Black currant (Ribes nigrum): properties, contraindications, how to take it

Black currant: what is it and what is it for?

He black currant (Ribes nigrum) is an aromatic shrub of up to two meters that grows in the Alps and northern Europe. The leaves are large, similar to those of the maple, with five marked lobes.

the currant comes in various forms and there are many laboratories that sell this plant. The plant is included in the formulation of about twenty herbal products.

medicinal properties of Ribes nigrum

The currant has been gaining relevance for its wide therapeutic applications. Its leaves contain traces of essential oilflavonoids, anthocyanidosides, caffeic and chlorogenic acids and tannins.

It stands out above all for its diuretic virtues, anti-inflammatory and antirheumatic.Preparations with black currant leaves have been shown to be very effective as a natural remedy to facilitate removal of excess urea and uric acid with urine and to promote, where appropriate, the dissolution and expulsion of kidney stonesIts berries are rich in vitamin C, pectins and sugars, and in the form of juice they are ideal to quench thirst and infuse energy into states of weakness and convalescence.The currant is also indicated to relieve the arthritic pain and the drop.The leaves and fruits of the currant also exert a notable hemostatic and venous tonic action being indicated to prevent vascular accidents and to circulatory disordersas phlebitis, varicose veins and hemorrhoids.The berries are a good source of minerals and vitamins, and are said to improve visual acuityabove all the night.The black currant is also astringent, digestive and antidiarrhealLately, special emphasis has been placed on its antiallergic virtues, for being a corticosuprarenal stimulant. monthly treatments with fluid blackcurrant extract ampoules have proven to be effective to combat seasonal allergies. An alternative would be the syrup combined with perpetual and royal jelly.

How to take black currant

It can be taken as an infusion simple or combined, in syrup, in tincture, fluid extract, capsules, oil pearls, fruit juices and even jams. In Spain there are at least eight laboratories that market the pure ribes nigrum extract.

Blackcurrant herbal tea for cystitis

A herbal tea that is made combining black currant leaves with blueberry, bearberry and horsetail leavesat a rate of 2 level tablespoons of the mixture per liter of water.

How to prepare it: Boil for 2 minutes and let stand for another 10. It is a very diuretic drink that can be taken in small amounts throughout the day.

Infusion of black currant for gout

An ideal anti-inflammatory formula is recommended to reduce uric acid levels, which combines black currant leaves with lespedeza stem, dandelion root, and friar’s crown leaves (Globularia alypum) in equal parts.

How to prepare it: Pour a tablespoon of the mixture for a quarter of a liter of water. Boil for 2 minutes and leave to rest for 8 more. It is advisable to take a first glass on an empty stomach and the second in the middle of the afternoon.

Black currant seed oil

The oil from the seeds bears a certain similarity to those of evening primrose and borage. Contains 20% gamma linolenic acid (omega 6), which acts as an anti-inflammatory by stimulating prostaglandins E1 and immunity in general.

It is indicated in doses of up to 1 gram daily in gynecological problems such as premenstrual syndrome, menopause, menstrual or breast pain and as an immune stimulant.
Caution. Its use in high doses is not recommended for more than 6 months without consulting a doctor.

Advisor: J Mª Teixé, herbalist at “El Manantial de Salud”