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Rubus parviflorus
Each year I make a new plant friend. Once an innocuous stranger this plant demands attention stating its need to be made to medicine. This year Thimble Berry (Rubus parviflorus) became family - kin to some of my other local favourites like Black Raspberry, Coastal Strawberry, and Trailing Blackberry all Rubus family plants share similar characteristics & use.
Habitat & Growth Pattern
Thimbleberry (Rubus parviflorus) is native to western North America and thrives in moist woods, forest edges, stream banks, and open clearings. Common throughout Vancouver Island and the Pacific Northwest, it prefers rich, well-drained soils and is often found in part-sun to lightly shaded habitats. This soft-stemmed shrub grows in clusters, filling disturbed areas, trailsides, and regenerating forests with its broad, velvety leaves and delicate white flowers.
Thimbleberry as Energetic Medicine
What I found entrancing about Thimble Berry was it's inviting nature. The stem while growing to tall heights was completely free of thorns, the leaf was delicate appearing extremely easy to eat, and the flowers were striking and put off the most gentle smell of resins and fresh rain. Wanting to learn more I found out that peoples have been consuming and using Thimble Berry as medicine wherever the two have crossed paths.
And so I wanted to introduce you to my new friend Thimble Berry leaf in place of some of the Raspberry leaf as an ally for menstrual cramping in my No PMS Tea. I hope you come to love our new friend and as I continue to expand my harvesting and growing you can expect to see more swaps for locally grown or harvested plants.
Rubus family plants
All plant members of the Rubus family have leaves that are rich sources of minerals and tannins. These make excellent teas for both flavour and nutrition purposes, but likely the most common use of these leaves is for supporting the tone of the smooth muscle - why its often employed for relieving cramps and supporting childbirth!
Dosage
Generally considered a safe plant and used as an alternative to black tea Rubus family plants can be enjoyed daily for medicinal benefit.
