how to prepare for the next tea shortage.

What are the side effects of blackberry leaf tea?

Too much blackberry leaf tea might give you a mild upset stomach or make you feel a bit off. Like with any herbal tea, it’s better not to overdo it.

Does blackberry leaf tea make you sleepy?

Since it’s caffeine-free, it won’t keep you up, but it’s relaxing if you’re looking to wind down after a long day, even if it doesn’t make you sleepy.

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