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Contents:
Common Names
Parts Usually Used
Plant(s) & Culture
Where Found Medicinal Properties
Uses
Formulas or Dosages
Bibliography
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Common Names
Plum
Sloe
Sloe plum
Wild plum
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Parts Usually Used
Flowers, fruit, bark of the root
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Description of Plant(s) and Culture
Blackthorn is a Eurasian tree or shrub, 10-15 feet high; the branches are very
thorny and are covered with velvety hair when young. The small, alternate leaves
are usually obtuse and range from obovate to ovate in shape. They are closely
serrate and somewhat hairy on the veins beneath. In March and April, the small,
white flowers grow profusely alone or in pairs along the branches. The harsh,
astringent fruit is round, blue to black, and about 1/2 inch in diameter. It
ripens in October.
Other varieties of plum: Common plum (P.
domestica); Wild plum (P. americana)
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Where Found
Commonly cultivated for ornamental purposes, grows wild in clearings, among
hedges, and along the edges of woods, sunny mountain slopes, on heaths, and
in pastures, provided enough lime is present in the soil.
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Medicinal Properties
Aperient, astringent, diaphoretic, diuretic, stomachic
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Uses
A tea from the flowers is a harmless and reliable purgative and has beneficial
effects on the stomach and stimulates appetite. Recommended for mild bladder
problems, skin problems, catarrh, stomach cramps, dropsy, and stone formation.
Juice of the berries used for inflammations in the mouth and throat. A jam made
of the fruit is a palatable laxative safe especially for children. A decoction
of the root bark reduces fever.
Also, used to flavor liqueurs and cordials.
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Formulas or Dosages
The fruit is more palatable if gathered after going through 2 or 3 nights of
frost.
Infusion: steep 2 tsp. flowers (may include leaves also) in 1/2 cup water. Take 1/2 cup in the morning, 1/2 cup in the evening, freshly made each time. Sweeten with honey if desired.
