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Contents:
Common Names
Parts Usually Used
Plant(s) & Culture
Where Found
Medicinal Properties
Biochemical Information Uses
Formulas or Dosages
Nutrient Content
Warning
Bibliography
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Common Names
Alpine strawberry
Common strawberry
Mountain strawberry
Pineapple strawberry
Wild strawberry
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Parts Usually Used
Leaves, berries and root
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Description of Plant(s) and Culture
A small, perennial plant, with long runners; 3-6 inches high. These runners
root at the nodes to form tufts of long-stalked, hairy leaves, each with 3
toothed leaflets. Leaves pointed, not rounded, at the tip. Small, flat clusters
of white 5 petaled flowers grow on long stalks, the sepals are joined together
behind each flower; calyx lobes spreading or recurved. Flowers in May to August.
Fruits with seeds on surface (small strawberries).
This wild strawberry differs from the cultivated species
(F. virginiana) in that its leaves are more pointed and the fruits have seeds
on the surface, rather than embedded in the fruits.
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Where Found
Woods, embankments, along the edges of forest paths, in clearings, in sunny
glades, and meadows. Canada to Virginia; Missouri to North Dakota, Iowa, and
in the Rockies from Alaska to New Mexico. Native to Europe.
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Medicinal Properties
Diuretic, tonic, stomachic, mild astringent
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Biochemical Information
Vitamin C, tannin
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Uses
Native Americans used root tea for stomach ailments, jaundice, profuse menses.
In European folk medicine, leaf tea used as a blood purifier, for indigestion,
and as a diuretic for gravel in the kidney. Tea also used as an external wash
on sunburn. Root tea is a diuretic. Root can be used as a chewed stick for
a substitute for a toothbrush. Teeth that have become discolored or encrusted
with tartar can be cleaned with strawberry juice.
Strawberry leaves are used for eczema, the outward appearance
of acute or chronic blood contamination, as a blood purifier, and blood building
agents. Poultices of leaves can be used to treat ulcers and infected wounds.
Use a strong tea or decoction of leaves or roots sweetened with honey and
use freely for children and adults for intestinal malfunctions of diarrhea,
dysentery, weakness of the intestines, affections of the urinary tract. Will
prevent night sweats or, a strong tea used as a gargle will strengthen the
gums. Berries said to be effective in reducing fever. Fresh juice can be used
to clean the skin.
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Formulas or Dosages
Use dried young leaves and roots; garden strawberries less effective.
Decoction: 1 tsp. fresh or dried herb to 1 cup of boiling water, steep 15 minutes. Take 4-5 cups a day; children wineglassful amounts.
Tincture: 5-15 drops in water 3 times a day.
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Nutrient Content
Berries have high vitamin C content
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Warning
Juice of berries can cause dermatitis in sensitive or allergic conditions.
