Black currant (Ribes
nigrum), sometimes known as blackcurrant, is a woody shrub native to Europe
and Asia. Although this currant
plant is grown for its small black berries, it is also highly valued
for the leaves, which are said to have great value as a medicinal herb. What
are black currant leaves for? Read on and learn about the many black currant
leaf uses.
Uses for Black Currant Leaves
Proponents of the plant claim that herbal black currant leaf
may:
- Boost the immune system
- Reduce joint or muscle pain and inflammation
- Decrease the buildup of plaque in the heart
- Increase blood flow throughout the body
- Improve eye function, including night vision
- Benefits the kidneys, spleen, pancreas, and liver
- Improves lung function
- Helps with sore throat and hoarseness
- Relieves diarrhea
- Eases coughs and colds
- Stimulates appetite and digestion
- Treats bladder stones and urinary tract infections
Black currant leaves are rich in vitamin C. They also
contain gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which may improve the immune system; and
anthocyanins, chemicals known to have antioxidant properties.
Compounds in the leaves, fruit, and seeds are being investigated for their potential health benefits, but most of the claims of the beneficial uses for black currant leaves have yet to be proven.
Although the leaves are safe when used in reasonable quantities, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should talk to their doctor before using the plant medicinally.
How to Use Black Currant Leaves
The easiest and most effective way to use herbal black
currant leaf is to brew the leaves into tea.
To make herbal black currant leaf tea, place a spoonful of chopped leaves in a cup, then fill the cup with boiling water. Let the tea stand for 15 to 20 minutes, then pour it through a strainer. You can use dried black currant leaves but the fresh leaves are more potent.
Drink the tea hot or chill it and serve with ice. If you prefer sweeter tea, add a little honey or other sweetener. Black currant leaf tea can also be used as a mouthwash.
More Uses for Black Currant Leaves
Place black currant leaves directly on the skin to relieve
the pain and itch of minor wounds and insect bites.
Black currant (Ribes
nigrum), sometimes known as blackcurrant, is a woody shrub native to Europe
and Asia. Although this currant
plant is grown for its small black berries, it is also highly valued
for the leaves, which are said to have great value as a medicinal herb. What
are black currant leaves for? Read on and learn about the many black currant
leaf uses.
Uses for Black Currant Leaves
Proponents of the plant claim that herbal black currant leaf
may:
- Boost the immune system
- Reduce joint or muscle pain and inflammation
- Decrease the buildup of plaque in the heart
- Increase blood flow throughout the body
- Improve eye function, including night vision
- Benefits the kidneys, spleen, pancreas, and liver
- Improves lung function
- Helps with sore throat and hoarseness
- Relieves diarrhea
- Eases coughs and colds
- Stimulates appetite and digestion
- Treats bladder stones and urinary tract infections
Black currant leaves are rich in vitamin C. They also
contain gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which may improve the immune system; and
anthocyanins, chemicals known to have antioxidant properties.
Compounds in the leaves, fruit, and seeds are being investigated for their potential health benefits, but most of the claims of the beneficial uses for black currant leaves have yet to be proven.
Although the leaves are safe when used in reasonable quantities, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should talk to their doctor before using the plant medicinally.
How to Use Black Currant Leaves
The easiest and most effective way to use herbal black
currant leaf is to brew the leaves into tea.
To make herbal black currant leaf tea, place a spoonful of chopped leaves in a cup, then fill the cup with boiling water. Let the tea stand for 15 to 20 minutes, then pour it through a strainer. You can use dried black currant leaves but the fresh leaves are more potent.
Drink the tea hot or chill it and serve with ice. If you prefer sweeter tea, add a little honey or other sweetener. Black currant leaf tea can also be used as a mouthwash.
More Uses for Black Currant Leaves
Place black currant leaves directly on the skin to relieve
the pain and itch of minor wounds and insect bites.